Spiritual, but Not Religious

October 11th, 2011 by Beth Misner in All Posts, Being Christian

I am hearing more and more Christians define themselves as “spiritual, but not religious.” Actually, Richard Branson first brought this thought into my consciousness by asking a group of us attending an ethics seminar with him, “How many of you are ‘religious’?” About three of us in the group of 20 raised our hands (yes, I was one of those religious three). Then he asked, “How many of you are ‘spiritual’?” All of us raised our hands. Being spiritual, but not religious, is such a buzz word/phrase now that it is often referred to as SBNR–even among Christians.

I have been pondering what that really means, or even more importantly, what that says about our Christian culture. Why is it not popular to be religious? What does it mean to be spiritual, but to not be religious? May I share my thoughts with you?

I believe that what it means to be religious has been skewed since Jesus’ day (I accidently wrote skewered, but maybe that wasn’t a bad word choice, either?). James wrote to the Jewish believers about “pure religion” and it had little to do with dogma, doctrine or religious rituals. He wrote, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” In this sense, count me in!! I want to be religious!!

By the same token, Paul wrote about “those who are spiritual” in 1 Corinthians 2:15 and other places, such as Galatians 6:1. He seemed to be very hung up on the spiritual man versus the fleshly man, didn’t he? Think about the old man/new man discussions.

I can’t help but cringe when I hear someone say they are spiritual, but not religious, even though I know what they are trying to say by defining themselves like that. How can we as Christians take back the proper meaning of being religious? What do you think are the reasons we seem to want to distance ourselves from being religious?

I suspect this is a highly charged topic, so I would like to ask you up front that our discussion of this matter be loving, kind and compassionate. I will let you know up front that if you post a belligerent response, I will delete it. Let’s keep our conversation respectful and gentle.

Beth Misner is the Director of Journey Center Claremont and author of Jesus and the Secret: Where the Word of God and the Law of Attraction Intersect. To buy the book or Kindle edition, go to http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Secret-Where-Attraction-Intersect/dp/0974081922/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314219213&sr=8-1 or download at iTunes, Nook and Sony eReader.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000870937076 Helena Fountain

I too am one of those people who would say that I’m SBNR… funny too, because most people who know me would say that I’m religious. And when they do, I cringe… because they’re usually saying it in a less than desirable meaning behind it, more like an accusation! I think what has happened is the religious fanatics turned to cults have tainted societies perception of “religious” and its become more of a negative thing! I prefer to say that I’m not religious, I’m a Christian… that it’s not about religion it’s about a personal one-on-one relationship with Christ!

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 12:55 am
Great points, Helena. I would love to hear your thoughts on how we, as Christians, can recapture what it means to truly be religious, as our Lord Jesus taught?

[Reply]
Helena Fountain Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 1:28 am
Did Jesus Really teach us to be religious though? I know he taught us to “follow” Him and to obey His Father’s commandments… but was being religious what He intended? I guess maybe it depends on how the individual person defines it.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 1:29 am
So let’s start there, what does “being religious” mean and when did it begin to meant that?

Bethmisner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 2:47 am
Let me clarify that I feel Jesus taught us what it meant to be religious by saying that we are to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This was in response, of course, to the young man who wanted to know what we needed to do to be “righteous.” Is there any better definition of being religious than that?

Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
What I’m suggesting is that Jesus came to re-orient us to what it means to be religious. And we have continued to pursue the pre-Jesus paradigm of religion. It’s not being religious that is the problem, it’s how we express our religion that has gotten skewed. Do you see what I mean?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000870937076 Helena Fountain

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religioushttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religious
I would have to say… I think webster defined it best! “relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity” emphasis on the words “faithful devotion”
It is unfortunate that so many in society automatically add the word “fanatic” after the word religious.. whether they actually say it out loud or it’s simply implied! It’s almost as if it’s the new “r” word!

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 2:02 am
So do we exhibit faithful devotion? I would like to think and hope I do. When did the meaning of faithful devotion become so skewed that we, as Christians, chose to distance ourselves from it?

