Brief Overview
- The Bible uses the term “religion” explicitly to describe aspects of the Christian faith, showing it is more than just a personal relationship with God.
- Jesus gave specific instructions for rituals like baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which align with the definition of religion as a system of practices and beliefs.
- The early Christians followed structured traditions and rituals, indicating a formal religious framework from the beginning.
- Apostolic writings affirm the importance of maintaining traditions, both written and oral, as part of Christian practice.
- The early Church had a clear hierarchy, suggesting an organized religion rather than a loose group of believers.
- Common objections to Christianity as a religion often misinterpret scripture and fail to account for its full context.
Detailed Response
The Bible Explicitly Calls Christianity a Religion
The New Testament does not shy away from describing Christianity as a religion. In James 1:26-27, the author speaks of “religion” that can be either worthless or acceptable to God. He explains that true religion involves practical actions, such as caring for orphans and widows, and living a life free from worldly corruption. The Greek terms used here, “thrēskos” and “thrēskeia,” refer to religious observance and practice. This shows that the early Christians understood their faith as a religion with visible expressions. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 5:4, Paul urges believers to practice their “religion” by supporting their families, using the term “eusebein,” often translated as piety or godliness. These passages indicate that religion is a legitimate category for Christian faith. Far from being a mere personal connection, Christianity involves duties and behaviors that God evaluates. This emphasis on action aligns with Catholic teaching, which sees faith and works as interconnected (see Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 1814-1816). Thus, the Bible itself frames Christianity as a religion with defined expectations.
Jesus Established a Religion with Clear Commands
Jesus’ teachings provide a foundation for Christianity as a religion. In Matthew 22:37-40, he commands love for God and neighbor, summarizing the law and prophets in a way that demands commitment. This is not a vague sentiment but a directive shaping how believers live. Furthermore, in Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs his disciples to baptize and teach obedience to his commands, establishing rituals and a system of instruction. Baptism, as a formal act, marks entry into the Christian community, a hallmark of religious practice. Likewise, in Luke 22:19-20, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, telling his followers to “do this in remembrance of me.” This ritual meal, central to Christian worship, reflects a structured observance. The Catholic Church recognizes these as sacraments, outward signs of inward grace (CCC 1127-1131). Jesus’ use of authority to establish these practices shows he intended a religion, not just a personal bond. His commands create a framework of belief and action that defines Christianity.
Early Christians Practiced Rituals as Part of Their Faith
The earliest Christians followed Jesus’ instructions by engaging in regular rituals. In 1 Corinthians 11:2, 23-26, Paul praises the Corinthians for holding to the traditions he delivered, including the Lord’s Supper. He recounts Jesus’ words about the bread and cup, emphasizing their repetition “in remembrance” of Christ. This shows a liturgical practice rooted in Christ’s command. The Acts of the Apostles also describes believers gathering for prayer, teaching, and “breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42). These were not spontaneous events but consistent acts of worship. By the second century, Justin Martyr, in his First Apology (Chapter 66), describes Sunday gatherings involving scripture readings, prayers, and the Eucharist. This structure mirrors Catholic Mass today, showing continuity in practice (CCC 1345). The early Church’s commitment to these rituals proves that Christianity was a religion from its inception. It was not a casual fellowship but an organized faith with defined observances.
Apostolic Tradition Supports a Religious Framework
The apostles taught that tradition is essential to Christianity, reinforcing its religious nature. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul tells believers to “hold to the traditions” taught by word or letter. This includes both scripture and oral teachings, suggesting a broader authority than the Bible alone. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul thanks the church for accepting his spoken word as God’s word, not human opinion. This oral tradition likely included liturgical practices, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:2. The Catholic Church upholds this dual transmission of scripture and tradition (CCC 80-83). Critics often cite Mark 7:8 or Matthew 15:6, where Jesus condemns human traditions, but the context shows he opposed traditions that contradict God’s law, not all traditions. Paul’s affirmation of apostolic tradition shows it complements scripture. Thus, Christianity’s reliance on tradition marks it as a religion with a living, authoritative heritage.
