by Lindy Johnson

Created on: November 17, 2009   Last Updated: November 22, 2009

I hear it all the time! "I'm very religious, so I go to church," or "I can't stand these hypocritical religious nuts!" So does a Christian have to be "religious?" I guess it depends on your definition of the term. Merriam-Webster defines "religious" as, "relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged reality or deity," or " of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances; joining a religious order." So what does this mean?

The first definition could easily describe a Christian. However, I think that society's definition, today, of a religious person would best be fit with the second option. In this case, all you have to do is be a member of an order that is formed for religion or to at least observe a religion's practices. This option could describe Christians as well. So, does being a Christian make you religious?

I am a born again Christian, but I do not consider myself "religious." Sure, I'm a member of a Christian church, and I practice the teachings of the Bible, but this is not what I think of in a "religious person." I would consider this type of person to study religion with their mind as opposed to their heart. They may know the Bible "inside and out," but do they KNOW what it is really saying?

A belief in something cannot make you "religious." I mean look at the devil! There is not a doubt in his mind that God is real and that everything He teaches is true....does that make the devil "religious?" The devil knows it with his mind, but has refused to accept it with his heart. Still, society teaches us that someone who is following a principle for their life must be "religious." In this case, a person wouldn't necessarily have to have a heart or passion for their religion, just a mindset for it. By this definition, the devil WOULD be considered religious! Crazy!

Look at the Sadduces and Pharisees in the Bible. They knew all about the law and about Christ's teachings. They were considered Religious leaders of their time. However, when it came to practicing what they preached, they often fell short.

In today's time, intellect is put above the heart. We think that a smart and intelligent person is more successful than someone like Mother Teresa. If someone who simply knows a lot about Christianity and the Bible is considered "religious," I don't want to be considered religious. I'm simply a disciple of Christ. PERIOD!

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