Churchianity is a term used to describe a form of Christianity that places more emphasis on church traditions, denominationalism, religious rituals, and institutionalism than on having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The term is sometimes used pejoratively to criticize practices or beliefs seen as paying lip service to Christianity without genuinely embracing the teachings of Jesus. Here is an overview of what the term churchianity means and where it comes from:
Origins of the Term Churchianity
The term “churchianity” is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century among more evangelical and non-denominational Christian groups. It was used to critique established churches that were seen as institutionalizing faith, relying on ritual over relationship, and being more concerned with numbers and appearances than genuine discipleship. Some trace the phrase back to Charles Spurgeon, a famous 19th century Baptist preacher, who reportedly said: “Many churches have unconverted ministers, ungodly church members, and are so busy with churchianity that they neglect Christianity.”
The term churchianity gained more prominence in the 20th century as groups like fundamentalists and Pentecostals sought to differentiate themselves from mainline denominations. They emphasized concepts like being born again, having a personal relationship with Jesus, the necessity of evangelism, and the importance of reading the Bible for oneself over just attending church and going through the motions. Churchianity was seen as an empty faith, whereas their version of Christianity was a living faith.
What Churchianity Tends to Emphasize
Those who use the term churchianity negatively tend to associate it with some or all of the following characteristics:
– Emphasis on church attendance, membership, programs and expansion over personal spirituality. Going to church becomes an end in itself rather than a means to grow closer to God.
– Highly organized and institutionalized leadership structures in churches that can hinder spontaneity and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
– Many church rituals, liturgies, and traditions not clearly based on the Bible. Rituals can become routine rather than meaningful expressions of faith.
– Legalistic adherence to church doctrines and denominational stances without room for critical thought and discernment.
– Concern over respectability, appearance and social status of church members over issues of justice, morality and care for the marginalized.
– Preoccupation with raising funds for elaborate church facilities and ministries over simpler New Testament models of fellowship and worship.
– Tendency towards dogmatism, self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes towards those with differing views. Lack of humility and grace.
– Hypocrisy of church leaders not practicing in private what they preach in public. Scandals covered up to protect image of ministry.
– Emphasis on quantity of converts over quality of disciples. Pressuring decisions for baptism or membership without ensuring genuine life-change.
In essence, churchianity represents a human-centered institutional approach to faith versus a Christ-centered organic approach to developing a deep, personal walk with God impacting all of one’s life. It places religion over relationship, creed over Christ, and ritual over righteousness.
Positives Churchianity Does Offer
While churchianity has its critics, there are some positive elements it does provide that should be acknowledged:
– Structure for corporate worship, fellowship and service. Some liturgy and ritual provide meaning and beauty. Organization facilitates mobilization of resources for ministry.
– Continuity with history. Established churches connect Christians to centuries of tradition, intellectual thought and historical creeds. This legacy should not be casually discarded.
– Training and discipleship opportunities. Established churches have developed programs for Bible study, leadership training, and spiritual formation. These can help believers grow if properly prioritized.
– Facilities and resources. Traditional churches allow pooling of gifts and resources to fund buildings, seminaries, publications and missions outreach. This enables ministry that individuals could not accomplish alone.
– Accountability and discipline. Institutional structures can provide mechanisms of doctrinal and ethical accountability for leaders backed by governing boards and congregational government. Discipline can be exercised on members who stray morally.
– Social justice advocacy. Denominations can coordinate responses on social and moral issues nationally and globally in ways individual churches cannot. They provide unified platforms for advocacy and influence.
So while churchianity should not be embraced as the only expression of authentic faith, aspects of organized religion does serve a role in resourcing ministry, facilitating community and bringing Christian witness to society.
What the Bible Says About External Forms of Religion
There are a number of passages in the New Testament that challenge notions of churchianity and warn believers against merely going through the motions of faith without sincere devotion to God:
– Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for prioritizing rules and rituals over loving God and neighbor (Matthew 23:23-24). He called out hypocrisy and lack of compassion behind external shows of piety.
– Jesus said true worshippers worship in spirit and in truth, not just external ritual (John 4:23-24). Form without heart-felt substance is meaningless to God.
– The prophet Hosea said God desires steadfast love not sacrifice, a change of heart over empty ritual (Hosea 6:6).
– Paul said true circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit not just physical circumcision (Romans 2:28-29). Outward conformity means nothing without inward transformation.
– Jesus’ half-brother James blasted those who merely hear the Word but don’t do it (James 1:22-25). An intellectual faith that doesn’t impact how one lives and treats others is worthless.
– Paul warns against those having an appearance of godliness but lacking the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). Religious form without spiritual fruit.
– Jesus indicated trees that do not bear good fruit will be cut down (Matthew 7:15-20). Our lives must demonstrate Christ-like character and conduct.
– Paul said the letter of the law kills but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6). Obeying religious rules cannot change hearts. Only the Holy Spirit can convert a soul.
So while corporate worship, service, ritual and organized religion have their place, the Bible clearly emphasizes the importance of inward change, practical righteousness and bearing spiritual fruit in one’s life. Christianity is about life transformation not just church conformity.
How to Move from Churchianity to Authentic Faith
For those desiring to move past empty churchianity to a dynamic personal faith, here are some tips that can help:
– Make your personal devotional time a priority over other religious duties. Study the Bible for yourself rather than just listening to sermons. Pray conversationally. Worship and meditate on God’s goodness.
– Assess areas where you may just be going through the motions out of habit or pressure. Reflect on what biblical principles would have you do instead.
– Evaluate if your church life is balanced between learning, fellowship and service – or if it leans too heavily towards traditions and institution. Seek community that nourishes you spiritually.
– Examine your motives. Do you serve God and attend church to be seen by others or to truly know and honor Christ? What changes might make your faith more God-centered?
– Don’t just study biblical facts – put the Word into practice. Identify any areas of hypocrisy or disobedience. Pray for empowerment to walk your talk.
– Focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These qualities will impact all your relationships and flow from an inner love of God.
– Extend compassion to those outside your normal circles. Ask how you can witness God’s goodness to people beyond the walls of church buildings.
– Advocate for biblical justice and morality in society, not just personal piety. Speak up for the disadvantaged and oppressed.
A living, authentic faith transforms every area of a believer’s life. It flows from a place of humility, sincere devotion to God and compassion towards others. The goal is not just knowing the truth but walking in it and demonstrating the love of Jesus every day.
Conclusion
Churchianity and organized religion can serve good purposes when kept in biblical balance with personal spirituality. But they are no substitute for having a vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and allowing His Spirit to sanctify us, change our hearts and bear good fruit through our lives. Christianity is best lived out relationally, not ritually. At the end of the day, it’s about loving God and people – not just attending church. Authentic faith impacts how we live far more than just conforming to a set of religious rules or traditions.