It’s a sad reality how many people are unable to make a distinction between Jesus and religion. God Himself becomes flesh and blood and moves into the neighborhood. He speaks violently against the religious and brings comfort, healing, and hope to those who are far from God because He didn’t come for the “healthy” - He came for the sick. Jesus often shared strong words with the religious people of His day - offending their minds so that He could reveal their hearts.
Jesus brought healing to people through a variety of vehicles. To one - he rubbed mud on, and to another he prayed for, and to another He cast demons out, and to another He simply invited the man to stand up. Jesus did things in such a mixed method that it was almost as if He was specifically trying to show the religious people that they had absolutely no formula for being spiritual. He proved through His activities that there was no secret…there was no hidden answer…there was no A + B = C in the Kingdom of God. Just faith in Him and a willingness to act on it.
Religion says, You need to go to church every weekend and on Wednesday night too.
Jesus says, You are the church and wherever you go, I am with you always.
Religion says, You must give at least 10% of your income to church because God needs your money.
Jesus says, I want 100% of your heart and sometimes a portion of that heart lives in your wallet.
Religion says, You need to get yourself cleaned up and put on your Sunday best for God!
Jesus says, God has seen you on the toilet and much worse than that - no need for a show.
Religion says, You don’t have enough faith - you haven’t done enough works - you’ll never be enough.
Jesus says, I am the King of Kings and you are my son or daughter. You are Royalty and that’s plenty.
Religion is like those vines that climb up buildings or trees. They can look interesting, but they’re choking out the good thing that they have wrapped around…squeezing the life right out of it. And like the vines, religion creeps up just an inch or two a day. It goes unnoticed until you realize that it’s crept itself onto your relationship with Christ…and it begins to choke the life away.
Drop all those rules and remember the jewels. You have inherited a crown of Glory from the King.
91 Comments
thank you
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I really wish there was a church near me with someone like you in it.
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I know where you were when you took those! Gotta love Franklin! I’ve been obsessed with those since I was a kid.
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i’m so thankful for a church and a church family who focuses on God and not on religion. its a wonderful ray of light in a culture that’s too focused on “religiosity”
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Thank you, Ryan. Just thank you. I’m sitting at work with tears in my eyes. Thank you.
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I love this post. Thank you for this amazing perspective.
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Thanks for this, Ryan. I’ve been telling my dad this my entire life. He thinks I’m faithless because I don’t go to church every Sunday, and that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
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…HE wants 100% of my heart…
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AMEN! Awesome, Preacher!
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Amen.
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GOOD words!
Blessings!
Kim
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This couldn’t be more true, Ryan. I’d like to show it to some of my “religious” friends but I don’t think they will get it.
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Most awesome post, Ryan. It actually brought tears to my eyes. That is exactly why I haven’t gone to “church” in about 10 years. Too much religion. I need more Jesus.
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Amen, amen and amen! I’m in total agreement! I love the vine analogy.
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I’ve never heard that better said…thank you. I needed that reminder.
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Amen.
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And all God’s people said - Amen! There is freedom IN Christ - real freedom.
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I have tried explaining this. You hit the nail on the head. I’m sending your link out for others to read. Thank you!
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Thank you for this post. This is exactly how I have been feeling lately.
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Thank you…amen.
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Thank you, Ryan. I have been trying to explain to people why I don’t like religion, why we aren’t “church goers”. You have summed it up for me and said it plainly. And for that, I thank you.
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Amen!!!
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I LOVE this post.
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Thanks…that was beautiful!
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Very good indeed. By the way, I go to church because I adore God and I want to give everything I can to Him………not because I am religious. In fact, when people say I am SO religious, I am offended. To those of you who say this……please call me faithful next time!
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Your post is the “cup of cold water” for me, today. Thank you.
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As one who has faith and religon, it bothers me a little that you need to throw the stone. My religon grounds me - I like that I set specific time aside to worship - and that we are all worshiping together. Good that you have your way…good that I have my way - it is all prise to God.
Because you are an interpreter you are now also religion.
