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I think you are both misunderstanding each other.
Religion is a system of beliefs and practices
The fact that Christianity is the Truth does not mean it is void of beliefs and practices. It does however mean that these beliefs and practices do not originate in man but from Jesus. We do not commit to beliefs and practices, but we commit to following Jesus, and in doing so we also hold to a common set of beliefs and function through practice. For example a false religion would entail worshiping for the sake of worship. However we worship God for Him, but that does not change that worship is something we practice. The Bible says not to follow religious law for the sake of following religious law. This does not mean that we don't end up with a system of practices (prayer, Baptism, etc.) but that these practices are not followed because they are law, but because they influence our relationship with Jesus. Also, the Bible specifically refers to people as believers and non-believers. Obviously, believers have a belief, and this belief is the Truth. It is not saying non-believers don't have beliefs (religion, philosophy, etc.) but that it is not the Truth. If religion is a system of beliefs, and believers have a system of beliefs, then believers would seem to also have a religion. It is simply that this religion of Truth is a means to help us find Christ and not an end.
Religion is a system of beliefs and practices
The fact that Christianity is the Truth does not mean it is void of beliefs and practices. It does however mean that these beliefs and practices do not originate in man but from Jesus. We do not commit to beliefs and practices, but we commit to following Jesus, and in doing so we also hold to a common set of beliefs and function through practice. For example a false religion would entail worshiping for the sake of worship. However we worship God for Him, but that does not change that worship is something we practice. The Bible says not to follow religious law for the sake of following religious law. This does not mean that we don't end up with a system of practices (prayer, Baptism, etc.) but that these practices are not followed because they are law, but because they influence our relationship with Jesus. Also, the Bible specifically refers to people as believers and non-believers. Obviously, believers have a belief, and this belief is the Truth. It is not saying non-believers don't have beliefs (religion, philosophy, etc.) but that it is not the Truth. If religion is a system of beliefs, and believers have a system of beliefs, then believers would seem to also have a religion. It is simply that this religion of Truth is a means to help us find Christ and not an end.
I think it's more correct to say "true Christianity is a religion with relationship", "false christianity is a religion without relationship".
In James for example it indeed refers the faith as a religion:
Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
In James for example it indeed refers the faith as a religion:
Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
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