[Reply]
Helena Fountain Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
I think society’s began to view our “faithful devotion” as fanatcisism as the occurence of cults began to become more prevalent, especially in the news. The “people pleasers” in us have attempted to accomodate this by distancing ourselves from being “religious” to avoid being labled as a religious fanatic or possibly even suspected of belonging to a cult. We’re currently going through a series in our small groups that talks about being a follower of Christ and not just a fan. (an enthusiastic admirerer) One of the things we’ve discussed is how while He walked this earth, our Savior was very much a straight shooter. He called the religious leaders of His time “a brood of vipers” and told them that they were children of the devil because they refused to acknowledge the truth of who He was and the message He was bringing to them (Matthew 12:34 and John 8: 42-47)

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Good point. I think he was pointing them to another way to be religious. Do you think its possible to “take back” the higher meaning of religion?
Jong

I am with you that I still cringe when I hear people use spiritual. I hate being religious. That connotes a harsh, rigid, legalistic image. But these days the term spiritual has too much of a new age, all roads lead to heaven feel to it. We need to be spiritually in tune with Jesus, who said he was the only way to God. Unfortunately for many, anything else is spirit-less.

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http://www.facebook.com/taijirich Richard Martin

As a non-Christian, I would define religious of one who follows a defined religion (ie. Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism). Spiritual would mean one who believes in the spirit, but does not subscribe to one of the religions of the world. I used to consider myself spiritual, but not religious, but figured out that people usually meant they were non-practicing Christians or uncommitted Christians.

Great post by the way, great topic, it concerns me that Christians would consider themselves SBNR instead of Christian.

[Reply]
Philip

Beth, I want to name the difference between younger and older Americans. to be “SBNR” is much more important for younger people, and more older people — but not all of us! — can still function happily in the context of institutional churches. Those of us with more, uhm, perspective can help younger people feel free of the guilt of not following in their parents’ path.

– Philip

[Reply]
Helena Fountain Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
(Please understand I’m not being argumentative, just responding to your post, a virtual conversation if you will!) I consider myself one of the “younger people” and still “function happily in the context” of an institutional church. I am in church every Sunday because I choose to follow Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting togethe, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” I think you’re probably referring to those that use the SBNR as a copout to justify not affiliating themselves with a religious institution or commiting to attending church services. When people ask what religion the church I attend is, I have no problem telling them that I attend a Baptist church because the particular church teaches and preaches the Bible. I don’t prejudge (or do my best not too) those of other “denomoinations” because we as Christians (regardless of what church we attend) serve one God and have one Savior! I try to avoid discussions on “religion” and try to redirect conversations to focus on our Heavenly Father, the sacrifice of His Son on the cross and His unconditional love for us His children! (as much as possible anyway)

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
I love your virtual conversation, Helena! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and your perspectives. You make a very important point about the advice in Hebrews 10:25. Do you think the author meant meeting together like WE meet together today, in a liturgical setting with music, prayer and preaching? I agree with you that some may use SBNR as a way to express why they have opted out of the institutional church, but I also see those who identify themselves at SBNR gathering for fellowship with others who are likeminded and building each other up, praying with each other and worshiping together. I wonder if this isn’t following the spirit of the advice in Hebrews. What do you think?

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
That is a valid observation, Dr. Clayton, and thank you for chiming in here. It’s interesting to me to see and hear the “elders” in the church (and by that I mean those of us with the kind of perspective you mention) expressing SBNR as an identifier, as well. I like your reference to institutional churches. That seems to beg the fact that there are post-institutional churches. I’m finding more and more of these post-institutional Christian communities practicing what is defined by Scripture as pure religion, according to James.

[Reply]
Christi

Great topic Beth! Religion to me begins with learning about God and growing your faith in him. However I feel what is often lacking in our society is the Grace and Forgiveness through Jesus Christ and “religion” becomes more about judging others than about our own journey. To be religious we need to have faith, continue learning and sharing God’s word and be accepting of others who are just beginning their journey or have yet to take that first step.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Mmmmm, I like this, Christi. You are talking about living our religion with great compassion and love, aren’t you? Good points!

