You’re a Christian and a Buddhist (whether you like it or not)

You might identify as both a Christian and a Buddhist, whether you agree with it or not. People who exhibit Christian behaviors—such as kindness, charity, respecting the Sabbath, and celebrating Christmas—are often labeled as Christian. This concept, referred to as "orthopraxy," focuses on actions rather than beliefs to determine religious affiliation.

Andrew Henry, a popular YouTuber and scholar of religion, introduced this idea. Even in predominantly Protestant cultures, this notion can be puzzling. The academic study of religion, primarily developed by Protestant scholars in the 19th and 20th centuries, defines religion based on beliefs. However, for most of history and in a large part of the world today, religion is not primarily about beliefs.

Throughout history, religion has been more concerned with actions and rituals. The ancient philosophical debate remains relevant today. Cicero argued that "religion" comes from the Latin word "relegere," which means "to re-read or go over again." This perspective aligns with orthopraxy, where religion is defined by actions. In contrast, Lactantius, a Christian writer from around 300 AD, believed that "religion" comes from "religare," meaning "to bind."

This viewpoint aligns with orthodoxy, which emphasizes belief. Despite debates about the meaning of "religion," the majority of the world follows orthopraxy, as rituals and behaviors hold more significance in religious practices. The ancient debate on the definition of religion continues, with some scholars emphasizing beliefs and others focusing on rituals and behaviors.