Wyatt Graham

Wyatt Graham

Share this post

Wyatt Graham
Wyatt Graham
Is Christianity a Religion Or a Relationship?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Is Christianity a Religion Or a Relationship?

Wyatt Graham's avatar
Wyatt Graham
Mar 02, 2018

Share this post

Wyatt Graham
Wyatt Graham
Is Christianity a Religion Or a Relationship?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

"Christianity is a relationship, not a religion," or so the popular sentiment goes. Rob Bell, for example, thinks that Jesus would be mortified that people started a religion in his name.* In contrast, Scott Swain states, "The Bible is a book about 'religion' not about 'personal relationship.'"

So who is right?

What Is Religion?

When people speak of religion today, they probably mean definition 2 of Mirriam-Webster's entry on "religion." It defines religion as "a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices." In other words, a religion institutionally worships God through its practices.

I suspect most people also associate religion with an impersonal attachment to religious practice and devotion. So, religion is mechanical. And I think this why the religion vs. relationship paradigm arose. 

True Religion

If religion is mechanical and lacks a vibrant relationship with God, then (at least in the case of Christianity) it is a false religious conviction. True religion requires a vibrant relationship with God that results in benevolence.

James says, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (1:26–27).

True religion—and let's be clear, Christianity is a religion—means that you show love to others and remain unstained from the world (i.e., bridle your tongue, etc.).

So Who Is Right?

Bell certainly overstates the case because Jesus did intend to build a religion, or at least his church which is defined by an orderly worship of God. And yet: Bell likely speaks of a useless religion that lies and does not love the poor.

Still, Swain makes the better argument. Here are his full words, which I will conclude with here:

https://twitter.com/scottrswain/status/969609324216627200


*It seems clear that Rob Bell specifically means religion as its practiced today. At the same time, he argues that Jesus would not want people to start a religion in his name, and this presumably means any religious practice.


Subscribe to Wyatt Graham

Launched 10 months ago
I write about past wisdom for life today. My niche is reading actual ancient primary sources and showing how they change your life.

Share this post

Wyatt Graham
Wyatt Graham
Is Christianity a Religion Or a Relationship?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

Discussion about this post

User's avatar
How John Mark Comer’s View of God Shapes His Spiritual Formation
A Long But Hopefully Charitable Reading of John Mark Comer's Theology of God
Nov 20, 2024 • 
Wyatt Graham
97

Share this post

Wyatt Graham
Wyatt Graham
How John Mark Comer’s View of God Shapes His Spiritual Formation
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
25
10 theology books that changed my life
We should read old books that have stood the test of time. Here are ten of those, not in any particular order. I could add many more.
Apr 11 • 
Wyatt Graham
93

Share this post

Wyatt Graham
Wyatt Graham
10 theology books that changed my life
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
17
Paul Went to the Third Heaven. What in the World Is He Talking About?
Somewhat apologetically, Paul describes himself as a man “in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven” (2 Cor 12:2).
Jul 16, 2019 • 
Wyatt Graham
8

Share this post

Wyatt Graham
Wyatt Graham
Paul Went to the Third Heaven. What in the World Is He Talking About?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
1

Ready for more?

© 2025 Wyatt Graham
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Create your profile

User's avatar

Only paid subscribers can comment on this post

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Check your email

For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.

Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.