[Reply]
EmsMom

As defined by Webster: Definition of RELIGIOUS
1: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity 2: of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances 3: scrupulously and conscientiously faithful http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religiousThe second definition is, what I believe, your article is referring to.Personally, from the “spiritualists” I’ve talked to, they feel let down by organized religion. And I can honestly say I don’t blame them. I consider myself to be religious, but am disappointed by a lot of what I see in modern day churches. Pettiness, greed, catty-ness, etc. Far fewer Christians, at least in my experience, are “walking the walk, and talking the talk”.However, some “spiritualists” I’ve spoken to also admit they’re just lazy about going to church, and/or weren’t brought up in organized religion therefore don’t “know what they are” as if religion is the same at heritage.These are just my, personal, interactions with people and I’m sure that there are many spiritualists out there that have different views.From the stand-point of some who is religious, my goal is to set an example of what a real Christian should be. I try every day, most days I fall short.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Yes, you are right, Emily’s Mom (cute name!!!). I am thinking of religion in the terms of definition 2. I wonder why being devoted to religious beliefs or observances has become so odious to many people. And I agree with you that its probably because of the judgment handed down from those who do upon those who don’t. I think that by trying to set that example and admitting that you fall short is the best example of all!

[Reply]
http://www.facebook.com/taijirich Richard Martin

As a non-Christian, I would say that Religious would be defined as subscribing to one of the established religions (ie. Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, etc.). One of the defining aspects of a religion, to me, is the belief in a god or gods (therefore I do not count Zen Buddhism, nor Daoism as religions, but call them philosophies). I called myself spiritual but not religious on a personals site but during that time came to realize that most considered SBNR as meaning non-practicing or uncommitted Christian. To me spiritual but not religious is the person that believes in a higher power, but does not follow an established religion. This is not a person that follows the bible. Followers of the bible whether they attend a church or not, to me, would be considered Christian because the bible is the basis of the Christian belief system.

It actually seems sad to me that a Christian would say that they are SBNR instead of religious. I think that the thread here has danced around a possible issue. It may be that institutionalized religions have turned off many. What are the specific reasons that these people feel that “religious” = bad, or makes people cringe?

From the outside looking in, some things that I have seen; widespread hypocrisy, dogmatic approaches, bureaucratic programming, stagnant culture. In other words, the problems that face any large institutional entity.

I applaud this conversation, trying to figure out why this is, and engaging those interested in “changing” it for the better.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
Great post, Rich. Thank you for weighing in here. I’m glad to see you on my blog!! (Rich is a martial artist friend and practices T’ai Chi with me when we have the chance to be attending a conference together from time to time.) Your comments are poignant, and I can see from your response that you understand many of the factors which lead Christians to self identify as SBNR. Many of them are intensely committed Christians, as you might gather from some of the responses to my blog. You are right (IMO) that the Church has driven many away for the very things you mention in your comment. This is why we see a post-institutional movement within Christianity as a way to express, live and experience our religion. I just hope we can take back the concept of religious meaning living out our Christian faith. How can that happen?

[Reply]
Rebecca David

Hi Beth,
Thank you for your thought provoking article.
I am one who considers myself Spiritual & not Religious.
Being Religious to me means paying close attention to the denominational rules, laws, rituals, etc..
Being Spiritual to me means seeking God through the reading of His word & prayer.
I was raised going to church at least 3 times a week and did so for many many years.. I raised my children going to church & then put them in a private Christian school. However, it’s been quite awhile since I’ve been comfortable in a church atmosphere.
I absolutely love to be around like minded people who love God and desire to live a life of love in service to Him, but for many years now whenever I’ve attended churches I sense more of a particular business agenda.
I certainly do not want to offend anyone or discourage anyone from attending if they are growing Spiritually.. that’s just been my journey so far and how I feel now. I love God and seek him & his purpose for my life, I desire to be a vessel for him to be used as he desires for his purpose. Although I consider myself Christian I do not consider myself Religious.
Thank you my friend!
Blessings, Rebecca David

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
I would like to recapture an early model of being religious that didn’t have as much to do with paying close attention to denominational rules, et al, and had more to do with loving God and loving our neighbor. I’m with you about loving being with others who love God with all their hearts!! It’s so refreshing and invigorating. How do you find yourself “gathering together” as Hebrews advises us to do? I, too, am uncomfortable being in a church where it’s approached as a business—that’s a good way to put it and I hadn’t really thought about it like that. I much prefer an atmosphere of centeredness on Jesus and communion with each other. When I stopped attending my local community church, a concerned friend asked, “But whose authority are you going to be under?” I had to consider that I really see myself under God’s authority with the Holy Spirit leading me. I definitely am in a spiritual community which keeps us accountable to live our lives according to Jesus’ teachings.

