OTC 3: Religion vs. Relationship

Outside the Camp with Chip Brogden

What is the difference between religion and relationship? I think it’s something we need to seriously consider. You know, I use that word relationship quite a bit, and I think most people assume that having a relationship with God, and being religious, is just about the same thing. 9 out of 10 church people, if you ask them if they have a relationship with God, will say, “Well yeah, of course I have a relationship with God. That’s why I go to church once, twice, three times a week.” And if you ever get a chance to talk about your relationship with God, they will look at you funny and say (either to themselves or sometimes out loud), “How can you have a relationship with God if you don’t even go to church?” So you see, I don’t think people have the right appreciation for the difference between religion and relationship.