I think I am feeling a little snarkey this morning
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Kelly says:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
@eileen, I think it’s really easy, in some cirlces, to think that faith and religion cannot be one in the same, that they have to be different. Just because you have “religion”, go to church every Sunday, put on your Sunday best, tithe 10%, does not mean you lack the faith. Nor does it mean you have faith if you do those things. It’s the religion saying that if you DON’T do those things you are faithless that is the problem. It’s the religion that puts man’s rules upon you, when God doesn’t say that at all. “Come all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” It does not say, come you who have your crap together, a smile on your face, and nice clothes, no tattoo’s, and an easy life. He wants us all, to come, as we are. He love us. He just loves us, and wants us, however that is, on Sunday or Thursday, at church, or at the park. Wherever, however.
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Love that take on tithing… Such a hard concept to explain.
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Perfectly said. Thank you.
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Well said! Love it!
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perfectly said, thank you for this. I wish more felt this way. I miss worshiping with others who focus on Jesus, out here it’s all about religion.
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Nice!
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You are the bomb!! Praise God, you can tell it like it is………thank you.
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Awesome! I am so glad you worded this so eloquently! There are so many things about organized religion that are wrong and they are really wrong when we forget that it is all about the relationship! Thanks for your words today.
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Well said, I read a random quote in an e-mail once that said “going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.” I believe you can have a relationship with God outside of Church in your everyday life, and also worship with others. But you don’t need to SHOW your Faith by doing what “religion” dictates.
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I just wanted to say that the relationship is the most important thing, but also that being a part of a good church, one that focuses on Biblical teaching and is of sound doctrine can be a HUGE blessing. My church has been my family (I’m 120 miles from my relatives). My small group and Sunday school class have kept me convicted and challenged, to read my Bible, to be praying, to be seeking Him fervently. Going on Sundays does give me a time each week set aside to worship, to visit with friends, to be taught, to root my children in His word. My church also provides wonderful ministry opportunities, things I wouldn’t be doing if I wasn’t part of a church family, vacation Bible school, 45 Club each week, Meals for Moms, Operation Christmas Child, etc.
We searched a long time to find a church where God’s word was not watered down and where we could get involved.
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Thank you
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Thanks so much for this brother. It pretty much sums up my faith struggles and what’s been on my heart for the last few years now, and restates it much more elegantly than I could have
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Good take Ryno.
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The timing of your post just happens to be perfect for me. I’ve been trying to sort some things out and this is so very on point. I’d like to echo your many other commenters who’ve said Thank You!
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Wow that was amazing. You have knocked down every belief that growing up in church and being a 5th generation Southern Baptist has been drilled into me since BEFORE I was born. Thanks. Amazin.
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Wonderful. Thank you. Amen.
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Well done. I am deeply spiritual, and religion gives me the creeps. You said what I’ve been trying to say for years.
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Beautiful.
Thank you
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I like that post. I was amazed at how much of Jesus I saw when I was writing through the Gospels for @john1Jesusloves project. Going straight through like that and really looking at the details from John’s perspective of watching Jesus gave me a more complete view of Jesus than I’ve ever had before. He’s so much more than a sunday school version. He’s more than I can wrap my mind and heart around. But I want to keep trying to do just that.
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Amazing post. Thank you Ryan.
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AWESOME.
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I think this is the best thing you have ever written. Thank you.
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aww Ryan I just am so proud to know you. I know I don’t really know you but you understand what I mean?? right??
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AMEN!!!!
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I don’t know how you do it. Every time I’m in a place, feeling a way, or have just had a conversation with someone about something you bring up, you post it on the site. IN-SANE! I have been trying to explain this very thing to some “religious” people I know, and I get pooh-poohed. So refreshing to hear this said from a pastor.
I keep saying I’ve got to make the three-hour trek to your church. The Word is strong. Thank you so, so much. You have no idea.
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This is a subject that is near to my heart.
It is hard for people to understand how i can feel so connected to God when i am not currently a member of a church. When i encounter the ‘devout’ the first question they invariably ask is “What church do you attend,” and i can see their disbelief and recoil when i say “none.” My opinions and beliefs no longer carry weight or value because i don’t have a membership card.
Don’t get me wrong - I have nothing against churches. They are places of worship and community. They can be centers for learning. They work for a lot of people.
