Book Review: A Generous Orthodoxy Part 7 of ??
Would Jesus Be a Christian?
Well, it obviously depends on what definition you use for Christian. I think this is one of those places where McLaren decides to be "provocative, mischievous, and unclear" (as mentioned in a previous entry). The fact is, there are many people in the United States (in other countries as well, no doubt) who claim the title of Christian--but are they really followers of Christ? Even the churchgoers?
Many people in the U.S. consider themselves Christians without having any clue as to what Christ taught. I think, however, that a large part of this "Would Jesus Be a Christian?" type of thinking is indicative of an issue some emergent-types have with being uneasy with certain words--words such as Christian and church. I know for some people Christian = American, but I think that trying to clarify the term would be better than dropping it all together. Fighting over words is the last thing I want to do, however.
Also in this chapter, McLaren makes an observation that many treat Christ more as their mascot than their Lord. I think this lines up with my view that many believers do not appreciate just how big, majestic, awesome, fearful, etc. God is.
Well, it obviously depends on what definition you use for Christian. I think this is one of those places where McLaren decides to be "provocative, mischievous, and unclear" (as mentioned in a previous entry). The fact is, there are many people in the United States (in other countries as well, no doubt) who claim the title of Christian--but are they really followers of Christ? Even the churchgoers?
Many people in the U.S. consider themselves Christians without having any clue as to what Christ taught. I think, however, that a large part of this "Would Jesus Be a Christian?" type of thinking is indicative of an issue some emergent-types have with being uneasy with certain words--words such as Christian and church. I know for some people Christian = American, but I think that trying to clarify the term would be better than dropping it all together. Fighting over words is the last thing I want to do, however.
Also in this chapter, McLaren makes an observation that many treat Christ more as their mascot than their Lord. I think this lines up with my view that many believers do not appreciate just how big, majestic, awesome, fearful, etc. God is.
posted by Freethinker at 8:26:00 AM
5 Comments:
I've always been somewhat troubled by the casual use of the term Christian. I guess that's why people add modifiers like real, born-again, etc. That doesn't really solve the problem, but it does indicate that there is a problem.
For me the term "Christian" has lost almost any meaning in this culture because of us (the believers). The term was originally given to us by the world because they saw conviction, action, passion, faith, hope and love in ways they had never experienced. They didn't know what to call us so they started calling us the "little Christs" (or Christians). That was good. It set us apart (which is what God calls us to do, character wise, from the world).
Today, Christians aren't much different than those who don't claim to know God (look at divorce rates, sexually transmitted diseases, cheating the IRS, etc...). No difference.
As a "Christian" I can lust, be lazy, cheat the Kingdom by not giving financially, refuse to serve others or take care of the poor and never really allow Christ to control my life on a daily basis. Because I am labeled, I have lost a sense of accountability (I mean I am going to heaven when I die and isn't this the most thing anyway?-sic)
I use the term "follower of Christ" (I think Hybels probably made this famous). It says and still means something. It says that if I do those things mentioned above then there is no way I am doing what Christ has called me to do. I am not becoming what Christ longs for me to become. My faith is religous but not life changing.
Would Jesus be a Christian? Does it matter? Jesus never once said that we are to become Christians did he? He did use words like "follow me" "born again" and "repent" or words of ACTION. Christians must enter the Kingdom like Buddists, Muslims and Atheists-through Jesus Christ. Whether you are labeled isn't important. Who controls your life/actions is what really matters.
Okay, enough of the rant. Sorry. By the way, keep up the great work sharing this book with us (it's just one more I don't have time to read but really want to learn from).
Stephen: What would you say if someone asked if you were a Christian? Would you say, "no, I'm a follower of Christ" and try to explain the difference - likely confusing the person?
I would say yes and then the person would have to figure out by my actions what kind of Christian I am.
I think if the person were to ask that question and I didn't know them I would respond with a question (I picked this up from reading how Jesus handled many of his questions..by answering with a question).
I would say "What do you mean by Christian?" And depending on their answer I would give them my answer.
The word is loaded. Like "Church." And until you know more of the person who is asking, you might actually do more harm than good for the Kingdom.
By the way, was Jesus that concerned about not "confusing" people when He was with us? Just a thought.
I think for many of my friends the minute I would have said "Yes I am Christian" they would have written me off a long time ago (not because of what I did or didn't do, but simply because of what they thought a Christian was or wasn't). By not confessing to that, I kept the conversation/friendship going. And in time I was able to "rewrite" their definition of what a Christian is.
Good discussion J!
That sounds like a good way to handle it (asking them what they mean by it).
Jesus did often confuse people, but some people need confusing.
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