The Early Church Had a Structured Hierarchy
Christianity’s religious character is evident in its early organizational structure. In Acts 9:1-19, Paul’s conversion involves submitting to Ananias for baptism and later seeking approval from apostles like Peter and James (Galatians 1:17-19). This shows he did not act independently but within a hierarchy. The Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 further demonstrates this, with apostles and elders deciding doctrine for the whole Church. Roles like bishops and deacons, outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, indicate a formal leadership structure. By the early second century, Ignatius of Antioch, in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans, insists that valid church acts require a bishop’s oversight. He ties this hierarchy to Christ’s authority, calling it the “Catholic Church.” This organization refutes the idea of Christianity as a loose association (CCC 874-879). Instead, it reflects a religion with clear governance and accountability.
Rituals and Hierarchy Reflect Catholic Understanding
Catholic teaching sees rituals and hierarchy as intrinsic to the religion Christ founded. The sacraments, such as baptism and the Eucharist, are not optional but central to salvation (CCC 1210-1212). They are rooted in Jesus’ commands and apostolic practice. The Church’s hierarchy, with bishops as successors to the apostles, ensures these practices remain faithful to Christ’s intent (CCC 1555-1561). This structure prevents individual interpretation from distorting the faith. Early writings, like Ignatius’, show this was not a later invention but a continuation of apostolic order. Critics who reject this often argue for a “relationship-only” view, yet the Bible shows no such separation. The Catholic perspective holds that religion encompasses both relationship and structure. This balance is evident in scripture and tradition, affirming Christianity’s religious identity.
Objections to Religion Misinterpret Scripture
Some argue that Christianity is not a religion by citing Jesus’ critique of tradition in Mark 7:8. However, Jesus targets traditions that nullify God’s word, not tradition itself. Apostolic traditions, as Paul affirms, align with scripture and enhance it. Another objection comes from Matthew 6:7, where Jesus warns against “vain repetitions” in prayer. Yet, repetition is not condemned outright—Jesus himself repeats prayers in Mark 14:32-39. In Revelation 4:8, heavenly beings endlessly repeat “Holy, holy, holy.” The issue is not repetition but insincerity. Catholic prayers like the Our Father or Mass liturgy are rooted in scripture and meant to be heartfelt (CCC 2700-2704). Misreading these verses ignores their context and the Bible’s broader witness. Thus, objections fail to disprove Christianity’s religious nature.
Tradition Can Serve Faith, Not Oppose It
Tradition, when aligned with God’s word, strengthens Christianity as a religion. Paul’s call to hold fast to traditions in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 shows their value. The Catholic distinction between “Tradition” (apostolic teachings) and “traditions” (cultural practices) clarifies this. Core doctrines like the Resurrection or Eucharist stem from apostolic Tradition (CCC 112-114). Cultural traditions, like Lent observances, express faith in specific contexts. Jesus’ critique in Matthew 15:6 applies only when traditions usurp divine commands. The early Church adapted Greek philosophy to articulate doctrines like the Trinity, showing tradition’s positive role. This integration enriched Christian theology without compromising scripture. Thus, tradition supports Christianity’s religious framework, not detracts from it.
Repetition in Prayer Is Biblical and Meaningful
Repetitious prayer, often criticized, has deep biblical roots. In Psalm 136, “his steadfast love endures forever” repeats 26 times, emphasizing God’s constancy. Jesus’ repeated prayer in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-39) shows earnestness, not emptiness. The heavenly liturgy in Revelation 4:8 repeats endlessly, reflecting eternal worship. Catholic prayers like the Rosary or Mass follow this pattern, aiming for contemplation, not rote recitation (CCC 2708). The sin lies in vanity, not repetition itself, as Matthew 6:7 warns. Spontaneous prayers can also lack heart if focused on performance. Repetition, when sincere, fosters devotion and aligns with scripture. This practice underscores Christianity’s religious character, rooted in disciplined worship.
