What Is Being Religious And What Does The Bible Say About It?

Many religions have lists of required actions, objects, and rituals that mark someone as a follower. Christianity is no exception. Church buildings may be oriented a certain way, feature a cross, include an altar, and have particular behaviours and dress codes—especially from leaders. Over the centuries, different denominations have added many such practices, and the list can be quite long.

The origin of the word ‘religion’ itself, although there are different derivations proposed, they have a theme. e.g. reverence, sanctity, moral obligation, to bind fast, to go over again. Is this what Christianity is about or how religions act? You may relate some or all of these to Christianity but what are defining characteristics of Christianity?

Many Christians grew up in the church, and these traditions help them feel comfortable as they worship in a church building. These practices are not necessarily wrong. In fact, they can often help Christians express their faith meaningfully. The problem arises when these elements stop being aids to expression and start being treated as requirements for living as a Christian. The traditions can supplant true Christianity.

What does the Bible have to say about this?

I didn’t grow up attending church, so all of this was new to me. These practices don’t help me express my faith, and I’m not interested in incorporating them into how I live as a Christian.

Paul lays out where these can lead if they become the object of faith and not just an adjunct: