Distinguishing Between Religious and Non-Religious Christians: A Personal Exploration

Christianity, like any religion, can be experienced in many different ways. Some Christians are deeply religious, attending church multiple times a week and treating their faith more like a devotion or even an addiction. Others see their faith as a practical and pragmatic lifestyle, engaging in regular church attendance and community involvement without being overly bound by traditional religious practices.

Religious Christians

My in-laws exemplify the overtly religious approach to Christianity. They devoutly adhere to a rigorous schedule of church attendance, attending morning, evening, and even Wednesday services. Their faith is more than a personal belief; it's a key aspect of their lifestyle and a source of community and tradition. However, some might say that their religious observance has a more added-on or behavioral quality rather than a fully integrated, inner spiritual experience.

Non-Religious Christians

My friend Maggie, on the other hand, represents a more integrated and practical approach to her Christian faith. She has a rough past but has found resilience and direction through her faith. Maggie's approach to God is less about outward adherence and more about a lifestyle of loving service and community. Though she attends church and has a group of fellow believers, her faith is not so much a cage but a framework for her life.

Spiritual Christians

Selective and all-encompassing, spiritual Christians often lead their lives with a balance of devotion and practical application. Kim, a friend from the church, embodies this type. She is deeply integrated into her faith, often referred to as a spiritual shepherd. Her faith is so deeply ingrained in her daily life that it shapes her entire worldview. She is ordained, and her preaching reflects her commitment to guiding and nurturing others.

My Journey and Position

I sit in a different place. My journey away from the church began in 1999, driven by a combination of personal experiences, dissatisfaction with some aspects of institutional church, and a broader philosophical skepticism of religious dogma. I have always been agnostic, believing in a supernatural force or power that could be referred to as God. However, I have also seen enough examples of religiously toxic behavior and hierarchical abuse to steer clear of mainstream church structures.

My current approach to faith is rooted in a belief in a universal, overarching power rather than a specific deity. This belief is not the end-all explanation of the universe, but it is a starting point for me. I do not view God as an arbiter of moral superiority or political control; instead, I see God as a force for united purpose, with humanity's role as stewards and guide.

Religious Behavior vs. Spiritual Heart

The distinction between outward religious behavior and an inner spiritual experience is a significant theme in my reflections. The former, the religious christian, often engages in overt practices and rituals, which can give the appearance of piety. For many, these behaviors serve as a form of self-expression or a way to belong to a community. However, from a spiritual perspective, the true essence of faith is not in the actions but in the heart and the relationship with God.

As the Bible suggests, these outward behaviors—self-imposed religious observances, false humility, neglect of the body—mean nothing to God if they are not accompanied by an inward transformation. The apostle Paul writes in Colossians 2:23, “These have their outward appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religious observance and the worship of angels, and have their own enigmatic writings. Their teachings you must disregard, because their foundation is legend rather than Christ.”

Ultimately, the most profound and transformative aspect of faith is not the external practices but the heart's encounter with the divine. In this sense, whether a person is religious or non-religious, the real essence of Christianity is found in the transformation of the individual and the love and service one extends to others. What matters is not the outward observance but the inward journey and the fruits of that journey.

Conclusion

Christianity, like any faith, can be approached in many different ways. Whether one is a religious Christian, a non-religious Christian, or a spiritual Christian, the core of faith lies in the heart and the impact one has on the world. The outward behaviors may be important, but the true meaning of faith is found in the inner transformation and the love that overflow from the heart.

In my own journey, I seek a balance between faith and critical thinking, between community and individuality. Together, I believe a rich and meaningful Christian existence can be cultivated. But ultimately, the true essence of Christianity lies in the transformation of the individual and the love that is shared.

Key terms: religious christian, non-religious christian, spirituality in Christianity