Generally, i think that organized religion is a good idea as well.It works for a LOT of people. So far it just hasn’t worked for me.
When i was a teenager i was a mover and shaker in my church: senior member of the youth group, youngest member of the choir, youngest member of the pastor-congregation committee and youngest layperson. I loved my church and the people there; it was a fabulous social outlet for me. Some of the ritual and liturgy still gives me tingles.
But i didn’t know God there.
I was hit by a light on the road to Damascus when i was 24 and now i KNOW God. I carry Him in my heart everywhere i go; i see his signature in the stars and the ocean and the mountains and the love of my family and the kindness of my friends and even in the eyes of strangers.
I would LOVE to find a church or a community of people who rejoice in the Lord and strive to do good works, but i have found that too often the logistics and politics of upkeeping a building and running a congregation get in the way of truly being with God. People have the best of intentions, but somehow it goes wrong.
I miss being a part of a church.
I miss commuity that matters.
Sometimes i feel alone.
One day when i was sad about my lack of a church a friend said to me, “Niki your church doesn’t have walls,” and i realized that he was right.
My relationship with God is more important than my relationship with a church. I am closer to Him now than i ever was when i was a faithful church-goer.
Someday I hope to have both, but right now i won’t be greedy; i will rejoice in the day the Lord has made and find my solace in Him.
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sonia says:
February 11th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
@Niki in Baltimore, Wow Niki that was beautiful, though I do attend a church and my relationship with God has developed because I attend mass and joined organizations at church. I originally found God when I was in a very depressed part of my life…in my apartment. I started talking to him while taking a bath, while cleaning, talking to Him instead of watching TV, talking to him instead of letting my depression consume me. I am so happy that I found Him at home.
I understand what you mean. I love how you explained your love and relationship with Him.
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I have always had issue with religion, but it never meant that I did not believe. I love your site because you believe and yet you never try and force your beliefs upon others. I think what you had to say in this post was probably the most memorable and relateable thing I have ever heard about religion, Jesus, and belief. Thank you for reminding me that it is ok not to belong so long as I believe.
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thank you. it’s nice to have a reminder that i don’t have to be religious to still hold my beliefs close to me. and it’s nice to be told i’m still loved by Him, even when i don’t do what religion says i should, as long as i still do what He says is good and right. so, thank you. a million times, thank you.
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I appreciate your interpretation, even if I disagree about the battle between grace and works. I’ve been reading a lot about the early Christian church lately. For me it’s not an either/or–it’s grace AND works! I’m certain you’ve studied just as much as I have (if not more), so I’ll just leave these scriptures with you (avoiding James altogether)…
Revelation 3: 2, 4
Revelation 14:13
Revelation 20:13
1 John 2: 4-5
John 5:29
1 Peter 1:17
1 Peter 2:15
Romans 2: 6
Romans 2: 13
Philippians 2: 12
Titus 1: 16
Titus 2: 14
John 14: 15
John 15: 10
John 8: 31
Early Christians believed that works and faith were needed. To quote David Bercot, an analyst of early Christian theology, “the early Christians believed that salvation is a gift from God but that God gives His gift to whomever He chooses. And He chooses to give it to those who love and obey him.”
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Fire Wife Katie says:
February 8th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
@Fire Wife Katie,
Just as an aside, I really don’t mean to pick a fight or anything. I appreciate your point of view–you’ve very eloquently shared what you cherish about the doctrine you love and grow by. I just wanted to show why I cherish what I believe just as dearly. I think that both ‘camps’ of thought are good in that it leads people to focus on Jesus.
