Faith Without Denomination: A Personal Religion Interview

Introduction: Identifying as Non-Denominational Christian

An interview was conducted with a 30-year-old woman, and this essay examines her answers within the context of her identity as it pertains to religion and religious belief. The first question asked what she identified as. Her answer was non-denominational Christian. What does it mean to be a non-denominational Christian? It means these Christians choose not to formally align with an established Christian religious denomination (Lantzer). In essence, they hold on to the framework of basic Protestant tenets, electing to identify themselves as "born-again Christians" or simply "Christians." When someone chooses this kind of Christianity, they desire to believe in and follow the word of Jesus Christ, but not through a specific tradition or group.

Religious Upbringing and the Formation of Belief

Her current stance may be understood through the lens of her origins with Christianity. Her family is Baptist, and while she attended church services around the age of 6 or 7, she did not go to church during her teenage years. Although her parents identify as Baptist, they did not make it a requirement for their family to attend church on Sundays or other days. This lax religious environment could have contributed to her current standing as a non-denominational Christian. Because she was not consistently exposed to the traditions shared by practicing Baptists, she lost her denominational religious identity early on, at least in the sense of belonging to the Baptist sect.

When asked how she defines religion, she described it as a structured and systematic belief system. She did not want to place herself in such a systematic "box." Instead, she wanted to believe in Jesus Christ and God as they are — without the traditions and rules that often accompany religion, and especially those found in certain Christian sects. This attitude is quite common among those who have lost their way and later found Christ and God again. There is simply a desire to believe rather than to adhere to a prescribed set of guidelines and rules.

The Role of Faith in Personal Well-Being

When asked how religion plays a role in a person's personal being or well-being, she stressed its extreme importance. In her words, it is important to recognize that people are parts of a greater whole rather than simply individuals. She described the sense of not being alone — of being connected to a higher power. This higher power, who has her best interest at heart, is not only comforting to her but also gives her life meaning and purpose. Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for humanity, and in His story she finds the belief that there is someone out there who cares, who loves, and who will forgive trespasses. This is why religion provides comfort to so many who feel they need it.

She also answered how important religion is to her in general, and with passion and fervor she explained it as the most significant part of her existence. She emphasized, however, that her faith in God is the most important aspect — not necessarily religion in general. She explained that her relationship with God changed both her life and her perspective on people and the world. Because of her relationship with God, she changed how she interacts with others, and because of those changes, she has peace of mind even amid the chaos of day-to-day life.

Having a relationship with God and faith in God gives people a sense of assurance and clarity. She felt not only that she was no longer alone, but that the world did not have to be a certain way for her to enjoy it. She gained a sense of self and stability when she accepted the Lord into her heart. So while formal religion does not play an active role in her life, her love and faith in God do.

While religion may not play an active role in her daily life, the moral codes found in the Bible do. She describes how she fully incorporates her faith by praying multiple times a day, attempting to make choices based on Biblical beliefs, and sharing the positive results of her relationship with God when the opportunity arises. She does not feel the need to try to convert others to her faith. However, she does believe in letting people know how happy she is because of her faith and belief in God. This comes not only from a genuine place, but also from a place of gratitude and love. She is grateful that the Lord and Christ have given her a way to feel happy every day.

Conclusion: Personal Faith as a Path to Fulfillment

God has given her something that no one else could. Her connection to God has given her a fountain of strength with which she could find herself and find hope. There is much meaning in the Word of God as found in the Bible that lifts people up from despair. And while religion has never played a significant role in her life, faith in God has enabled her to grow in a positive and beneficial way.

Her relationships have improved with others. She no longer feels unsure. She feels confident in herself. More importantly, she feels connected. Life has meaning to her now, thanks to God and her faith in God. This interview revealed that religion does not have to play a major role in a person's life in order for that person to feel spiritual fulfillment. Her final answer — "You can be religious and not be spiritual" — shows that while religion has its use in society, it is not a requirement for being connected to God.

Religion is merely one way for people to connect with God, but it is not the only way. It helps, but it does not have to be the sole means of loving God and communicating with God. She shows that one can have faith and be fulfilled in a deeply personal way. That is perhaps the most important thing to be derived from her answers. She truly seems fulfilled and happy thanks to her connection to God. This is why people should not necessarily veer away from religion, but rather embrace whatever they feel will help bring them closer to God and Jesus Christ — because it is in God that people find peace, love, and hope, and a connection they cannot find anywhere else.

Works Cited

Lantzer, Jason S. Mainline Christianity. New York: New York University Press, 2012. Print.

Wilberforce, William, and Kevin Charles Belmonte. A Practical View of Christianity. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996. Print.