Do you know what sets True Christianity apart from other religions?

[gr8grace3]

I know what you are talking about. My point was that there is no flip-side.

I will cut to the chase here. You offered no definitions what these "accepted" definitions of religion are. You offered no definition of Christianity. We all just have to assume what you mean.

So this is what I assume:

Your definition of Christianity involves loss of salvation, a change in lifestyle,less sin, It is by Grace.....but/if?

And true Christianity is....it is by Grace, Period.

So there is no flip-side to one that has added religion to True Christianity.

 

[Free]

I will cut to the chase here. You offered no definitions what these "accepted" definitions of religion are. You offered no definition of Christianity. We all just have to assume what you mean.

Of course I haven't offered any definitions because I clearly stated, "I am willing to use any dictionary or sociological definition of religion that you can find." The two of you are offering up your own definitions and I am trying to get you to look up actual definitions. So there is absolutely no need to assume. Find a definition in a dictionary or sociological textbook (or online) and we can discuss it.

So this is what I assume:

Your definition of Christianity involves loss of salvation, a change in lifestyle,less sin, It is by Grace.....but/if?

I have no idea why you would assume such things but that is what happens when you unnecessarily make assumptions.

And true Christianity is....it is by Grace, Period.

Of course. I have not once stated or implied otherwise. But, that has nothing to do with whether or not Christianity is a religion.

So there is no flip-side to one that has added religion to True Christianity.

I don't think you are following our discussion very well. I suggest you go back and reread from post 12.

 

[gr8grace3]

Of course I haven't offered any definitions because I clearly stated, "I am willing to use any dictionary or sociological definition of religion that you can find." The two of you are offering up your own definitions and I am trying to get you to look up actual definitions. So there is absolutely no need to assume. Find a definition in a dictionary or sociological textbook (or online) and we can discuss it.


I have no idea why you would assume such things but that is what happens when you unnecessarily make assumptions.


Of course. I have not once stated or implied otherwise. But, that has nothing to do with whether or not Christianity is a religion.


I don't think you are following our discussion very well. I suggest you go back and reread from post 12.

What is your definition of Christianity? Why will you not answer this Question?

 

[FreeGrace]

It doesn't matter what your definition is; what matters are accepted definitions. You cannot define religion in a way that excludes Christianity and then use that to conclude that Christianity isn't a religion. That is a fallacious argument and therefore, false.

I find it interesting that you continue to ignore the difference between ALL religions and Christianity.

No. As I pointed out, I am willing to use any dictionary or sociological definition you can find.

Who cares what the "sociological definition" might be? As for dictionary, I found this:
"
the belief in a god or in a group of gods
: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
: an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group"

This is the link: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion

Where in this definition to you find any concept of salvation? Where in this definition do you find any mention of the Creator of the universe, whom we call God? I don't count words with a small "g" as relevant.

So, using your own challenge, I've found a definition that doesn't come close to defining Christianity.

Which says nothing about whether or not Christianity is a religion.

The definition I provided says nothing about Christianity.

I agree with what James 1:27 is saying and completely supports my point. You want to change the meaning of that verse so that it in obeying what is says, it "may be one way to obtain salvation in some religion." But that is not what James is saying:

You missed my point. James defined what "religion" was; a system of works, or deeds. I have nothing against good deeds, and believers are commanded to do them.

There is acceptable religion to God and this is being written to believers.

Yes, there is, but it ain't Christianity. Which is the point.

Do you really think that God would save someone in "some religion" who hasn't put his trust in the name of Jesus?

Of course I wouldn't. But every religion out there thinks they have the way to heaven. And ALL of them believe that they have to work for salvation.

So when you first responded, "Answer: Grace. No religion involves grace. It's all about works. How to satisfy God.", that goes against what James is saying, since it is about showing grace through the grace of God.

No, none of it goes against James. James wasn't talking about Christianity, but what comprises religion.

Christianity, is, first of all, about getting saved. Because Jesus Christ IS the Savior of the world. And He saves by grace. Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Of course Christianity is different from all other religions but, again, this is irrelevant as to whether or not Christianity is a religion.

It is the very reason WHY Christianity is not a religion. But at least we agree on the fact that Christianity is different from all other religions.

 

[Free]

What is your definition of Christianity? Why will you not answer this Question?

It isn't relevant to the discussion is why. Why haven't you provided a real definition of "religion"?

 

[Obadiah]

So.... lets go back to the topic.

From the A&T Guidelines:
"You may ask a member questions as to what they believe on certain topics relative to the subject of the thread, but please keep in mind the member is under no obligation to answer"

 

[FreeGrace]

It isn't relevant to the discussion is why. Why haven't you provided a real definition of "religion"?

I did. Here it is again:

the belief in a god or in a group of gods
an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group

I don't see Christianity here. Christianity doesn't believe in "a god or iin a group of gods".
Christianity doesn't worship "a god or a group of gods".
And the 3rd description can be applied to any social group.

And, thanks to Obadiah, yes, let's do address the topic of this thread. Which is: "Do you know what sets true Christianity apart from other religions?"

And I gave the answer: grace. That is what sets Christianity apart from other religions.