[Reply]
Micah

Hi Beth… I cringe too… when I see people use denominationalism,
religiosity, and bible worship to replace the sweet and simple instructions of
Jesus. I’ve noticed a “we’re doing it right and you’re not thing” between
denominations and I just can’t participate in that. However, I resist being too
critical of all this because then it becomes a thing of removing a splinter
from my brothers eye while a 2by4 is sticking out of my own head. It’s enough
of a challenge to (attempt) to live my mundane little existence, exercising/sharing
my gifts of faith, hope and love with everyone I meet, and forgiving those who
I perceive having hurt me, all the while realizing how short I fall of that
goal. Jesus gave us the “Lord’s Prayer” but said use words only if we must, so
I spend a lot of quiet time with God. I find the world around me and my tiny
place in it quite miraculous but I’ve never had the luxury of chatting with a
burning bush or experienced other Bible type miracles. I’ve read about some
cases and have met people who claim they have, but I have some natural Thomas
in me with regards to many of them. Honestly Beth… my belief in God requires a
lot faith and hope. Without those, I don’t think I could. However, the positive
of effect of even a rocky path of faith, hope, and love is something I actually
experience and that experience strengthens those gifts, and I find THAT quite
miraculous J

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Thank you for sharing this piece of your spiritual journey with us, Micah. I really respect your position about not being too critical of the “we’re okay, but you’re not” position. I think that there are so many points of intersection between the various denominations. It is possible to be fully on your path and view those on an adjacent path, going in the same direction, with love and peace. I like love it!

[Reply]
Tamara Howard

Thank you Rebecca for introducing me to Beth. I allow the Holy Spirit to live in me. I understand the Christian family concept. I respect it. I too did this for many years along with my children. I had a desire to visit, learn other denominations who love Jesus too. And learn I did. I also learned the same people attended all those denominations, accept the name and face were changed. Now that I am off the “milk” I see a different clarity and I love Jesus more and the challenges are no less. thank you, Tamara

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Tamara, doesn’t that broaden your perspectives? I love learning about the differences between the denominations, because the similarities swim into focus, as well. We are truly one in Christ, aren’t we?

[Reply]
DrAlethaWarren

Hi Beth,
I love this topic. Unfortunately religion is seen as a “bad” thing because of what we as believers have made it. Religion is seen as the traditions of man, which is true in some cases, so we tend to run away from it. Some people think that religion is speaking one way and living another, while some genuinely don’t understand what religion is. All they know is what people tell them and what their experience has taught them. In essence, when we search the scriptures, James 1:27 speaks of a “pure and undefiled religion.” This religion is described as visiting the orphans and widows in trouble, and keeping yourself unspotted from the world. That whole chapter explains what “religion” is and what it is not. If we base our derive our definitions from the bible and not opinion, we will have the correct understanding. So, I’m not only spiritual, but religious according to what my Bible tells me…Thank you Beth,Dr. Aletha Warren

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Ah, you are so right, Dr. Aletha. Would you say that you are also spiritually religious? And define that according to Scripture? HOW do we help the shift come into the world that follows Jesus’ lead in re-orienting our religiousness in a way that WE become that “new wine” He spoke of??

[Reply]
Helena Fountain Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:48 am
Very Nice… Sounds like I’ll be reading the book of James REAL soon!! Excellent post!

[Reply]
Allen Buchanan

I really believe that the concept revolves around a “commitment”. If we declare that we are “spiritual” and not “religious”, don’t we reserve the right to be religious or not religious? Similar to RSVPing to an event. If we respond to the host and hostess that we will be at the event, shouldn’t we strive, come hook or crook, to be there. I understand that “life happens” but too often in our culture we receive a “California RSVP” which is “I will be there unless something better comes along”. If we proclaim that “I am religious”…which I am and am proud to proclaim…then we are committed, come hook or crook, to walk, talk and glorify God in our thoughts, words and deeds AND provide a good testament in our actions to other believers and non-believers. We are committed regardless of “that something else that comes along”.

