I profess to be a Christian (more specifically, “a Christ follower”—there can be a difference, in my opinion). I am not, however, a religious Christian. I don’t mean that I claim belief by don’t feel the need to go to church or belong to a church fellowship. I mean that I have come to the understanding that religion puts boundaries on a limitless God and Christ. I mean that the understanding of God, Jesus, and the bible by pastors and myself is limited—it is clouded by a biased worldview. I mean that religion serves to separate rather than unite all that is Spiritual.
The other day, I heard a sermon that (I perceived) gave the message that Christianity is under attack by an increasingly secular society. Perhaps, but I see this as putting Christians on the defensive. Anytime someone goes on the defensive, one goes into a mode of self-preservation. This, I believe, is un-Christian. There is no “self” in Christ.
An alternative to Christians going on the defensive is to go on the offensive—which many have. This, too, can have a polarizing effect. This is the extreme definition of “evangelical”—a term, I believe, has lost its meaning. To many, to evangelize is to “preach the Gospel”, which is unknowingly code for convince your neighbor that your Jesus is the right Jesus.
I contend that there is a third way—a way that is indeed under attack. This is the way of actually living in such a way that others will have what you have. It is the way that confesses that there is no one (other than Jesus) who is without sin and this puts the Christian and non-Christian on common ground. It is the way of seeking the welfare of all. I believe that this leads one from John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”) to John 3:17 (“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”).
Too often the heart of the Gospel message—“love”—is lost in a message of believe or be condemned. Condemnation should not be the focus. The focus is on love of all creation. If, as “Christians”, we feel we must be on the defensive, we must ask ourselves “Why?”
I don’t believe it is Christianity that is under attack. I believe it is the message of “love thy neighbor” that is under attack—and the attack is from within.
Carpe momento!