In this episode of “Why Do Christians…?”, Mark, Pastor Burt, and Pastor Josh dig into the popular phrase, “It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship.” Where did it come from, what did it originally mean, and has it actually hurt how we think about faith?

They trace the idea through revival movements, Campus Crusade For Christ, and the push against “dead formalism.” They ask: did we swing too far in reacting against “organized religion”? The guys talk Pharisees, church hurt, deconstruction, and why the New Testament actually assumes we’ll be part of an organized, structured church community—with pastors, teaching, communion, and accountability.

If you’ve ever said “I’m spiritual, not religious,” or felt burned by church culture, this conversation will challenge how you see religion, relationship, and the local church—and why the answer to bad religion isn’t no religion, but good religion.

The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.com

Feedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.org

Download The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest podcast episodes as soon as they are published!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ZQUeRbVEw1C8-1lRK9BYw

Pastor Burt Miller is the Lead Pastor of Solid Ground Church in Lewes, DE

https://solidground.church/

Pastor Josh Dupiche is the Lead Pastor of Hope Church in Milford, DE

https://www.hopebfc.church/

Mark Dickey hosts the Afternoon Show on The Bridge weekdays from 3-7pm EST

https://www.wearethebridge.org/station/staff/mark-dickey/

Intro Music thanks to Luca Francini

https://www.youtube.com/@lucafrancinimusic