The Religion of Christianity

Warning: The following contains opinions and generalities. Contact me if you’re angry or confused.

For a long time, I have struggled with the feeling that many, maybe even most, in the American church are not actually, at their cores, interested in following Jesus. Instead, the church often seems to be a social society, or a morality club, or something that can be abandoned at any time, for any reason. But is that what Christ intended His bride to be?

On top of this, Jesus describes the way to following Him as a narrow road with a small gate. And yet, we see that by some statistics Christianity is the largest religion in the world! I mean, in the United States, studies show that around 80% of people in the country label themselves as “Christian,” with nearly 40% claiming to be “born again,” and about ⅔ of adults claiming to have made a decision to follow Jesus, which they still view as "important"! I don’t know about you, but ⅔ of the adults I meet don’t seem to act as though a relationship with Jesus is important. This is backed up by the fact that only 3% of adults hold what would be considered a Biblical worldview*(see note at end).

So, we have this huge group of people who claim to be Christians (albeit not necessarily holding a Biblical worldview), while we also have a huge group of people who are opposed to that group. Ironically, according to the statistics, many who oppose Christianity are actually churchgoers!

How has this happened?

To start, I think we have to identify the typical types of people who participate in the church today. But first, I want to clarify that I believe there is a difference between the church described in the Bible (the body of Christ, those who are His followers), and “church” (often a building, sometimes a group or denomination) we see today. So, for most of this article, when I refer to “church”, I’m saying the American church and all it’s buildings and denominations... the religion. So, who comprises the American church today?

1. Moralists: These have, for varying reasons, latched on to morality. Sometimes it's taught by their upbringing, or their political association, while sometimes it's caught as people see the negatives of a moral paucity. Either way, Christianity can be seen as a route to "upright living". They may leave when the church fails to meet their moral standards.
2. Socialites: These folks join the church and are fine with a certain degree of non-commitment. They attend, listen to some sermons and sing some songs, but hold political, moral, relational, and/or sin views which differ from those professed by the church. They may leave when things don't suit their needs or when offended.
3. Concerned Parents: These join the church because it supports the values (i.e. morals) they want instilled in their kids, even though they don’t believe those values are relevant for themselves. I still am not sure why people want to instill values in their children, which they themselves disagree with. These people may leave when they don’t like the values instilled in their children, or when it becomes inconvenient.
4. Disciples: These people genuinely love Jesus and believe the church is His body on earth - here to show Him off. It seems to me that this group is often frustrated with what they see in most churches...since what they see are the groups above. In desperation they may change churches, hoping to find the Jesus (and His bride) they see in the Bible.

There may be other groups, such as seekers (those trying to learn about God), wolves (those the Bible describes as coming in with the intent to divide the church), etc., but I think the above is a good list to work from.

Comprised of the above groups, the church survives. I believe this is, in part, because there's no persecution... So everyone in this country feels free to choose a religion, even if they don't really believe it. The religion (i.e. institution, again, not the true church) of Christianity in America appears to be, for the most part, a lukewarm suggestion that its people follow the rules laid out in the Bible. Sometimes low to no pressure, other times very high pressure.

The problem I see with this is that most of the churches I’ve visited or heard about, stink at preaching about what matters. If you’re teaching me about rules and how to be good, and not about the GOOD NEWS THAT IS JESUS, then you are a religion...not God’s church. I believe that this is why Christianity can appear to be a large and thriving group... the bulk of its participants aren't actually following Jesus!

Plus, the plethora of denominations and their wildly divergent views, make defining Christianity a bit like trying to specifically define a politician. You can say they “work in politics”, but each politician will explain “effective politics” in radically different, and even opposing, ways. “A politician is someone who creates laws to protect the people.” “No no, a politician is someone who minimizes laws to protect and benefit the people!”

When it comes down to it, it seems most of the people in the American church can’t agree with others in their own denomination, let alone other denominations! Those in the “Christian religion” are usually fine with people as long as they agree with them, or don’t get in their way. But because of the radically divergent views held by each person and denomination, many of them can’t stand others who are supposedly on the same team, or the religious leaders who drag seemingly antiquated (or at least contextless) views into the news and/or political arena.

