Christianity is not a religion.  As a matter of fact, it is the exact opposite.  Religion tell's of a man's endeavor to reach God.  With religion you have a finite man on earth trying to reach an infinite God in heaven.  That is simply not possible.  Christianity is an infinite God reaching down to earth to touch man.  The well known verse John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  Religion tells us man can reach God through works.  Christianity tells us man can never reach God through works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The people asked Jesus one day, "What shall we do that we may work the works of God?"   Jesus said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:28-29).  Your works can't bring you into a relationship with God.  Relationship with God comes solely from receiving God's love and trusting in God's provision for your sin.

Tomayto, tomahto.

You are getting too technical. A religion according to most people is your beliefs. Christianity is your beleifs, therefore it is a religion. Like brigand said, Tomayto Tomahto.

More and more, I actually don't like the saying that "Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship" Yes, I do get the idea that man made religion fails because they are people's attempt to reach God, which everyone falls short with their own strength and power; that it is from God's Grace and Mercy that He took the sins for the world, and from our recovered relationship with God alone that saves us and not works. HOWEVER, from that salvation, from that change in a person's heart, there is an outward act of devotion to God. You can tell one is changed by God because the person wants to learn more about God, to be more like God, to tell people about God, to be devoted to God. That is part of what religion is, which are the acts of devotion to God: constant prayer and communication, digging in God's Word, fellowship with other believers through church, etc. In saying that Christianity is not a religion is promoting a sense of spiritual laziness to new believers or "believers" who don't fully understand the beliefs. That they are already "saved" and, in their own minds, know enough about God and not really pursue further knowledge. It creates this misunderstanding that you say that you love God is enough, when in reality the true show of what your heart desires is shown by the outward fruit that the faith produces.

play4fun :  I'm actually kinda surprised to hear you say this.  I've always felt the exact opposite about what the saying means.  To me, when I hear people say "Christianity it not a religion, it's a relationship", they're speaking of the extreme closeness a relationship provides.  'Religion' in today's society seems to mean nothing more than a set of rituals and practices.  A relationship, on the other hand is a deep commitment.  I'm not saying that society's definitions are correct, but that's the way most people tend to view those words, I think.


When I tell people I have a relationship with Christ, I'm telling them that the relationship is a two way path full of communication, dedication, and love.   By saying it, I'm insinuating all that you just mentioned... certainly NOT a lazy connection to Christ.

However, I -am- starting to like the phrase a little less simply because more and more people are using it in lighter terms.  I've heard a lot of people say it that had that lazy attitude you're referring to.  Being in a relationship with God should NEVER be lazy. It's a dynamic change of lifestyle.

Given that Judaism and Islam, along with Christianity, are all abrahamic, and in principal believe in the same god, if this were the case then most of what are considered religions, would not be, since about 65% of religions are abrahamic.
I am sure that Jews and Muslims would argue they too are a relationship with god. By majority membership i suppose these 3 religions therefore define what religion is.

I would ask why you care about the definition but since calling atheism a religion irks me to no end i'll just assume its the same standpoint.
Although much as any religion thinks they are correct on faith and such definitions, and all else wrong, here too so do I in that I think Christianity is a religion.

Equally, while I have heard people say its not a religion its a relationship, or even its a way of life, iv never actually seen anyone out and out state it literally isn't a religion.

Definition:

the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods:ideas about the relationship between science and religion
[count noun] a particular system of faith and worship:the world’s great religions
[count noun] a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion:consumerism is the new religion

None of those state the objective of reaching god.

Let's define religion, shall we:

a set of beliefs concerning the cause,nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

Thank you, Mr. Webster.

Set of beliefs.... check
Concerning cause and nature.... check
purpose of universe.....  hmmm.  Does the Bible cover the purpose of the Universe?  Why did God bring any of us into play when He could have sat around and watched TV all day?  I don't know.  
Superhuman agency.... check
Devotional and ritual observances..... check
Moral code..... check
Governing of human affairs and conduct.... check

Well, then.  I don't know why you'd want to separate yourself from religion.  It's not offensive to be a part of a religion.  It's a group.  It's like being with a fan base for a sports team.  Everyone gets along and everyone has the connection.  You can't say you're not just fans of a team, you're a BROTHERHOOD.  It's special, as is your relationship with God and those who share that with you.

But you shouldn't set yourself apart.  You're with a bigger picture here.