23/04/2022
BETWEEN BEING RELIGIOUS AND A CHRISTIAN, WHICH ONE DO YOU BELONG?
Today, many people don't have the understanding of the bearing being called a Christian, many believed that in as much they are going to places of worship (Churches), they now to be seen or confirmed as a Christian. As this doesn't really make up the way, as we often see it, and doesn't create a wider knowledge about what Christianity is all about.
For the purpose of this write-up, and also to make it brief, we will go straight to the point and to make us understand and also have knowledge about what being a Christian is about and not being religious, and to be seeing it as a being a Christian, whereas we are not.
Now, let's have the basic meaning of what a CHRISTIAN is: it means to be based on or believing the teachings of Jesus Christ, also it means showing the qualities that are thought of as typical of a Christian; good and kind.
What is CHRISTIANITY: the religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the belief that he was the son of God.
What's meaning of RELIGION: it is the belief in the existence of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them; while RELIGIOUS means, what is connected with religion or with a particular religion, also it means believing strongly in the existence of a god or gods.
Without deceiving ourselves, the meaning of these terms have already brought to our notice what they means, and how they should be make use of (its meaning), and not for it to be turned otherwise and directing it where it doesn't make it to look at.
As a Christian, what are the basic doctrines or teachings instituted by Jesus Christ, that we are supposed to be following up with? These teachings are numerous but as stated, I will only mention few of them, which are; Forgive anyone who sin against you (Matthew 6:14-15), Love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39), Have faith in God (Mark 11:22), Be a cheerful giver unto others (Matthew 19:21) and Do not judge one another (Matthew 7:1), among others teachings.
For we so-called "Christians", how many follow up with these teachings?. Therefore, practicing these doctrines make you a Christian and not when you haven't put one teaching into place, and yet want to be called or known as a Christian.
However, many are so religious, yet they believe they are Christians. To be a religious person, have to first doing with not following up with the teachings and basic doctrines of Jesus Christ, rather it will be otherwise.
Firstly, such person is not born-again, that is, have Jesus Christ has his own personal saviour and will not have anything to do with sins again in life, also, he strongly believe in the existence of a god or gods, hereby making activities related with such religion so paramount in his/her life.
It is when we do good to our neighbours, and do as our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us during his days on earth, that we can be ascribed as being a Christian, not only when one goes to Church, pray, sing, that you believe that you are now a Christian. Such person is not right, however such person is religious. There are some religious activities that one needs to get him/herself away from, and rather input into oneself the teachings of Jesus Christ, as to make us a true and real CHRISTIAN.
The way we even advocate religion activities in our country today is even more than the way those who brought it to us in those days are even advocating it. These are part of we being so religious, yet we see it as being a Christian, which is totally wrong.
Now, choose between the two; are you a Christian or a Religious personnel?
BY: MEDIA/EDITORIAL GROUP
TACN OBANTOKO ASSEMBLY