I could go on and on and on, but I fear this is becoming convoluted.... So, what I’m saying is this: I think Christianity in America is, for the most part, a religion which is just like any other. While there are genuine Jesus followers in its midst, most of its members don’t subscribe to their own church’s views, let alone those in other churches. That said, much of mainstream American Christianity is unified. They’re unified by the rules and morality they see in the Bible, and they are intent on getting those around them to agree and conform. It’s no different than any other arena... people want you to agree with their political views, sports views, entertainment views, and religious views.

But here’s the thing, "Christian" schools, churches, politics, and entertainment often promotes an ideology that is divergent from the gospel... And any divergence from the gospel is a false gospel, and is destructive. (Think moralism, legalism, watering down sin, etc.) This isn’t a new thing. The true church spread like wildfire after Jesus death. Persecution couldn’t stop it. They were unified. They were inclusive, sacrificial, and loving to those around them. They were showing Jesus love to the world. However, eventually Christianity was recognized as a legitimate religion (and even adopted as the religion of the Roman empire). I think this ended up being a bad thing. Mainstream always seeks to please, to comply, to conform. And when people don’t conform, the crusades take place and people are asked “Would you like to conform? Or die?”

But hear me out here... don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. The religion of Christianity in the U.S. (and probably in other places) is, in my opinion, fundamentally broken... but thankfully that doesn’t matter a bit. I don’t need to be known as a Christian. I don’t need to be a church-member. I just need to follow Jesus. Jesus is different. The true church (the body of Christ) is different. I've said it before, but it's hard to genuinely follow Jesus in a lukewarm manner. Sure, you'll have periods of lukewarmness, but it won't be the primary pattern. If you recognize that He is the Creator of all things, and He sacrificed greatly to save YOU, a REBEL, then it will likely drive you to worship-driven joy, where you want to tell everyone. If it doesn’t, be concerned.

For me, I am coming to believe that organized Christianity often gets in the way of people coming to Jesus. Most of the time, the true church doesn't, but most of the time the organized and recognized church does. I don't want to talk about "my church" or "the church I go to" at all anymore. Instead, I just want to talk about "the people I follow Jesus with".

*According to research by the Barna institute, 3% believe the following, with the rest of that ⅔ rejecting one or more of these core Christian tenants:

1. That Jesus lived a sinless life
2. God is all powerful and all knowing creator who still rules the earth today
3. Salvation is a gift from God and can't be earned
4. They have a responsibility to share their faith
5. Satan is real
6. The bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches
7. Unchanging moral truth exists and is defined by the bible

What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You, But it Can Get You Labeled a Fool

It's a shame that admitting you don't know something so often prompts the pity or disdain of others, rather than their admiration or respect. It's a weird thing really... we want people to be honest, and not arrogant, but then when a person seeks to learn by admitting they don't know something, the most common emotion (from what I have observed) is to view them as less intelligent, and to thus feel superior to them. But, in reality, a person who seeks to learn, and isn't afraid to admit that they don't know something, is likely more secure and wise than those who won't.

Maybe I'm off base here, but my typical response when someone mispronounces a word, or says they don't know what a word or phrase means, is to suddenly feel superior. In my less idiotic moments, I guess like right now, I see that it's actually reversed. While my ego is inflated by their honesty, it's actually they who are likely more secure and wise. That's ironic.

Knowing this, while I want to be a learner, and to admit my ignorance, I also know what many others will think when I do. So, I just have to remember that my significance does not come from others, and my identity is not found in my intelligence (a fact for which I should be thankful!).

I'm thankful that God is beating me over the head with this lately, teaching me that my identity and significance come from my relationship with Him and not from how other people view me. Outwardly, I hope it results in me loving and caring about others more genuinely.

Don't Forget to Love!

Since my earlier blog entry had a bit of a condemning and angry tone to it, which I don't regret, but would like to balance, I thought I'd try to be more specific in developing the idea of Christian love.

Do we really consider love in our day to day choices and interactions with people?

Much of the behavior I see from Christians is, in my opinion, yet another indicator of how far the vast majority of the church has strayed from biblical truth.

