by Pamela Kay

Created on: May 28, 2007   Last Updated: September 01, 2008

What is the difference between being religious and being Christian? Briefly stated, being religious is having or showing belief and reverence for any greater power. Being Christian is the belief and submission in and to Jesus Christ, as the only begotten Son of God.

Being Religious

Being religious requires a strong belief in either a system of thought, an invisible being, a person, place or thing that is considered to be divine, sacred or supernatural and having greater power than ones self. Usually, being religious involves belong to a group, church, synagogue, temple, mosque or coven.

A religious person will follow laws, rules, rituals and any other edicts handed down from that power. These can include, prayers, chants, acts of penitence, waging a holy war, self-flagellation, obeying dress codes and fasting, to name a few. It may also include the making of vows such as, chastity, poverty, silence or dedication to the poor, sick or lost souls.

A religious person, usually hopes to gain something from these religious acts such as going to heaven, coming back in another life in a higher station, rewards in heaven, more personal power, knowledge or understanding, feeling of self worth and belonging, more blessings of health and money in this life and even a better standing in the community in which they live and work.

Being A Christian

Christians believe one must live by faith and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. This involves believing He is the only begotten Son of the one true living God who is called Yahweh. The God who cannot be seen and who resides as the Holy Spirit in each Christian.

Jesus said in John 14: 15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This then is the true test of whether or not a person is a Christian. Not how religious one is, or how many religious customs, traditions and laws one keeps, but rather, why one keeps them. Is it because they love Christ or for personal gain?

A person can be a Christian and act religious. However all the religious acts, one can do, will not accomplish the goal of a true Christian, which is to emulate Christ and to be saved from their sins by His act of sacrifice, as well as sharing the Good News with others.

Christians believe there are no deeds or good work, which will get you to heaven. Neither will keeping all the laws for if one fails in even one little point of the law then the whole law condemns them. Christians understand that the law was given to show the need for a Savior and that God's love was so great, He even provided the sacrifice.

Anyone can be religious, but only those with a deep faith and belief in Jesus Christ can be a Christian. Religious acts and going through the motions of being Christian will not work. There must be a change in the heart.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Kay.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.