Do you feel like getting closer to God has made you question the value of organized religion? Why or why not?

[David]

I came across this post on Reddit and thought it would be interesting to hear how others would respond. I’m planning to share my own thoughts on it too.

As I have gotten older and gotten closer to God I have learned I don't really believe in religion anymore.

The whole Calvinists vs Arminian, Catholic vs Protestant, it is all just a load of malarkey and ultimately doesn't matter.

I think as long as one believes Christ is their Savior, that's it. The rest will come with time and faith. They will sin less and have a better life. Multiple things can be true at the same time even if it is paradoxical to us, meaning the differences in denominations are essentially meaningless.

Religion is just a very perverse way to control a population in my opinion. And I'm not necessarily calling out denomination or people who belong to a denomination, but I am calling out the people who think that only people who believe the same as them go to Heaven.

 

[David]

This was my response, what do you think:

---

I hear your frustration with the divisions and dogma in organized religion, it can feel like a lot of noise that misses the heart of faith. Your focus on Christ as Savior being the core resonates with a lot of people who’ve wrestled with these same issues. It’s like you’re saying the labels and debates are secondary to a real, personal connection to Christ, and I agree, a relationship with Jesus is the foundation. But here’s the thing, the Bible doesn’t leave room for a “choose your own truth” approach. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6). That means not everything can be true at the same time, even if it feels paradoxical to us.

Yes, religious systems often twist Scripture and divide people, but that doesn’t mean truth is unknowable or that doctrine is meaningless. God gave us His Word so we wouldn’t be tossed around by every wind of teaching (Ephesians 4:14). There is one gospel, one faith, and one truth (Ephesians 4:4–6), and anything that contradicts the Word of God is not just a harmless difference, it’s deception. Paul warned in Galatians 1:8 that even if an angel preaches another gospel, they are accursed.

When the Bible talks about “sound doctrine,” it means teaching that lines up with Scripture alone, not tradition, opinion, or church systems. That’s what Sola Scriptura means, that the Bible is the final authority in all matters of truth and faith. Second Timothy 3:16–17 says all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. If it’s not rooted in the Bible, it’s not sound doctrine.

So while I get why you’d call some of it perverse, especially when people weaponize religion to control or exclude, we still have a responsibility to know what God has actually said. Real faith isn’t about joining a side or defending a denomination, it’s about knowing the real Jesus and following Him according to His Word. Truth matters because eternity is real. So the goal isn’t to avoid all doctrine, it’s to hold to sound doctrine, meaning the Bible alone, and throw out the man-made noise. Have you been able to stay grounded in Scripture itself without getting tangled in the mess of religion?

 

[PLANofMAN]

I think it was generated by an A.I. Chatbot.

Doesn't make it any less true, but it's overly wordy, and more spectacle than substance, imo.

 

[David]

I think it was generated by an A.I. Chatbot.

Doesn't make it any less true, but it's overly wordy, and more spectacle than substance, imo.

That’s fair, I did use some help organizing my thoughts, but everything I said is rooted in Scripture, and I meant every word of it. I know it’s a bit longer than most posts, but I really wanted to be clear and thorough. I definitely wasn’t trying to be flashy, just honest about what the Bible actually says. I appreciate your feedback, though, and if anything stood out to you as off or worth discussing, I’m open to hearing it.

So what would you say to the OP?

 

[PLANofMAN]

That’s fair, I did use some help organizing my thoughts, but everything I said is rooted in Scripture, and I meant every word of it. I know it’s a bit longer than most posts, but I really wanted to be clear and thorough. I definitely wasn’t trying to be flashy, just honest about what the Bible actually says. I appreciate your feedback, though, and if anything stood out to you as off or worth discussing, I’m open to hearing it.

So what would you say to the OP?

I didn't reply directly to the OP in that reddit thread, but I did reply to a fellow who was quoting James 1:27 to make a point, which I'll post below.

As for the OP's post, I agree with them, though I think he/she would have been better served to replace the word religion with "religiosity," "denominationalism" or "ritualism":

We translate the original Greek word

> θρησκεία (thrēskeía) as 'religion.'

It's defined as referring to religious worship, especially outward ceremonial observance, ritual, or religious practice.

In James 1:26–27, the term is used critically to distinguish between mere outward religion (or religiosity) in verse 26, and true, Godly practice in verse 27. It is talking about structured or observable religious behavior, not personal faith.