Don't Forget Who You Are
Often times Christians behave as though non-Christians are appalling. This is ironic since we were once in their shoes and still struggle with most of the same issues they do...The difference? We're just forgiven because of Jesus. Oh, and while I think the "I'm just forgiven" deal has been distorted by many to where it sounds like a boasting ("Oh yeah? Well I'm FORGIVEN.. unlike YOU.") I am saying it in humility. I mean, my rebellion against God, and my self-centeredness (lack of love for others), is despicable.. and yet Jesus' sacrifice wipes the slate clean. This leaves NOTHING for me to boast about. All I can do is point to His work. Oh, and one other problem with being appalled by non-Christians is that JESUS CALLED YOU TO LOVE THEM, just like He did/does.

Don't Forget Who Jesus Is
The Bible describes Jesus as a friend of sinners. He was accused of being a glutton and drunkard (by the religious leaders) and He hung out with tax collectors and prostitutes. Ironically enough, many "Christians" today would likely, like the religious leaders of Jesus' time, be the first to condemn someone for hanging out with prostitutes and corrupt government contractors. Jesus loved others by serving and sacrificing for them, not by ruling and legislating over them.

Don't Forget Who Other People Are
Non-Christians are people. They're living, breathing, and hurting people, made in the image of God and capable of both amazing love and beauty, as well as horrific evil (just like YOU and ME!). But non-Christians are also not Christians. This means they aren't going to act like Christians, or hold all our values and beliefs. This is why I believe we should never try to legislate morality. Changing laws to dictate how people should act will not change their hearts, fix the world, or bring them to Jesus. There are lots of non-Christians who are far more moral than most Christians. Morality and good behavior does not save people... Jesus does. So, don't waste your time imposing YOUR rules and morality on people who don't embrace YOUR beliefs. Instead, love and serve them.

Don't Forget Who God Is
I think most of us tend to take injustices, whether against ourselves or Christianity in general, as some kind of personal affront to which we are called to respond. Additionally, we tend to carry our sense of justice into other places it doesn't belong as well. Instead, we need to respond with grace and patience, as Jesus did and does. This doesn’t mean soft peddling sin, nor does it mean ignoring the plight of the oppressed, etc., but it does mean that we don’t have to act indignant or appalled when non-Christians don't share our Christian views. It's not my job to judge and condemn. God doesn't need me to fight His battles, He needs me (and you) to show the world His love and grace.

Don't Forget What Love Is
Despite how it is portrayed by many today, love is not optional for the Christian. While it's not optional, love is:

• Genuinely seeking the best for others, including those that most would consider our enemies (Matt. 5:44). 
• Paramount. I Corinthians 13 says "I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains—but if I have no love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned—but if I have no love, this does me no good."
• THE indicator of Christianity. "And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:34-35)
• The greatest commandment (according to some guy named Jesus): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
• Patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up. (1 Cor 13). 

I'm pretty comfortable ranting about stuff, but in this case I'm going to leave it simple. Let's consider how the Bible describes love, and then compare our behavior to that.

August 10

I think we all have certain words or phrases that, when heard, bring a smile to our face. Maybe it's an old saying our grandpa used to repeat... maybe it's our the address of our childhood home... maybe it's the make and model of our first car. For me, it's August 10, 1977... the birthday of my wife Corey. Every time I see that date on a calendar, or hear it uttered, it makes my heart happy solely because it's her birthday.

You see, I have an amazing wife. I have rarely, if ever, thought myself to be worthy of her, because she really is the ideal woman, and as near to flawless as you can get. An amazing blend of beauty, brains, love and creativity, she brightens every room she enters and cheers every person she meets.

Everyone who knows Corey knows how good she is with people, and how genuinely loving and wise she is. So often I come into a conversation with her convinced that I know what's right, and leave seeing a better way. I've seen older women come to her for advice. I see other people's kids light up when they see her. I've heard people say "We need Corey here... then this would be fun."

She's amazing, and I'm so glad she was born.

I know it will please her more if I don't tear myself down during this post, but I'll just end by saying that I definitely "married up". Thank God for marrying up...

Happy Birthday beautiful...

