The Truth Is More Important Than The Facts

the word "religion" has negative connotations. i think when we think of someone who is "religious" we think of them having a list of rules and things they can and can't (mostly can't) do and are legalistic and judgemental and have no fun. i think lots of people view the word "christian" in the same way. in conversations i've had with people about being a christian, i've tried to convey that it's not about being religious but about a relationship with Jesus and not about doing and saying the "right" thing. so, maybe we don't understand the true meaning but i think we have to meet people how they see it.

"system" of faith and worship... That's my problem. Christ is not a "system". Religion, by definition, implies that the almighty God can be confined to a "system".

i'm not sure what you're problem is there Jer, no where does it say that God is confined to the religion. it says religion is a system of faith and worship. no matter how you approach christianity, there will be a system to it. the system of a faith is simply the ways and means that you practice that faith in a Truth (preferably the Truth of almighty God.)

also, the Christ and Paul both leave us a multitude of instructions as to how to live as Christians and how to follow a path towards becoming more Christlike. that is a system, a method, and in the end a religion. James 1:27 actually says that true religion (i'm looking at four translations and all four use the word) in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.