Thanks you for the thought provoking topic! It was great to see you the other night.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Allen, it was so great to see you and Carol, too!! You bring up a good point about making a stand by accepting the label of “religious.” I see more and more folks around me taking pleasure in being religious, but in a fresh way, not in a way that focuses on dogma or ritual. That being said, after being in Jerusalem and seeing so many very religious pilgrims engaged in serious ritualistic forms worship (both Christian AND Jewish—I was there during Rosh Hashanah), I recognize that there seems to be something within us that is assisted in our pursuit of the Holy by certain rituals or rites. I wonder if there’s room in the mix to be spiritually religious! Do you know what I mean? I think that is where I fit…I am spiritually religious: SR.

[Reply]
Allen Buchanan Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
I like that! Carla and I are Spiritually Religious as well! SR

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Rock on!
Eddie Esposito

I love this topic. For me the pushback is from those that want to avoid religion yet seem to stand for something. They like saying things like “the universe” but never God or, even more severe, Jesus!

I have a relative that says, “I am spiritual just not religious.” Now when i really explore that it means they have their own religion. They always say “I do what I believe is right, I don’t hurt anybody, I give to charity….” If I probe a little further they believe those acts will get them to heaven which is where it really gets interesting; because if they believe in heaven then where did that idea come from? The New York Times, Time Magazine, their life coach?

Of course not, they are just avoiding saying the Bible. Because if they believe in part of the Bible or in some cases even acknowledge it, then they become accountable to the rest which means they have to change how they operate. So they operate according to their beliefs and things they heard, convincing themselves it’s good enough; basically practicing their own religion but avoiding the good book at all costs.

I know because I was that guy. I convinced myself that I was doing enough good things, not hurting anybody, that i would certainly go to heaven because after all, I was a good person. Sound familiar? We have all heard that one. But something happened, in my case Katrina, and i actually started to read the Bible.

I realized that I had messed up enough stuff, and continued to do do on a regular basis, so why would I trust my salvation to myself? How absurd? If I was really powerful enough to have my own religion, then wouldn’t life have been smoother up to this point?

The truth is this was already figured out for me and i just had to dive in. I had to live the way it was already laid out for me. For my spiritual yet unreligious friends and relatives, I pray for your salvation because the bible says God will come get me. I don’t know what spirit will come get you.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 3:00 am
I think it’s interesting to read Rich’s perception that those who say they are SBNR are usually the “nominal” Christians. My experience has been that this self-identifier can be used by those who don’t want to be presumed to be Christian by saying they are religious or by those who are Christian but who don’t want to be identified by a denominational label. Do you think it’s possible to be so focused on religion (by that I mean the rituals and form) that we miss the spirituality of our faith? I know your testimony personally, Eddie, and it’s a powerful one!

[Reply]
Greg Benton

Thanks Beth. Without a clear definition, I think the question asks one to draw a distinction when there is no difference. It is a contextual question in that the one asking the question should first define the terms. Your post above showed that the terms were used interchangeably and were also contextual in their meaning.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 2:14 am
Help me understand your sense of what it might mean to be SBNR and how we can recapture a sense of being religious that is in line with Jesus’ teaching. What are your thoughts on that?