Christianity’s Covenant Nature Reinforces Its Religious Identity
Christianity mirrors a covenant, a structured bond with rules and rituals. In Luke 22:20, Jesus calls the Eucharist the “new covenant” in his blood, echoing Old Testament covenants like Sinai (Exodus 24:8). Covenants involve obligations—laws, sacrifices, and ceremonies. The Catholic Church sees the sacraments as covenant signs, binding believers to Christ (CCC 1113-1116). Marriage, a covenant analogy, includes repeated acts of love and commitment, not just feelings. Similarly, Christian rituals like the Eucharist sustain the covenant with Christ. This framework is inherently religious, requiring active participation. The Bible presents Christianity as a covenantal religion, not a formless relationship.
The Early Church’s Practices Were Not Optional
Early Christian practices were mandatory, not optional, reflecting a religious system. Baptism was the entry point (Acts 2:38), and the Eucharist was a regular observance (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). These were not personal preferences but communal acts tied to salvation. Ignatius’ insistence on episcopal authority for valid Eucharist celebrations shows their seriousness. The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) imposed decisions on all believers, not just suggestions. This uniformity indicates a religion with binding norms. Catholic teaching preserves this, viewing sacraments as necessary for grace (CCC 1129). The early Church’s structured life contradicts a purely relational view. It was a religion with defined practices and expectations.
Hierarchy Ensured Doctrinal Unity
The early Church’s hierarchy protected its teachings, a key feature of religion. Paul sought apostolic approval (Galatians 1:18-19), showing deference to authority. The Council of Jerusalem resolved disputes authoritatively (Acts 15:28-29). Bishops and deacons had specific roles (1 Timothy 3:1-13), ensuring consistency. Ignatius’ writings confirm this continued into the second century. Without hierarchy, doctrine could fragment, as seen in later schisms. The Catholic Church maintains this structure through apostolic succession (CCC 77-79). This organization distinguishes Christianity as a religion, not a free-for-all faith. It reflects Christ’s intent for a unified, visible Church.
Catholicism Continues Biblical Religion
Catholicism embodies the religious framework scripture describes. Its sacraments fulfill Jesus’ commands, like baptism and the Eucharist (CCC 1210). Its hierarchy traces back to the apostles, preserving their authority (CCC 880-883). Tradition complements scripture, as Paul taught (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Critics who reject this often prioritize personal interpretation, yet the Bible shows a communal, structured faith. Catholicism’s practices—liturgy, prayer, governance—mirror early Christianity. This continuity affirms that Christianity is a religion, not merely a relationship. The Church sees itself as Christ’s body, living out his religious mission (CCC 787-789).
Addressing the “Relationship Only” View
Some claim Christianity is “not a religion, but a relationship.” While a personal bond with Christ is vital, scripture shows it exists within a religious structure. Baptism unites believers to Christ (Romans 6:3-4), but it’s a ritual act. The Eucharist deepens this bond, yet it’s a communal liturgy (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Paul’s emphasis on tradition and hierarchy assumes a relationship expressed through religion. The Catholic view integrates both—faith is personal and corporate (CCC 1655-1658). The “relationship only” idea often stems from modern individualism, not biblical evidence. Christianity’s fullness includes both dimensions, as scripture attests.
Practical Religion Pleases God
The Bible ties true religion to action, not just belief. James 1:27 defines it as caring for the needy and living morally. 1 Timothy 5:4 links it to family duty. Jesus’ commands to love and serve (Matthew 22:37-40) demand practice, not just sentiment. Catholic teaching reflects this, emphasizing works of mercy alongside faith (CCC 2447). This practical focus shows Christianity is a religion with tangible outcomes. It’s not abstract but lived out in community. The early Church modeled this, and Catholicism continues it. Religion, in this sense, is God’s design for faith’s expression.
Conclusion: Christianity Is a Biblical Religion
The Bible presents Christianity as a religion with rituals, traditions, and structure. Jesus established practices like baptism and the Eucharist, which the early Church faithfully observed. Apostolic writings affirm tradition and hierarchy as essential. Objections often misread scripture, ignoring its full context. Catholicism preserves this biblical model, integrating relationship and religion. The faith is both a personal bond and a communal system, as scripture shows. To call it only a relationship overlooks its richness. Christianity, from its biblical roots, is undeniably a religion.