The Rosary Dad

Christian faith is not a “religion of the book.” Christianity is the religion of the “Word” of God, a word which is “not a written and mute word, but the Word is incarnate and living”.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 108)

I once had a conversation online about Jesus and religion. I also frequently hear this phrase from friends or see it in posts on social media: “It’s all about Jesus, not religion.” But what’s wrong with this statement? To address this, we first need to define two key terms: religion and Jesus.

What Is Religion?

Here are some definitions of religion:

• From the Encyclopedia Britannica: Religion is the human belief in and reverence for a higher power or divine being, typically expressed through worship, rituals, and moral codes.
• From Google: Religion is a particular system of faith and worship, especially one involving a belief in a divine or supernatural power.
• From the Internet: Religion is an organized collection of beliefs, practices, and cultural systems that connect humanity with the divine or sacred.

The word religion comes from the Latin root religare, meaning “to bind” or “to connect.” This reflects its purpose: to bind oneself to God and to worship the divine. At its essence, religion involves a relationship with God and devotion to Him.

Religion: A set of beliefs and practices followed by those committed to the service and worship of God. The first commandment requires us to believe in God to worship and serve Him as the virtue of religion.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 108 and CCC 2095-2096)

Who Is Jesus?

• Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:1, 14).
• He is the King of the Universe (Revelation 19:16).
• The Divine Healer (Matthew 4:23).
• One of the three persons of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Why the Phrase Is Faulty

Now that we understand the definitions, it becomes clear why the phrase “It’s all about Jesus, not religion” is problematic. If we claim it’s “all about Jesus” but not “religion,” are we denying Jesus’s divinity? Are we ignoring that religion, by definition, involves worshiping the divine?

Another variation is, “It’s all about relationship, not religion.” This too misunderstands the term. Religion is a relationship—a covenantal bond with God. Distorting its meaning leads to confusion and diminishes the significance of worship.

Unfortunately, some people use this phrase to undermine the value of religion and separate it from worshiping Jesus as God. Others employ it as a “marketing strategy” to draw followers to certain congregations, often at the expense of deepening their faith.

St. James, in his letter, clarifies the distinction between true and false religion:

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27, RSV-CE).

What Should We Do?

1. Worship God with your whole heart:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30).

2. Follow His commandments:

“If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

3. Trust in the Lord completely:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

4. Build an authentic relationship with Jesus:

Our faith should not rely on fleeting emotions but on the truth of who Jesus is.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

5. Remember Jesus is Lord of Lords:

Worship Him as the King of Kings, regardless of circumstances or feelings.

“On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16). 

Jesus is King!