The Danger in Taking Stands

In recent blog posts I've talked about a couple of different stories. One was a guy who, some news outlets reported, was arrested for "having a bible study" at his house. It turns out that, in reality, he built a 4000+ sq. ft. building in his yard, put a sign and a cross in his yard, and,  basically had a church meet in his home. After skirting the law, and failing to install proper bathrooms, handicap accessibility, etc., he was arrested, not for having a bible study but for breaking the law.

Elsewhere, Chick-Fil-A has been in the headlines when their COO Dan Cathy said the following on a radio show:

"we’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say we know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage. And I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude that thinks we have the audacity to redefine what marriage is all about."

These comments, and opinions regarding them, went viral. It seemed everyone was talking about Chick-Fil-A and, depending who you listened to, the opinions ranged from "That's his opinion, big deal.." to "Christians need to stick up for Chick-Fil-A and their family values!" to "Chick-Fil-A is run by hate-mongers!" to "Chick-Fil-A gives money to hateful organizations, and that is a big deal". (I made those up, but I think they largely convey the gamut of opinions out there.)

But here's the deal, even as I write about those two examples, I have no way of knowing if I have all the facts. And having all the facts is vitally important. One thing I've learned about communicating is that it's very easy to assume. When we don't have all the facts it's very easy to paint a very one-sided, and yet seemingly believable, picture. Whether it's in individual relationships, or corporate decisions, we really do need to know the full story. We need the context, but the problem is that context is frequently withheld.

News organizations, political parties, and social media sites (which are largely fueled by commentary from those not in the know) are fully capable of twisting and manipulating stories into unrecognizable, but very sexy, dramas. And all this leaves the reader/listener/viewer completely ignorant of the truth, and yet completely sold on what they've just ingested. And so it goes on and on, propagating, morphing, and fueling people's sense of justice, rage, bitterness, sadness, or whatever.

I guess this, among many other reasons, is why I'd suggest focusing our efforts on the problems and issues right around us. If each of us did that, then the world could be dramatically more like God intended it to be. Imagine if we all poured their lives into those around us... into our neighborhood, our downtown, our local government. I imagine this would be a very effective bottom-up approach.

So... let's stop accepting the hype, stop assuming that what we hear online must be true (or false), and pour ourselves into helping and loving those right around us.

Ouch.

Just as a follow-on to my last post, I wanted to share this picture I saw on Facebook. It pains me greatly to share it, and it pains me more to agree with it. Here goes:

This image was, presumably, taken when Christians recently showed up in droves to support Chick-Fil-A after all the recent hubbub. I had heard there were multi-hour lines as a sort of show of 'solidarity'. The problem I have with this isn't so much that people want to support Chick-Fil-A, after all people do have a right to their opinion, but it's rather that Christians spend so much of their time doing stuff like this. It seems that the genuine efforts, support, and outspokenness of most who proclaim Christianity are poured into keeping their local "Christian coffeeshop" afloat, donating to Christian radio, changing legislation to stomp out homosexuality, or helping other Christians prosper financially.

How about we be outspoken and passionate about things Jesus actually cared about?

Anyway, I could go on, but the picture (and my previous blog post) make my opinion clear.

Persecuted? Probably not.

I've encountered a number of stories lately that have gotten some of the Christians (or maybe just the right wing folks) all in a tizzy. These stories lead to the inevitable "They're gradually taking away our rights" or "They wouldn't do this to other religions" or "Watch out for this ruling, things are going to get very bad" or "They're persecuting us". 

I'm going to say this as nicely as I can: No, they're not persecuting Christians...at least not for the reasons you seem to think they are. I rarely meet a Christian who is worthy of being persecuted for the things that Jesus said would get us persecuted. While Jesus said we'd be persecuted for being his disciples (i.e. being like Him), most of us are persecuted for being annoying, judgmental, snobby, harsh, self-centered, illogical, hypocrites. I know that may be hard to swallow, but it's true. Most of "Christianity" that the world around us sees right now is a bunch of whiny, judgmental, prudes who directly equate Christianity with being a Republican. It makes me sick.

