Just about everyone, at
one time or another, has been asked the question “Are you religious?”
Christians have been conditioned to balk at this question and retaliate with
the classic “Christianity is a relationship, not a religion” without really
trying to meet the other person where they are. I used to be a proud member of the relationship brigade, but
I’ve officially turned in my badge.
People who do not
identify as religiously affiliated don’t have the same association with the
word “religious” that some Christians have. We take offense at the word “religion” because of all the
ways Christian rituals have been distorted and misused. We’re ready to jump all over this
person before they can accuse us of being a hypocrite. But I’ve learned from experience that
people who ask that question out of curiosity seldom look at organized religion
through that lens.
Therefore, giving the knee-jerk response
of “Christianity is a relationship, not a religion” is likely to confuse people
more than explain where we’re actually coming from.
If we’re being honest
with ourselves, all Christians are religious to some extent, whether we think
of ourselves that way. Yes,
Christianity stems from having a living, breathing relationship with G-d, but
we are physical beings. So we
manifest our non-physical spirituality through physical means. Going to church, celebrating Communion,
and bowing your head when you pray are all religious expressions, because they
are outward actions that stem from inward beliefs.
