We're becoming less religious - but not in the good way

I don't think Jesus wants us to be religious. At all. I believe Jesus desires relationship over ritual. Revolution over routine.

Far too often, Christianity forgets about Christ. Far too often, the practices of Christianity overshadow the very Savior that is preached. Christ's message, His character, His legacy, His kingdom, His commands, His grace, His Good News, His life, His Death, His resurrection, His love, His purpose...take a back seat to mere "religion" all too regularly.

How does this happen? And, how can I - despite a yearning to stay away from religiosity - fall into religion's trap over and over again?

I want to be less into religion and more into Jesus.

One might be led to think, then, that an article entitled "Americans becoming less religious, study shows" could be a good thing. Unfortunately, I don't think this is what Jesus had in mind either. Take a look:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-me-religion10-2009mar10,0,2852705.story

Sometimes, I am convicted (and simultaneously terrified) by how narrow the gate.

(If you want other recent findings on religion - with data that you can manipulate into various graphs, etc - play around on this web page, "An in depth look at USA's religious beliefs/practices" http://usatoday.com/news/graphics/2008_pew_religion/flash.htm )