Teaching 1904–2013

Christian religion

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The question of whether religion can be Christian, and whether Christianity can be called that, or if a distinction should be made.

9readings
13quotes
2changes

Key moments

  1. 1904–1912 Introduced The expression "Christian religion" was used positively for the teaching of Christ as presented in the Bible, including his sacrifice and resurrection.
  2. 1936 Reversal Religion and Christianity were declared to be opposed to each other, and the existence of a "Christian religion" was denied. Religion was defined as traditional forms of worship, while Christianity meant obedience to God's commandments.
  3. 1953 Reversal They started using the expression 'Christian religion' again.
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Russell

Charles Taze Russell · 1877–1916

1 reading
  1. 1904–1912 Introduced

    The expression "Christian religion" was used positively for the teaching of Christ as presented in the Bible, including his sacrifice and resurrection.

    2 quotes
    The Apostle further declares that they have no need that any man teach them this basic truth. They could not be Christians at all and yet be in ignorance of this fundamental of the Christian religion-- that Christ died for their sins according to the Scriptures, and rose again for their justification—and that our justification and consequent sanctification and hope of glory are all dependent upon the fact and value of Christ's sacrifice on their behalf.
    The New Creation
    In harmony with our text, we propose to compare the religion of Jesus with all other religions. In the beginning, we state with the Apostle, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." Whatever may be said of other gospels, we believe, as Christians, that in the Christian religion we have that of which no man need be ashamed. There may perhaps be certain features and forms of certain creeds of which we might be ashamed--that do not come up to our highest ideals. But the Christian religion, as presented in the Word of God, should be the Standard of Christendom; and of that we are not ashamed.
    March 1 — The Watchtower

Rutherford

Joseph F. Rutherford · 1917–1942

3 readings
  1. 1935 Depends on context

    The practice of what was called "Christian religion" was criticized as formalism lacking God's spirit.

    1 quote
    Today the practice of "Christian religion", so called, has become merely a formalism and is entirely void of the spirit of God. Further speaking of those who lead in the practice of formal Christian religion the scripture states (2 Timothy 3:5): "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
    Who Shall Rule The World?
  2. 1936 Reversal

    Religion and Christianity were declared to be opposed to each other, and the existence of a "Christian religion" was denied. Religion was defined as traditional forms of worship, while Christianity meant obedience to God's commandments.

    1 quote
    CHRISTIANITY: "The religion of Christians; the system of doctrine and precepts taught by [Jesus] Christ; practical conformity of one's inward and outward life in the spirit of the Christian religion." — Webster. Those definitions are entirely wrong and in full conflict with the Word of God. Without a doubt in Webster's day the terms religion and Christianity were used interchangeably, and it may be said that he was excusable for so defining those terms. Religion and Christianity, as defined in the Bible, are diametrically opposed one to the other. There is not in existence, nor ever was there in existence, such a thing as "the Christian religion". The Bible, which is the Word of God, is the supreme authority in this matter, and our definitions should conform strictly to the Bible. These two terms, as shown by the Bible, are correctly defined as follows: RELIGION is any form of worship practiced or indulged in by creatures in recognition of some higher power, and which formalism and practice finds support or "authority" only in tradition. Such authority consists of the teachings of men, handed down by tradition from one generation to another. The transmission of any knowledge, doctrine, custom, practice or form of worship from fathers to descendants is tradition. Religion, as shown by the Scriptures, finds no support in the Word of God. CHRISTIANITY: According to the Bible Christianity means full obedience to the commandments of God, even as Christ Jesus obeyed and taught those commandments to others. A person is a Christian only when he has fully devoted himself to God by consecration, and then is diligent to obey God's commandments, as set forth in the Bible.
    Protection
  3. 1937–1938 Unchanged

    The rejection of the expression "Christian religion" continued: religion was attributed to the Devil or human formalism, while Christianity was defined as obedience to God.

    2 quotes
    There is no such thing in existence as “the Christian religion”, because all religion proceeds from God’s enemy, the Devil. “Christian religion” is a misnomer, fraudulent and deceptive. “Christianity” means the full and complete obedience of man to God’s commandments, even as Christ Jesus taught and obeyed God’s commandments. Therefore a person is a Christian only when he is a true follower of Christ Jesus, which means that he must be diligent in obeying God’s commandments and follow them and not the teachings of man. Religion is a great enemy, always working injury to mankind, and this without regard to whether man is sincere or otherwise. Religion is entirely out of place in the church of God.
    Enemies
    The Devil has brought into operation formalism that is called "religion", and the leaders thereof induce the people to observe forms and ceremonies, and the people are made to believe that they are thereby worshiping God and Christ Jesus, when in truth and in fact they are doing that which brings reproach to the name of God and Christ. Such practice is called "the Christian religion", when in truth and in fact there is no such thing as "Christian religion".
    May 18 — Consolation

Knorr

Nathan H. Knorr · 1942–1977

3 readings
  1. 1942–1944 Unchanged

    The publications continued to describe "Christian religion" as a false label or misnomer, contrasting it with true worship.

    2 quotes
    Years after the passing away of the apostles there was organized a religion which was falsely labeled “the Christian religion”, and an imperfect man was made the head of that religious organization and was called “pope” or “father of fathers”, contrary to the Scriptures. (Matt. 23:9)
    April 15 — The Watchtower
    As the Israelites had fallen to Baalism, the people today have turned from true worship and practice the misnamed “Christian religion”; and they suffer.
    May 15 — The Watchtower
  2. 1953 Reversal

    They started using the expression 'Christian religion' again.

    1 quote
    To be a Christian is not an easy task in these days, nor has it been at any time since the Christian religion was introduced by Christ Jesus.
    yb1953 — 1953 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses (1953)
  3. 1953–1955 Unchanged

    The publications again used "Christian religion" positively and distinguished true religion, understood as genuine worship of Jehovah, from false religion.

    2 quotes
    Description of True Christian Religion; It Means Action Jas. 1:22, 26, 27 “Become doers of the word, and not hearers...
    Make Sure Of All Things
    True religion is the genuine worship of Jehovah. False religion embraces everything against the worship of Jehovah. The word “religion” in its simplest and most common form means “a form or system of worship.” We speak of pagan religion as well as of Christian religion.
    1955 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Franz

Frederick W. Franz · 1977–1992

1 reading
  1. 1980 Unchanged

    The expression "Christian religion" remained in use, with the Bible presented as the basis for examining it.

    1 quote
    The universally recognized basis for examining the Christian religion is the Holy Bible. Interestingly, the Bible itself does not require blind faith of its readers. Warning against credulity, it states: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps." (Prov. 14:15)
    \October 1 — The Watchtower

Governing Body

1992–

1 reading
  1. 2013 Depends on context

    A report about legal recognition in Greece used the expression Christian religion for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The wording appeared in the publication’s report of the Council of State’s decision, providing a later example of accepted terminology rather than a new doctrinal definition.

    1 quote
    Jehovah’s Witnesses, a widely known Christian religion, have the right to own houses of worship
    The Watchtower, August 15, 2013, pp. 28–30, Elisha Saw Fiery Chariots—Do You?, legal report box