No, Christianity is a religion

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I do endeavor to be measured in my approach to issues, and thus curtail any tendencies to subscribe to extremes. I do so because extremes are superfluous, and in the Scriptures, James the Apostle warned us to get rid of superfluity.

James gave this admonition in chapter 1:19-21 of his book while speaking about managing how we speak, and our emotions—particularly when angry. But, it's not only anger that can be stirred up in our emotions, we can get overwhelmed and overstate facts. And this too is superfluous.

How do we know when we're overstating facts? When we say things that have no fundamental basis on the Scriptures or aren't anchored on reality. 

For instance, many today believe and teach that Christianity is not a religion. According to them, it is "a way of life" or "a lifestyle". But is this really based on scripture?

While I do not disagree with their assertion that it is a way of life or a lifestyle, I disagree with them saying that it is not a religion. The very fact that it is a way of life makes it a religion in fact.

Let's examine this. 

What is religion? 

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines religion in five particular ways:

1. the service and worship of God or the supernatural. 

2. commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance. 

3. a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. 

4. scrupulous conformity: Conscientiousness. 

5. a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.

Which of these definitions does not describe Christianity? I see none. You probably don't too. That's because there isn't any of them that doesn't describe what Christianity is about.

#1: Christianity is certainly about the worship and service of God or the supernatural in Christ.

Philippians 3:3 (Berean Study Bible) 

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh

In Christianity, we worship and serve God in Christ. 

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#2: Without commitment to faith or certain specific observances, one cannot really claim to be a Christian. For instance, the central theme of Christianity is salvation, and this comes by faith in the work of Christ for our redemption. Without this faith, no man can receive nor lay claim to salvation, neither can he or she be a Christian. 

Also, central observances in Christianity include praying in the name of Jesus, maintaining one's faith in Christ, sharing one's faith with others (known as "evangelism"), upholding a morally decent lifestyle, gathering together regularly with fellow believers to share with each other in fellowship and the holy communion, etc.

The Christian faith elicit the above (and other) observances. The observances alone do not make Christianity. As the scripture said, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). So, without the observances, the faith is dead, and without the faith, the observances are at best a memorial or lifestyle or culture, or proof of the existence of a knowledge gap (Acts 10:4-5).

#3: Christianity surely results in a personal set (for individuals) or institutionalized system (for both individuals and Christian organizations) of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. For instance, scripture urges the maintenance of the attitude of moderation. This forms a belief system that guides most individuals and Christian organizations in the practice of their faith.

Philippians 4:5 (KJV) 

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

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Similarly, the Scriptures discourage the entertainment of anxiety, and urges its replacement with supplication and prayer. This inspires the Christian belief in prayer and the daily practice of it (Philippians 4:6).

There are many other religious attitudes, beliefs and practices that are central to Christianity, without which one's claim to it could be veritably called into question. 

#4: How about scrupulous conformity, better known as conscientiousness? I'd say it is the bedrock of Christian worship: and the scriptures agree.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Timothy 3:9 (KJV) 

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

See, scruples is one of the first things that reading the word of God imparts into a Christian's heart. And even when you have it, the word and the Spirit of God continue to refine it through continued instruction and fellowship. Your mind gets renewed. And this is what results in conscientious living by Christians and Christian organizations, having moral integrity and upholding principled value systems.

#5: Suffice it to say that Christianity is a cause (a quest for the salvation of man's soul), a principle, or system of beliefs (based on faith in the work of Christ) held to with zeal and continuing faith.

What then is it? 

If the above five points are true, then Christianity is indeed a religion, and should not be described otherwise, for doing so would confuse the message and practice of it, and betray the work of Christ which founded it. But that work is sacrosanct and should never be betrayed, for upon it does the whole house stand. 

Hence, I posit that CHRISTIANITY IS THE RELIGION OF JESUS CHRIST. 

Please keep a date with me next week Monday for the concluding part titled "Christianity: The religion of Jesus Christ".

Chukwubuikem Paul Anunaso is a civil/structural engineer based in Lagos, Nigeria. He is the editor of The Paul Anunaso Blog and can be reached at anunaso.cp@gmail.com