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Fran says:
February 8th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
@Fire Wife Katie, Katie, I’m not sure if you’re saying that grace AND works are required for salvation, because your scripture references don’t support that. Obedience and works are not the same thing. Obedience stems from love and “works” flow naturally from a heart that loves the Lord. People certainly can do the “works” and still not love God. And works don’t bring you into a relationship with Jesus rather the deeper your relationship with Jesus, the more you want to serve Him. Only grace saves us — to say otherwise would deny Jesus’s work on the cross.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24
“And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” Romans 11:6
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Fire Wife Katie says:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:35 am
@Fran, Fran, thanks for your remarks. Yeah–I think our interpretations of what constitutes “works” is a bit different, and that might be why we don’t see eye to eye. I see works and obedience as inseparably twined together–Jesus taught us specifically what needed to be done, and then asked that we do it (tithing, baptism, etc.). I do think that both works and grace are needed, and that if one is exclusive of the other, the scriptures become problematic and large chunks of doctrine have to be overlooked or explained away. We could go back and forth citing verses that seem to negate each other. The only way I can reconcile them is to see it as a progression–we do what we can, and then He makes up for what we cannot do. And I think a lot of the Bible was written for an audience deeply rooted in the Law of Moses–and therefore there’s some strong language about incorporating intangible concepts like grace and change of heart.
I can see where you’re coming from. There’s a lot of room for interpretation of the Bible.
As for Jesus’ work on the cross–I think that no matter what we do, we fall terribly short, and the atonement is necessary. However, He still has asked us to perform certain works (which, in my interpretation means to be obedient to certain laws), knowing full well that He’s asking the impossible. Redemption from physical death would not be possible without the atonement. And, redemption from spiritual death, the ability to repent when we inevitably fall short, would not be possible either without the atonement. The atonement saved us from both deaths.
I actually really like hearing other people’s opinions, it helps me know my own relationship with Jesus, so thank you for sharing yours.
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Fran says:
February 9th, 2010 at 10:11 am
@Fire Wife Katie, I like hearing other people’s thoughts as well, so thank you!
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Thank you! You have put it into words exactly how I feel about Jesus and religion
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Wow, thank you so much for having the courage to say this. I do not currently attend a church and sometimes I feel that I have let everyone down by not doing so.
However I try with all my heart to live a life that reflects what God wants us to do. To show compassion and love to others, as much as humanly possible (I am far from perfect). To try to encourage my kids to see past what society holds up as symbols of success, but rather look to those who love and care for others (with no ulterior motives), as something to strive for.
I am saddened that some people who attend church regularly somehow think that the act of turning up at a service once or twice a week makes them more loving of God and somehow “more Christian” than those of us who choose to worship in our own way. I
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This is so good that I will be linking to this from my blog. And what’s just as cool is that I will be addressing much of this topic as a retreat speaker next month. We are not slaves, we are not orphans; we are sons and daughters, friends of the King.
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Awesome Ryan! Thank you!
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Preach it, my brother!
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Thank you, really Thank you. Thank you for this and all of the others that make me think, smile, realize, and want to share. You are making a difference.
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I have always said that God just wants us to be nice, but your way sounds much better.
Thanks, Ryan. You’re pretty cool.
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Thank you!
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Ryan,
I want to thank you SO much for writing this post.
I’ve been raised Catholic and for a long time have been struggling with my .. ‘religion’ I lost faith in it and find a lot of it totally hypocritical. My Dad always told me that he don’t have to go to church to pray, he can do it where he stands. Then you have my Nan who is in her 70s and goes to Church every Saturday .. for longer than I’ve been alive.
I’ve never heard someone say it out loud before .. you can have faith .. you can believe in God .. with out having to have a Religion as such. I actually for a time felt as tho I lost my faith for various reasons .. but in my heart I’ve always believed. Does that make sense?
I guess what I’m trying to say, is thank you for validating my view on Faith and it’s great to know that I don’t stand alone in thinking this way. Now if only I could find a church that thought like it!
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simply….amen
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Thank you for this post. The timing was perfect for me.
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I really love this. Thank you.
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You KNOW I love this one!!!!!!!!!!
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thank you
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I love this post too!! For so long I sat in church and didn’t know the difference between religion and grace. And I didn’t know that I didn’t know! I was doing everything that I was suppose to do according to what my church said, and I could not figure out why I was so miserable. I just thank God everyday for leading me out of that and into my awesome church family at VWS!
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The message at my chruch a few weeks ago was just this! I have been thinking about how I wanted to present the information on my blog, because it is so important…problem solved! A little link to your page and its done. I could NEVER have said it a beautifuly as you. THANK YOU RYAN!
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Thank you so much for writing this. All of what you wrote is exactly what I believe - it’s so nice to hear someone else say it, too.
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Thank you for an awesome post.