Greek Text (opening phrase v.27):

> Θρησκεία καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος
Religion pure and undefiled

James is redefining the concept; not as ritual or formality, but as active compassion and moral integrity. James critiques empty religiosity (1:26) and then redefines "pure religion" as practical care and personal holiness. Reusing the word "religion" in verse 27 shows that James is not 'discarding' religion, but clarifying and defining it's meaning.

If your church isn't helping orphans and old folks (or doing other community improvement outreach programs), and calling on its membership to lead blameless and holy lives, then it isn't being a "real" church. As my pastor once said, "As a pastor, I am called to be a 'fisher of men,' not to be 'the keeper of the aquarium.'"

Just to recap, here's James 1:26, 27

“If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.
Pure and undefiled religion 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."

Doing 'Christian role-play' for an hour or two once every week isn't what is meant by the word 'religion' in verse 27.

 

[David]

If your church isn't helping orphans and old folks (or doing other community improvement outreach programs), and calling on its membership to lead blameless and holy lives, then it isn't being a "real" church. As my pastor once said, "As a pastor, I am called to be a 'fisher of men,' not to be 'the keeper of the aquarium.'"

I agree with you completely. A church which fails to care for orphans, widows, the elderly, and the needy and doesn’t call its members to holy and blameless lives violates the teachings of God’s Word. James 1: According to James 1:27 pure religion requires caring for fatherless children and widows in their suffering while maintaining personal purity from worldly influences. Pure religion requires active service to others and personal moral purity. Instead of serving as a refuge of comfort and habit, the church exists to function as a dynamic entity that follows Jesus while ministering to those who haven’t yet found faith and living righteously. I liked the way your pastor reminded us that our mission involves catching men rather than managing the aquarium. When a church fails to prepare its members to follow Jesus and serve others while obeying His Word they have completely missed their purpose.

 

[Johan]

Hi all the Brothers in the Name of Jesus.

I came from "religiosity" as it is named here. I even became a leader in it in being a Reverend in the Dutch Reformed Church. And then came the crisis which God used to remove me from that system and enter me into The Brotherhood. The introduction to my spiritual Growth was by a Brother who gave me my Milk to drink. Theology or "religiosity" never gave me any Spiritual Growth. But the Brothers whom I met brought that to me. Thus I found the Love of the Holy Spirit from our "Abba Father/Daddy" in the Brotherhood. As oppose to the dead life of Adam I lived in being "honored/worshiped" as Reverend. And I met practically with the Words of Jehovah who spoke in Jesus the warning to not be called "Rabbi" because we are all "Brothers".

PSALM 133.​

A Song of degrees of David.​

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!*n1
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

I entered working with those picking fruit on farms and those doing the hard labor in building contract work. But I entered the Holy Spirit and knows the difference between religiosity and the Real Life through Walking and Living by the Holy Spirit of Love in the Brotherhood. Where I learned about meetings in the Name of Jesus in 2 and 3 persons. And God who was always my "Abba Father/Daddy", Jehovah became a reality to me in Loving Him and enjoying His Love for me which He also gave me to Love my new found Brothers. Because I only had "slaves" worshiping me as "Reverend". Thus I saw the spirit of the "Rabbi" in having been one in "Reverend".

And I entered "blocking all" trying to call me "Reverend". Because our Daddy said we have to do this "blocking".

Mat. 23: 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

And I entered "despising" that spirit of being "honored/worshiped" by my Brothers.

John 5:
39 ¶Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Thus I started existing in the "Holy Kiss". Which i came to know is "Brother in the Name of Jesus". Or just "Brother". Never "pastor or apostle or bishop or whatever". Just as Paul was "Brother Paul" in the Power or Anointing of an Apostle.

2 Peter 3: 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;


And I learned that there are no "titles of exaltation" but Gifts which are in this case the Gift of Apostle in that classification given to those with the Anointing to go to other nations and create Edifying House Meetings there. And all other names of classification were all Gifts and never titles of exaltation which you have to buy at seminaries with money and hard work.

The Gifts is the Name of your Anointing you receive from Daddy through Brothers who discern the specific Power of your Anointing on you and then give you that classification accordingly.

 

[bobinfaith]

Hello everyone;

These are my thoughts. We can never fathom our God whose ways are beyond our reach, but He loves us unconditionally and wants us to know, learn and grow in our relationship with Him. The Bible, prayer, praise / worship, listening, unlimited, is God's infinite way for us to understand and draw closer to Him.

Yes, it challenges us to dig deeper, but God will equip us with wisdom and knowledge while speaking to us through His Word. It's a discipline, or discipleship; the more we search Him the more He reveals.

