You have heard many people say Christianity is not a religion yet after a little while if you ask them to name the three Abrahamic religions they will freely say Christianity, Judaism and Islam. 

When filling an application for a job and a questionnaire demands to chose which religion they belong to, they will chose Christianity.

This is a seemingly contradiction which many are not ready to answer.

To determine whether Christianity is a religion or not it is important to begin with the definitions of some key words.  Religion, Doctrine and Christianity.

What is the meaning of doctrine?  

Doctrine is (didache Gk). Teaching, instruction. A set of principles in a belief system or faith, a body of principles in government, a statement of fundamental government policy. 

Examples of synonyms of doctrine are: creed, dogma, gospel, ideology (also idealogy), philosophy, testament

Definition of religion:

1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural

(2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

3 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

John 15:4-11 (KJV) 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.

John 7:16-17 (KJV) 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

John 18:19-20 (KJV) 19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

Acts 2:42 (KJV) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

What is the meaning of doctrine?  

Doctrine is (didache Gk). Teaching, instruction. A set of principles in a belief system or faith, a body of principles in government, a statement of fundamental government policy. 

Examples of synonyms of doctrine are: creed, dogma, gospel, ideology (also idealogy), philosophy, testament

Definition of religion:

1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural

(2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

3 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

SYNTHESIS:

Christianity is a religion by definition 1: Christianity is of the service and worship of the True God Jesus Christ.

Christianity is a religion by definition 2: A faithful Christian is committed or devoted to the Christian faith. He is commanded by the Great commission to teach others to observe all the teachings of the Lord.

christianity is a religion by definition 3: Because its beliefs are held to with ardor and faith.

THE GREAT COMMISSION:

Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV) 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

The problem is disambiguation.

The other meaning of the word religion is used figuratively and sometimes sarcastically.

It is used in disdain for the act of devotion or following or doing something ritualistically without necessarily understanding or rationality.    Christianity does not fit this definition. 

So to sum up, be it known that the word religion is an ambiguous word. Therefore one may use it meaning one thing whiles another may use it meaning something else.

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