Perhaps you have heard this phrase before, “Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship.”

This statement is frequently made by very well-intentioned Christians who wish to emphasize the relational aspect of Christianity. They want to let people know that God is not mean, vindictive and spiteful; the God of Christianity is one of peace, justice and love.

The phrase is undoubtedly true in the fact that God loves all humankind, including every person in an individual and relational way.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17 ESV).

But the sentiment goes too far when it asserts that Christianity is not a religion. There are deep problems implied with that idea.

First, it implies that Christianity does not have traditions, beliefs and practices to which orthodox Christians must subscribe. It suggests that Christianity can be subjectivized and privatized at the expense of historic teachings, mores and values.

It implies that since Christianity is only a relationship, faith is just, “Whatever it means to you and Jesus.”

Over 11,500 film and television writers pushed themselves away from their keyboards last night triggering the first Hollywood strike in 15 years.

Reports indicate the first shows to shut down were late night programs — NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” CBS’s “The Late Show,” ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and Comedy Central’s “Daily Show.”

Those shows will be in reruns for the week, but the prospect of them not producing new trash disguised in the form of supposed humor strikes many of us as a win for the discerning public.

My friend and former Focus on the Family colleague Bob Waliszewski, who headed up our Plugged In department for several decades, seemed to echo this sentiment when he shared his first take on social media:

“The news reported that Hollywood’s writer strike would impact my ‘favorite shows.’ Nope! outside of local and national news and occasional sports, I have no favorite shows. None. Nada. Zero! Perhaps the answer here is becoming clearer!”

Our friends at the Babylon Bee struck a similar chord, featuring a story with the headline:

“Hollywood Movie Quality Expected To Improve Exponentially As Writers Go On Strike”

Writers are demanding higher pay and increased residuals from streaming programming.