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Powerful…thank you.
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So, so true.
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my response is too long and morphs into ranting!
It really boils down to this: there is a scream in my heart: I want to live a relevant Christian life! and we don’t fit into easy social patterns and therefore it is very very hard to do so and stay in loving, healthy unity with the body of Christ as it functionally chooses to be.
I truly believe, in the heart of my soul, that the Holy Spirit WILL move, to minister to the world, quietly and with strength through every single soul it claims in any community that desires it in it’s heart enough to expect him and wait for him, and that his yoke is easy and his burden is light and we will not have to work to create anything good; we’ll only have to work to be ready and to participate - swept up in the joy and love and peace Jesus promised with his loving words and his healing and his blood. The joy and love and peace and hope that the promised Holy spirit brings as it is God’s very nature.. we don’t have to work for that either.
my heart screams - LET’S GO!!! (away from religion) AND WAIT ON THE OUR CREATOR… I can’t do this alone, we are bound to each other, we are parts of each other in His body…
(obedience wins)
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THANK YOU….so much for these words of truth, these grains of faith and encouragement. God Bless
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What are your thoughts on worshipping but it not necesarily being Jesus or the image of a man? Do you think we need to be tied to exactly what is documented or is it better to worship ’someone’ or ’something’ although it may not necessarily be what we have been taught. I think it makes the world a better place if we all worship and in turn bring about positive energy in many facuets rather than condemn those that don’t follow what has always been described. For example I may want to worship a God that is a woman - is that wrong?
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I can say it is amazing how God puts us where he wants us…I have been struggling with my religion and have quit going to church and feel angry with God for taking my husband from me…but your words have softened my heart. Great post Ryan=)
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I grew up going in. a lutheran church in the midwest and sat next to drinkers, cheaters, liars and hypocrits. Now at 47, I do not go to church except on Christmas and Easter, I love my husband, have 3 compassionate, caring, responsible children and feel that my job on this earth is to teach my children to go forth and be good people and do unto others. I have a distrust of religion and its preachers. I do not feel the need to be public in my demonstration of graditude. I am glad there are other people out there that validate my feelings on this subject.
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You have many gifts. Thank you for sharing them. Thank you for this post today.
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Perfectly said .. Thank You!
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Thank you.
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“Drop all those rules and number the jewels.” Love that, love the post. Thanks!
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Thank you.
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I linked this to my facebook because I like it so much. My husband & I talk a lot about the difference between providing the world with Christ like love and just being another Christian. It is a difference we hope will be evident some day in the way our kids see and interact with the world.
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Weeeeell, fact is, believing in God is a religion in itself… you don’t want religion, you dump God AND all those loony rules and practices… just the way it goes.
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WOW. THANK YOU.
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Hi. i came across your blog and when i read this one it, it was just too good not to refer others to it. i hope you don’t mind, i posted it in my blog. thank you for sharing your heart.
God’s blessings to you!
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I am so happy I found this blog. I live in a place where religion is status quo instead of Jesus being number 1. You give me hope that I can find a place to belong to that shares the same wave of thinking! YOU ROCK!
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Ryan are you a brave man? are you willing to leave EVERYTHING you hold dear to follow Jesus? To look at Jesus face to face, to PHYSICALLY touch Jesus on this earth. If you are, I DARE you to read a book. The authors name is Scott Hahn, and his book is “Rome Sweet Home”.
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[...] This Is Reverb » Religion… http://www.thisisreverb.com/2010/02/religion.html – view page – cached It’s a sad reality how many people are unable to make a distinction between Jesus and religion. God Himself becomes flesh and blood and moves into the neighborhood. He speaks violently against the religious and brings comfort, healing, and hope to those who are far from God because He didn’t come for the “healthy” - He came for the sick. Jesus often shared strong words with the religious… Read moreIt’s a sad reality how many people are unable to make a distinction between Jesus and religion. God Himself becomes flesh and blood and moves into the neighborhood. He speaks violently against the religious and brings comfort, healing, and hope to those who are far from God because He didn’t come for the “healthy” - He came for the sick. Jesus often shared strong words with the religious people of His day - offending their minds so that He could reveal their hearts. View page [...]
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