I think a lot of people (my past self included) cling to Jesus/God mostly because they're lonely and they need a friend. I see it in those tiktok girlies who go on "dates" with Jesus, I see it in my past self who called God my father and took comfort in the fact that, even if my real parents hated me, at least I wasn't totally alone, I see it in the people whose entire testimony consists of weeping about how God just loves you so much, sooo so much guys, like you can't even imagine the vast oceans of his love!
I think the injunction to turn Christianity into a relationship (not a religion) encourages people to make God into their idealized fictional boyfriend, their volleyball with a face painted on the side, their imaginary friend. It takes people who are very lonely and desperate for connection and promises them unconditional love, support, care, and acceptance if only they give themselves over to Jesus. It sounds so comforting. But Christianity can't make good on those promises. A pretend boyfriend who makes you feel like the most important person in the world and who will always love you no matter what you do is a mirage. He can't make you laugh, or take you to go get ice cream when you're sad, or think any new thoughts, or hold you, or be there for you. He can't do the dishes for you when you're sick, or challenge you when you're wrong. He only ever exists as a pale reflection of you.
Encouraging people who are desperately in need human connection to eshew that in favor of an imaginary friend, doesn't help them, it isolates them and keeps them trapped in that isolation by hiding it behind a pretty illusion. Which is why it makes me furious when people say "God loves you!!!" Because there is no real love there. It's a soft covering over a cold, wire, monkey-shaped frame. It's empty. It's a lie.
