I’m starting to make a distinction between the “Christian Faith” and the “Christian Religion.” <\/p>\n
The “Religion” deals more with cultic practices and asking what I must know about stuff. The “Faith” deals with being – who must I be & how must I be with God, with one another, and with myself.<\/p>\n
Perhaps, too, this deals with a too intense focus on “revelation” in our understanding of God’s dealing with humanity (or even if there is anything to such statements). Too much of a focus on revelation can too easily lead us to simply asking the question of what we must know<\/i> in order to be right with God, rather than how we must be<\/i> or what we must do<\/i> to be right with God. I think the focus on being<\/i> is much more in line with the great commands of Jesus – and even the Law.<\/p>\n
“I am a practitioner of the Christian Faith,” which in my mind places the emphasis on being and relationship. I don’t think it is the same as saying, “I am a practitioner of the Christian Religion,” with all is rituals, dogmas, etc. (Believe me, this is not an attempt to downplay the importance of such things as ritual or doctrine, etc., in human life or in the practice of the Faith.)<\/p>\n
This may touch on the divide between being “spiritual” vs. being “religious.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I’m starting to make a distinction between the “Christian Faith” and the “Christian Religion.” The “Religion” deals more with cultic practices and asking what I must know about stuff. The “Faith” deals with being – who must I be & … Continue reading