Religion or Faith?

Religion is not nearly as enjoyable as faith. Religion has to do with knowing the rules, teaching the rules, reminders of the rules, and punishing infractions of the rules. Religion is about expectations for behavior. Religion, seemingly, does not leave much room for experience. Why must there be rules?

The rules exist to direct behavior, to promote safety, and to teach respect. All of these are to facilitate order, in that order to encourage discovery, and in that discovery to bring engagement. The trouble is that all people do not respond or learn in the very same ways.

Religion exists as a method of consistently remembering and offering faith. Faith is what comes about when religion does what it is intended to do. When the “you have to” of religion is replaced by the “I want to” of faith, then the method has succeeded.

Religion says, “you have to go.” Faith says, “I want to go.” Religion says, “you have to share this much.” Faith says, “I want to share more.” Religion says that not everyone can be a part. Faith says that all are welcome. Religion says, “you can’t do that.” Faith says, “I can’t not do that.”

In the law given in the Old Testament, there were punishments prescribed for those who had sinned. The purpose was to draw the worshipper nearer in faith and to begin to discover the lawgiver. It was a method to invite engagement. After all, what does God really want, or humans really need, ritual stuff or relationship? Humans are made for relationship with God (Micah 6:6-8). Practice says that the outward, symbolic, token things are often helpful to connect with the God who forgives and who gives life.

When the outward things are done, then the rules teachers and enforcers are satisfied, but the Holy Spirit never stops drawing human creation toward life in its loving creator. God’s invitation is for all life to be abundant through relationship.

For most, when something is a “have to,” then it becomes a limit, a maximum. Think of government taxes. Do you want to give more? No way! We want to pay as little as is legal. When the limit is out of the way and faith can operate, then it becomes the minimum, the beginning point. Where do I go from here? How can I help? When faith comes, it brings the introduction to the tools, the resources, and the goal. Where it leads is limited only by imagination and desire.

Religion is human. It is a beginning, an introduction, not an ending. Faith is based in our experience and relationship with God. Faith is what so pleases God. Faith both sustains us and drives us. It offers an outlet for our interests and abilities.

Let’s leave behind the “have to” and discover what we can accomplish with the power of faith. Faith leads to abundant life. Engage and live!