Why do religious people claim that in order to be a Christian you must accept religion?

Hello to all. I personally believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of the Living God. I do not accept religious rituals and rites of passage. I think religion is a man made set of rules and regulations trying to use works to get recognition from others here on earth and ultimately enter into heaven after they die. Religion is used to explain away things that cannot be explained by any other means and give meaning to life. This is the very spirit of religion that was present in Jesus day..the Sadducee's and Pharisees. They used their influence in the religious sects to play the "better than everyone else" card. They liked to be revered by the people. It is not by works that we are saved but by grace and that not of ourselves, lest any man should boast.

Who cares what the definition of "religion" is? It was defined by a man.

Seek Truth...not religion or religious doctrines.

Jesus didn't reject the Romans. In fact, he had very little to say about the Romans--except to pay their taxes.

If you are a Christian, then you have adopted a religion, sorry. Christianity by definition is a religion. But you can follow the teachings of Jesus and not be a Christian. Most of what he taught was universal. Buddha shared the same school of thought.

The dictionary defines religion as:

"a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs."

1. Christians believe that God (superhuman agency) created the universe.

2. Practice a "ritual observance" called communion.

3. Believe that the ten commandants is a "moral code".

Sounds like Christianity is a religion based on the dictionary's definition.

Having said that, dear, you have correctly said - that is told by *religious* people. In Jesus time on earth, religious ppl could be seen in the pharisees and saduccees. Yes, while living on this earth, we have to have an identitiy of our religion - yet i say, do not be religious. Be what then? Be Spiritual - having born the Christ in you, the Hope of Glory, Let His light shine on you.

Religion, is something, any man on earth can claim - as long as they have a mouth and God doesnt judge you on that.

But, if you claim you are *spiritual* - its not something you can blindly claim, its only if your spirituality with Christ is preserved and Also, God has to testify that. Lets ask that question to ourselves rather than judging others. God bless

This is not what I believe. I despise people labeling themselves as Christians. i could almost say to you that I despise Christianity, but that's not exactly the case.

I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, and that's how I introduce my faith. "Christian" means "Little Christs". How it began was other people began calling the followers of Jesus "Christian" because they were acting just like Christ did when he was here. It's not a religion.

It's not place to label myself as Christian, but if someone looks at me and says that I am living a Christlike life then sure, they can call me one. But from where I'm standing, it's not my place to say whether I'm doing a good job at this life or not; a good job at living out my faith.

As a christian there is only ONE religion which we can prescribe to:

James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

(Religion in the above verse here also means worship.)

John 4:23-24, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

Pure religion is an extension of your Love for Jesus--showing forth the goodness of God to those in need, this is an act of worship.

Jesus never "rejected the Romans for religion's sake". Jesus was an observant Jew. And to become a Christian you must accept the Church.

What I want to know is why do Christians attack other Christians?

Religion is merely a name to call a collection of beliefs. Yours is also a religion whether you admit it or not. So is agnosticism, hinduism, Catholicism, atheism, hedonism, and any other belief for or against God or in another god.

Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

well, it is a corner stone of being a theist (believing in deities), is that if you believe in a religion (what ever you are) then religion is accepted because you are in a religion. But just because you are in a religion, doesn't mean you are religious.

YOU TOTALLY ROCK! I AGREE! In fact did you know the word Christian was actually an insult in greek, that meant little christ. It was a term of slander. And in the actual translation the only time paul uses the term is in a deragratory context!

We are not commanded to pursue religion. Our endeavors should be focused on truth alone.