Monday Morning Insights

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    I’m Through With Christianity

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    In order to be a faithful Christian I can only vote for politicians who say they hold the party line on the right issues. It does not matter if I agree with their economic views, their foreign relations policies or their theory on education; if they pass the Christian litmus test they are my candidates. The fact that voting for these Christians again and again has produced little change, in fact we see abortion more acceptable and gay marriage legalized at a faster pace, can’t be factored into the equation. As a member of the Christian party I have to toe the line.

    Christianity in America seems to be led by self-appointed spokesmen who attack others without charity, seek places of prominence wherever they go and live outrageously extravagant lifestyles. They are so important that they can’t possibly be expected to fly with commoners on commercial airlines. One leader needs a jet that costs $3000 an hour to operate so they can get from one Christian event to another and be home in time to record their Christian television show. But it is my duty to defend them because they are on my team. Jesus’ commands to serve, to do acts of kindness in private and to prove your discipleship by pure love for others seem to be secondary for Christian leaders in America.

    You can read more of Geoff’s thoughts at his “Inner Revolution” blog. 

    What do you think?  Is the term ‘Christian’ beyond repair?

    Geoff Surratt writes: "Since the election Newsweek has resorted to running more and more sensationalistic headlines each week. A few weeks ago the cover screamed "WE ARE ALL SOCIALISTS NOW" followed by "STRESS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE"; the editors have obviously decided the only way to survive the digital onslaught is to follow as closely as possible behind The National Enquirer. I'm sure "ANGELINA JOLIE GIVES BIRTH TO 72 YEAR OLD MAN!" is not far behind. So when I got this week's issue I was reluctant to read the cover story, The Decline and Fall of Christian America. Since Christopher Hitchens, author of God is Not Great, How Religion Poisons Everything, has recently become a regular contributor I knew that Newsweek would take great delight in the latest statistics showing that religion in America is sliding into the abyss. What I did not expect was to be heartened by the article.

    You see, I am one of the many Americans who would no longer describe themselves as a professing Christian. I cannot in good faith associate any more with what the label Christian has come to represent in America. Christianity is now a set of political views, a way to distinguish different groups of people (Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus), a movement to impose a certain view of morality on others regardless the condition of their hearts..."

    Comments

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    1. Russ on Tue, April 14, 2009

      I had to laugh out loud when I realized how degrading it would feel if I were sinless and let a bunch of ordinary people associate themselves with me as “brother shamus”. Aren’t you glad Jesus didn’t suffer from that???

    2. Mark on Mon, April 27, 2009

      Maybe we should all just consider how the name became “popular” to begin with - the world called them “like Christ.”  But then all they wanted was to be his followers.  Most likely that is impossible 2000 years later…but it is a thought http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif

    3. Ed Snyder on Mon, April 27, 2009

      I am the scum of the earth… I am a Christ follower…. I am a Christian. “I don’t really care if they label me a Jesus Freak, there’s just no denying the truth,”

    4. pezz on Mon, April 27, 2009

      Quitting “Christian” only gives the critics of the faith something else for them to mock us.  I’m not waving any labels at our church.  In fact, a couple of weeks ago, one of my new believers said, “I’m glad we’re not one of those"born again”  churches, those people gross me out.”  Well, we are one of those born again churches.  The issue is that while I’m not waving any labels, (Christian, saved, born again) I’m not running from the either.  Those are all biblical terms.  The fact that the many legitimate Christians, as well as a whole bunch of illegitimates have done damage to the words doesn’t change the fact that they are biblical words with beautiful and powerful meaning.  So don’t run away Geoff, you’re doing a great job in S.C.  Every time I’m there, vacationing or otherwise,  yours is the church I attend.  Maybe it would be better to teach your people what these words mean in a biblical context instead of scraping them altogether and hoping by not identifying with any of these words, that people will think you are not what these words mean.  People need time to grow and that’s why I don’t push terminology and have a denominational neutral name as does your church.  But the facts are clear.  You are one…. whether you claim us or not.

    5. GS Whyte on Mon, April 27, 2009

      I can totally relate to you, Geoff. I still call myself a Christian, though, despite what the “Christian” world has become in the West… a privatistic, political, consumeristic farce (sorry if I am offending here by my generalization, but this is what is often seen by our brothers and sisters in the rest of the world…).


      I don’t really identify with the “buy Christian things” marketing ideas from those who want to make a quick buck from the Gospel, just as I do not really identify with any “Christian party” politically (although, being a Canadian, I voted for the Conservatives precisely because the Liberals and NDP - as well as being incompetant liars and cheats - said to not vote for the Conservatives BECAUSE they were Christian… I took that as a challenge…). At the same time, I don’t buy into a Christianity that is so “personal” and individualistic that it ignores the statements that are found throughout Scripture calling the people of God (ie. the church) toward loving one another, pursuing justice, being faithful stewards of the environment, and putting the other before ourselves. What I see is a bunch of self-centered spiritual infants, who no more resemble Christ than atheists do (and yes, I am looking at these same public “Christian” figures as well.


      Is the monicker “Christian” beyond repair? I don’t know. But I can say that the judgment of God begins within the house of God… and while I may be flamed for “being judgmental”, Geoff does address an important issue here. Something is rotten and we need to address it… with the aid of the Holy Spirit, of course.


      GS

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