 

[gr8grace3]

I did. Here it is again:

the belief in a god or in a group of gods
an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group

I don't see Christianity here. Christianity doesn't believe in "a god or iin a group of gods".
Christianity doesn't worship "a god or a group of gods".
And the 3rd description can be applied to any social group.

And, thanks to Obadiah, yes, let's do address the topic of this thread. Which is: "Do you know what sets true Christianity apart from other religions?"

And I gave the answer: grace. That is what sets Christianity apart from other religions.

I know you know this, but lets use your name just to be crystal clear:

Free Grace.

Then after salvation, we have a personal relationship with the God of the universe. If we abuse this grace,He actively participates in our life(Heb 12:5). If we live in His grace He actively participates in our lives.(1 Pet 4:14.)

But His free gift always remains. John 10:28

 

[FreeGrace]

I know you know this, but lets use your name just to be crystal clear:

Free Grace.

Then after salvation, we have a personal relationship with the God of the universe. If we abuse this grace,He actively participates in our life(Heb 12:5). If we live in His grace He actively participates in our lives.(1 Pet 4:14.)

But His free gift always remains. John 10:28

Yes, sir!!

 

[gr8grace3]

the belief in a god or in a group of gods
an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group

And this whole definition is what man does and believes.

Christianity is what God did and is doing for mankind.

God came to mankind, as apposed to "mans belief in a god or in a group of gods."

God devised a plan of salvation for mankind, as apposed to "mans system of beliefs,ceremonies and rules".

Gods salvation of man and His(Gods)glorification is very important to Him(God), as apposed to "interest,belief or activity that is very important to man."

Christianity is about what God has done. Religion is about what man is doing or believing.

I do apologize, but this seems very relevant to the topic of this thread.

 

[Sinthesis]

Do you know what sets True Christianity apart from other religions?

The presence of the word 'other' in the title of the thread implies that Christianity is a religion apart from other religions. Therefore it is not proper to insist against the title of the thread that Christianity is not a religion. One should start another thread to promote that idea.

 

[childeye]

Christianity is the belief in the True Image of God sent by God.

 

[WIP]

I would take it a step further and add that Christianity is more than just belief but includes following Christ. Satan believes but he refuses to follow.

 

[reba]

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

 

[Gregg]

Great question in the title: 'Do you know what sets True Christianity apart from other religions?'
What sets Christianity apart from all other beliefs regarding God is Christ crucified and resurrected, for our righteousness and salvation!

 

[childeye]

I would take it a step further and add that Christianity is more than just belief but includes following Christ. Satan believes but he refuses to follow.

Of course you are right. But your use of the term belief, regarding Satan, is not the same connotation I am referring to. When I say belief, I men to trust in him. Satan doesn't believe in Christ under that criteria. To take this further, to trust in Christ means to return good for evil and to have mercy and understanding for the weakness of the flesh in the human condition. Romans 8:1-3. Christ is about a perseverance of Love in the face of many offences. Matthew 24:12. Satan is all about accusation and blame and hypocrisy. Revelations 12:10.

 

[Sinthesis]

I would take it a step further and add that Christianity is more than just belief but includes following Christ. Satan believes but he refuses to follow.

Yes, faith is more than belief.

Jas 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
​

 

[By Grace]

The difference is that other religions dictate laws for you to follow, but leaves you in your same carnal state of the fallen nature, that causes us to fall back into sin. We deceive our selves thinking that we are good people, and we can be, but we are also evil in our thoughts and deeds as well. Because the carnal mind will always be self survival. Here are the attributes of our carnal flesh nature that must be over come to truly be a good person, yet it is impossible for fallen man to see their sin as sinful.
Recognize any of these?:

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
<snip>.

In the discussion, there is one word that sets Christianity apart from EVERY other religion, and that is RELATIONSHIP. Only in Christianity can anyone have a relationship with his Creator; that comes through Jesus Christ Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

By definition, belief in Jesus Christ is NOT a work because it is intellectual assent to the revealed propositional truth of Sola Scriptura

 

[4afaithfulone]

In the discussion, there is one word that sets Christianity apart from EVERY other religion, and that is RELATIONSHIP. Only in Christianity can anyone have a relationship with his Creator; that comes through Jesus Christ Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

By definition, belief in Jesus Christ is NOT a work because it is intellectual assent to the revealed propositional truth of Sola Scriptura

I agree we must have a relationship with the Word for he is the Teacher whom we must learn, obey and follow, and that is what I said. We must know the Word of God personally getting it down into our hearts till we become one with him as in identical in attributes as we allow the Holy Spirit to convict us of wrong thinking, so that we can see the error of our ways, that cause us to die, to be changed by the renewing of our minds so that we will know the perfect will of God in every situation of life just like our brother Jesus did, unto life abundantly.
The closer we get to the Word, the more we sacrifice our old fleshly ways for God's ways, we become more Christ like, in his image by overcoming the devils image. Yes Jesus is the ONLY name that we can be saved by, for he is THE WORD OF GOD!
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 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.
KJV

 

[n2thelight]

The difference is,we acknowledge that Christ is the Son of God,and He rose from the dead and died for our sins...No other religion in the world claims,or can claim that fact.........