Bonovox

Chris (Desert Pastor), makes some excellent comments about something that bugs me as well. (read it HERE)  If I say, "I don't have religion, I have a relationship," I am merely stating one of my religious beliefs.

I think what this is about, is manipulating language, so as to feel superior to my neighbor.  After all, "He is just religious.  I have a relationship." 

If we are to communicate with our neighbor, (And of course we are!), we must use words the same way.  Without looking it up, we know the word "religion" has a commonly used meaning.  Basically it refers to "Who we worship," "How we worship," and the consequences for our daily living.  So it is possible to say that we believe a religion is "true," or "untrue."   ( from the personal perspective)  But really, you cannot claim to be above religion just because you think your religion is true.  All people beleive their religion is true, or they would not be an adherant.

Having said that, I believe Christianity is the fulfillment of all religions, and that the whole point of the Christian religion, is re-establishing a relationship, or union,  with God, which has been wrecked since the fall.

But I also reject that I am infallible.  Thus I may be wrong and my neighbor may be right.  So I must do what I think I must, and learn to love my neighbor, and trust God to bring us all to salvation.  I must be comfortable with mystery.  There is no other way.