Re: Don't Forget to Vote Today! :)
I understand where you are coming from, but here is my take on the religion of Christianity. When Christianity is treated as just another belief system, then it is very easy to to take the focus off the completed work of Christ and become more works oriented. Then we become just like the Pharisees Jesus condemned as hypocrites.
To me the essence and the primary difference of Christianity is that it is far more than a belief system or philosophy, it is a living faith based on a personal relationship with Christ. When we are born again we become a new creation, not only does the Holy Spirit bear witness with our spirits, we actually receive and become the temple of the Spirit.
Sadly, there are many religious Christians who live in quiet desperation, worried about being good enough to please an angry and vengeful God. These people have never experienced Grace and Mercy. No matter how many good works they may do, they can never measure up. When one is saved by Grace through Faith, then the religion is replaced by a very real and personal relationship. Can any other religion make that claim?