[Reply]
http://www.capaxdei-pax.com Ruah Bull

Greetings Beth,

I have a good friend, Dick, who calls SBNR Christians, ‘dumpster Christians’. He speaks , from personal experience, of how people enter a church, are welcomed, learn a great deal, and so pass on to the next room or place on the spiritual journey. For many, this process happens several times, always going deeper and being brought into another relationship with the heart of Christ. Then, he says, you are invited by The Holy Spirit to grow a bit more, you move through the next doorway – and find yourself out back of the Church by the dumpster!
Luckily – the contemplatives and mystics are in the dumpster. Unluckily– many Christians don’t know about them – and their priests/pastors don’t know about them either! So many of us are actually growing – but the people around us, well-meaning and knowing God in ways that are perfect and beautiful for them, see this part of the journey as a loss of faith rather than a growth in faith (by the way, discernment with a spiritual director or trusted friend who knows the contemplative journey is crucial for this process - to actually discover is this is a call -or not).
I left Christianity at 12 as I was already disgusted by the provincialism of my Pre-Vatican ll Church. I spent many years exploring spirituality in its many forms– other religions and wisdom traditions -where I learned so much – as well as new spirituality. I was what non- Christian NRBS folks are called – a ‘spiritual eclectic’. When Jesus began showing up in my shamanic journeys 10 years ago I was quite frightened-as the Jesus I had known was much too small for the God I had discovered. I was very grateful to have a spiritual director who had me read the desert mothers and fathers, Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, C.S. Lewis, Jacob Boehme, George Fox, and Evelyn Underhill. It was with huge joy, and sadness that I had not known of these spiritual elders before, that I found Christians who knew the far landscape of the prayer-filled and Gospel- imbued Christ-centered contemplative life. And it was with these newly opened contemplative eyes that I once again returned to Scripture.
Once Christians know of the teachings and ancient traditions of our religion that fully support the spiritual journey into the contemplative landscape, then we no longer have to choose between the two. It’s no longer a choice between religion and spirituality, but between a form of religion that does not tend or know about these parts of the spiritual journey, and those forms that fully embrace and support them.
Read Richard Foster and Tilden Edwards on spiritual formation. Read Theresa of Avila and the Interior Castle- God is in ALL of the rooms of this inner castle-and one room is not better than another– as God has us placed just where he wants us. Alas, most churches only know the first 3 rooms - so when Jesus invites some into 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 – then a deep loneliness can happen, and a false belief that we have to step away from religion in order to stay connected to God. I pray that all of us find the groups, congregations, spiritual friends who can acknowledge and support us as we follow The Holy Spirit into this newly revealed to us landscape. May it not be a dumpster, but a garden.

Blessings,
Ruah Bull

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 12:46 am
Your post gave me a lot to think about and ponder, Ruah! Thank you… I especially like what you said about a “false belief that we have to step away from religion in order to stay connected to God.” That echoes a personal experience I had in my twenties.

[Reply]
Maggie Aglow

This blog is like a breath of fresh air. I too know what many Christians mean when they say they are not “Religious”, but also have been saddened by the misunderstanding of the word religious. Because I have a Roman Catholic upbringing, I am quite ok about the word religious, because it means that someone has taken vows to follow Christ as a nun. This is an example of how they seek to live their lives, following the traditions of the church. The word religious for me means so many things, from the way the traditional church has its beautiful set prayers, to the way the garments are coloured for different seasons in the church. Let us be careful, and when someone who is searching for God, uses the word religious, let us encourage them to develop their thinking about what that word really means to them from a deeply spiritual viewpoint, and not inform them that we are not religious, as this can clearly confuse them, when they are at the beginning stages of enquiry into Christianity.

[Reply]
Beth Misner Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 12:43 am
Maggie, thanks for your perspective here. I hear what you are saying about being careful not to discourage those who feel very drawn to a liturgical path of worship. You mention a “deeply spiritual viewpoint” and I really resonate with that. Thank you for sharing!

[Reply]
http://www.facebook.com/debbrasweet Debbra Sweet

Beth, this is a touchy subject for many. In fact, I have had many conversations with others about this. As one who has a strong prayer life, I strive to do my best and do what the Word says: ”to study thyself approved” and “to be a doer of the Word, and not just a hearer”.

I think that many of the posts here already have shared on a few sides of the perspective you start with :Christians define themselves as “spiritual, but not religious.” I too have seen that some Christians have become confused and often try to be ‘politically correct’ and soften their language to appease many around them.

The Word tells us in that God would rather us be hot or cold on the Word than lukewarm and trying to appease everyone. We are to be firm on our belief and understanding of what the Word says. This large concept trickles down into the question you pose- spiritiual or religious?

There is much going on today that softens the understanding of Spiritual. That word, used in today’s context means many things- and not all of it relates to the God of the Bible. Religion- is often thought of as doctrine and dogma of man that is based on parts of the Bible. Neither of those definitions give true credit to God the way the God deserves Glory and praise.

Even the label of the word Christian has many divisions. It’s hard to be Hot on something when there are many sides open to interpretation. As one who is a born again child of God- all of these areas have made me question myself- and how I simply describe my stand on the Word. Personally, I have taken to calling myself a child of God- and Biblical. My values, precepts and beliefs are based upon the daily study of scripture… and taking the time to learn scripture from the Greek, Latin and Aramaic. My studies and what I learn also include historical research to have a clear understanding of life, manners and customs of the times in the places where these people used to live.

I give you kudos to opening up this discussion with a loving and meek heart. You are an amazing woman of God.

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