Christian's are suffering from a sort of tin-foil hat paranoia. Someone is out to get us, all because we're being like Jesus. We're sure of it.

Nowhere is this paranoia clearer than in the news. For example, some dude was recently arrested in the southwest for, depending on which news network or blogger you tuned in to, either "having a bible study" or for "breaking the law". Christians got all upset about this guy getting arrested for "having a bible study" at his house when, in reality, he built a gigantic building in his yard, put a sign and a cross in his yard, and, well, basically had a church meet in his home. And no, this was not a "house church". It was a 4000+ sq. ft. building (in which he refused to install proper bathrooms, handicap accessibility, etc.). This guy was arrested, not for having a bible study but for breaking the law.

When Christians raise a ruckus about stuff like the above, they look stupid and petty.I've said it before, but Christianity IS NOT ABOUT BEING RIGHT! When we sit around waiting for non-Christians (such as Obama) to make a mistake, rather than loving them unconditionally, EVERYONE LOSES. When you are looking for mistakes, you'll find them... even if they aren't really even there. But, again, is this what Jesus did? No. 

When you admit that someone you disagree with has made a good point, you don't invalidate your belief system, emasculate yourself, or deny Christ. As Chevy Chase said "It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong... I am not a big man." In fact, admitting someone else has a good point makes you look GOOD, and SECURE in your identity... (oh, and it makes Jesus look good too). How often have you watched someone argue vehemently, even when they're clearly wrong, and thought "Man, they look smart, secure, and comfortable with their identity."? Me either. On the flip side, I can't imagine how cool a politician would look if he said "You know, my opponent makes a great point here and I really like what he has to say on this topic."

Oh, and just to be clear here, when I say "even when they're clearly wrong" because Christians are OFTEN wrong. Why? Because, again, we choose to view other people as our enemies and to wait for them to make a mistake so that we can cram it back down their throat. Obama said "You didn't build that" in regards to small businesses, and what was the response? I saw many Christians jump him. A) Try to understand his point, not his exact words. B) Give some grace. C) Even if you DO disagree, SO WHAT! You look petty and scared when you point it out.

I think this all comes down to the fact that most Christians are insecure in their identity, and thus believe that they need to prove themselves valid, right, and worthy. BUT OUR WORTH DOESN'T COME FROM PROVING OTHERS WRONG... IT COMES FROM JESUS! Jesus was patient and gracious, He hung out with sinners, He focused on people rather than government laws, He denounced religious leaders, He focused on the hurting and helpless, He spoke about the GOOD NEWS rather than the sins of those around Him. I can't help but think that this sounds NOTHING like most people in the church today. 

Or, maybe some deluded Christians genuinely believe that denouncing anything "sinful" is the best way to win people to their view. (I say "sinful" in quotes because people have baggage associated with that term, AND because some of the things that get denounced aren't even really sinful!) This is some sort of purist view that seems to imply that people will be attracted to us because of our purity. But they won't. The bible doesn't say they'll know we are Christians by our purity. It says they'll know us by our love.

It seems like some of us think that we need to be a "jerk for Jesus"... like the more outspoken, and rude, we are with our beliefs, the better. As if drawing persecution to ourselves then makes that persecution/suffering 'holy' and 'righteous'. This isn't what Jesus had in mind when he promised that we would suffer for Him (John 15:20). It's also not likely to lead to people asking about the hope within you (I Peter 3:15).

Old Testament figures, such as Daniel and Joseph, were put in positions of authority and power not by mocking authority figures and telling them how wrong their religious views were. Instead, through humble submission and servitude, Daniel and Joseph both endeared themselves to those in power, and gained a strong position for their God. Also, the early church, which spread like wildfire, and was unstoppable in its growth, was effective not because they denounced the culture and sins around them, but because they admitted their OWN sins and loved those around them (servitude) DESPITE their sins. True Christianity is completely dependent on Christ alone, not on self. 


We've clearly forgotten the gospel.

I long for the day when the church wakes up, remembers who it is, puts down its signs, pens, and keyboards, and picks up a towel to wash some feet. Regardless of where you are now, you were once an enemy of Christ...How can you stop arguing with those around you, and start loving them?