Many people tell me, "XXX is not a religion; it is a way of life." My pastor just mentioned this again in his Wednesday prayer sharing. "Christianity is not a religion, it is a way of life."
I believe that any system of beliefs is a religion if it seeks to explain beyond death. To me, atheism is a religion because it seeks to tell you that there is nothing beyond death. If you are an atheist and God exists, you are in trouble. Of course Christianity is a religion. The Bible tells you that God exists and is ever ready to punish you in hell because you are a sinner. But there is always redemption in Christ, the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Christianity, atheism and other religions all seek to tell you something beyond death.
When you practised your religion, it becomes your way of life. So a religion is the set of beliefs and a way of life is the practice of the beliefs. Let us not confuse people by saying "XXX is not a religion; it is a way of life."
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