We’ve all encountered times when we’re surrounded by people chatting when suddenly the topic of church and Christians becomes the center of the conversation. Usually when this happens, if it’s among people who’ve had a bad experience, the expression towards this topic is negative. Here are some false beliefs the word of God debunks.
False statement: “Christianity is a religion”
When we hear the word religion we think of organized beliefs, practices, and even systems. We know that religious people practice rituals that can be memorized and repeated day after day.
But Christianity is not a religious pattern.
We don’t practice systems to be called “Christians,” instead our prayers blossom from inside of us. It’s a language that our Father in heaven understands as we pour our hearts into him.
The Bible points out that the most religious person also has shortcomings and because of that religion can’t save humanity – only Jesus can.
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
James 1:26
In the Bible, the Pharisees were the best examples of religious leaders who deceived themselves. Their religion didn’t teach them what God sees as valuable.
Matthew 23:23 says, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
False statement: “Christianity is a business”
We’ve all met speakers who proclaim to be called by God, who’ve made church a business and money their idol. Those leaders deceive congregations by asking for money in exchange for a miracle, but the truth is that the Spirit of God cannot be bought.
Acts 8:9-24 says, “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ Peter answered: May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!”
There are church-goers that use the church as a networking event to try to promote their own products. Or even churches that focus on meeting profits more than they focus on the church’s mission to save souls.
“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.”
Matthew 21:12
False statement: “Christianity is a tradition”
Many religions are passed down from generation to generation, without question. Those who choose a different religion than what their parents practiced are looked down upon, but becoming a Christian is different.
We don’t choose to follow Christ only because it was our parent’s faith. We have our own convictions and we make our own decision to stay or leave.
Those who decide to be Christians choose to because of their personal knowledge and relationship with God.
Revelations 22:17 says, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
A lot of churches still enforce their members to follow and focus on the law by setting a list of rules that cannot be broken. Those rules become religious practices. If a member breaks a rule, then there are consequences that are set by leaders and not God.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1:17
The Bible clearly says that we are not saved by rules. It’s impossible to be perfect because no human can keep the entire law. This is the reason why God sent his only son, to die for us, so that we may live in him. Only Jesus Christ is perfect and because of him, we are saved.
James 2:10 says “ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
False statement: “Christianity is a cult”
A group that calls itself Christian but forces its members to do something and makes them feel guilty if they don’t, is considered a cult. First of all, the word of God says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
A cult’s main focus is to bring in new members, questions are discouraged, leaders try to dictate how one feels by conveying deep conversations and then attacking you, and members must devote an excessive amount of time to the group. If their rules are not followed, they are punished.
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”
2 Peter 2:1
False Preachers
Pastors that manipulate their congregation are not worthy of being called Christians. They are false teachers who mirror the enemy’s goal. Their job is simply to deceive.
John 8:44 says, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
The Bible also warns us against those false leaders. They will catch anyone who pays attention to them, especially those who are new to the faith.
Romans 16:17-18 says “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”
We must know that all of those false statements said against Christians do not define us. We must take a stand and be the example of Jesus that this world needs. If false teachers, traditions, cults, religions, and practices are ruining our reputation, we must be the ones that reflect the real meaning of Christianity to those around us.
Prayer against false beliefs
Dear Lord,
Thank you, God, for allowing me to know you. Your word is the only truth I can firmly stand on. Thank you for being my foundation. I ask you to have mercy on me and remove any false belief I’ve created or allowed others to create about you and the church. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I’ve been part of the issue. Forgive me for the times I’ve represented you wrongly to others who don’t know you. I also forgive those who’ve caused me to think of you differently.
If some part of my life has become religious and I’ve judged others without offering grace, forgive me. If I’ve participated in using your church as a business, forgive me. I want to know and experience you for myself, not because of a tradition. Allow me to drink the water of life only you can offer. Also, I ask you to forgive me if I ever became part of a cult or turn my faith into one. Help me to be a good example of you, so I can help others come to you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.