Truth is, our freedom of speech in social platforms allow non-believers, nominal and even seasoned Christians to express, critique religion, denoms, doctrines, or making it up as they go along, etc...to justify Christian faith and discipleship "their way" instead of His Way.

Sad, but people get a rush in these squabbles. Did I win the argument, get the last word, or is my point impressive? This is lazy.

We use too many human experiences and Christianese words that lead to our failure from "people and charismatic" versions of spiritual growth instead of allowing ourselves to experience God, Son and Spirit growth.

These are my thoughts but come with lessons. When my brother and sister present their views on Christ, being still, listening, praying, referring to the Scriptures and asking God, is a benefit to help me continue learning and growing for His glory.

God bless everyone, thank you and Merry Christmas.

bobinfaith

 

[David]

I came from "religiosity" as it is named here. I even became a leader in it in being a Reverend in the Dutch Reformed Church. And then came the crisis which God used to remove me from that system and enter me into The Brotherhood. The introduction to my spiritual Growth was by a Brother who gave me my Milk to drink. Theology or "religiosity" never gave me any Spiritual Growth. But the Brothers whom I met brought that to me. Thus I found the Love of the Holy Spirit from our "Abba Father/Daddy" in the Brotherhood. As oppose to the dead life of Adam I lived in being "honored/worshiped" as Reverend. And I met practically with the Words of Jehovah who spoke in Jesus the warning to not be called "Rabbi" because we are all "Brothers".

Thank you for posting your heart. I can sense the Lord really brought you through to the other side, and it is always encouraging to hear when someone goes from empty religious forms to a true walk with Christ. Psalm 133 is a beautiful reminder of what God has always desired for His people. True unity is good and pleasant because it comes from the Lord. It is like the anointing oil that ran down Aaron's beard and like the refreshing dew on Hermon. Wherever God's people walk together in truth and humility, He commands His blessing ~Psalm 133:1–3.

At the same time, I know we are all facing the reality that many of our leaders today simply cannot handle the Scriptures faithfully. That makes it very hard to know who to trust. I know that burden, and it is one I have been wrestling through myself as well.

For me, the one constant has been remaining anchored in what God has spoken. When unity grows out of obedience to His Word, it is strong. When it grows out of human ideas, it always breaks down. So I appreciate your desire for real fellowship, and I also want to keep holding everything to the standard of Scripture, because that is where the blessing of unity truly rests.

Grace to you.

 

[David]

Hello everyone;

These are my thoughts. We can never fathom our God whose ways are beyond our reach, but He loves us unconditionally and wants us to know, learn and grow in our relationship with Him. The Bible, prayer, praise / worship, listening, unlimited, is God's infinite way for us to understand and draw closer to Him.

Yes, it challenges us to dig deeper, but God will equip us with wisdom and knowledge while speaking to us through His Word. It's a discipline, or discipleship; the more we search Him the more He reveals.

Truth is, our freedom of speech in social platforms allow non-believers, nominal and even seasoned Christians to express, critique religion, denoms, doctrines, or making it up as they go along, etc...to justify Christian faith and discipleship "their way" instead of His Way.

Sad, but people get a rush in these squabbles. Did I win the argument, get the last word, or is my point impressive? This is lazy.

We use too many human experiences and Christianese words that lead to our failure from "people and charismatic" versions of spiritual growth instead of allowing ourselves to experience God, Son and Spirit growth.

These are my thoughts but come with lessons. When my brother and sister present their views on Christ, being still, listening, praying, referring to the Scriptures and asking God, is a benefit to help me continue learning and growing for His glory.

God bless everyone, thank you and Merry Christmas.

bobinfaith

Thanks for your concern to see people have a genuine relationship with God rather than just a skin deep religion. The Bible does call us to seek Him and to grow in wisdom and you are right that He uses His Word to conform us to the image of Christ as we approach Him ~James 4:8; ~1 Peter 2:2.

I also agree with your assessment of the online world. Freedom of speech allows for anyone to speak into matters of the Spirit whether they know the truth or not. Paul wrote that many would abandon the sound teaching and seek out those teachers that appealed to them ~2 Timothy 4:3–4. So the reminder to stay humble, pray, and return to Scripture is good.

At the same time, I have found that biblical growth is always the result of the truth God has already spoken. Experiences can be helpful, but it is the Scriptures that teach, rebuke, and train us ~2 Timothy 3:16–17. When brothers and sisters share their ideas and point one another back to God’s Word, that is where the real fruit is found.

So thanks for the encouragement to keep listening, praying, and seeking the Lord. And at the same time, I also want to be anchored to the Word as the final authority because that is where God provides clarity and keeps us from drifting.

Grace to you