Christianity can mean a couple different things and it depends on what meaning we are using as to how I feel about it.
If, when talking about being a Christian, we mean we are following Christ, acting like Christ and living like Christ, I am all for being called a Christian.
Usually these days the word Christian means more about the religion of Christianity. Just like Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Baha’i, Shinto, Taoism and a host of others, Christianity is a religion controlled by men. It is divided up into many various denominations, doctrines and biblical interpretations. Contrary to popular belief Jesus did not start the Christian religion.
Here in the United States we are so proud to say that America is a Christian nation. Unfortunately, I have to disagree with that idea. America is a country made up of many religions and beliefs. The good thing in this country is that we are not forced to be a part of any religion or belief. We have many freedoms that are not found in other places and I am thankful for that fact. We are free to choose what we want to believe, who we want to follow and we have the right to express that without fear of punishment.
Following Christ is not about a religion. I actually think it is better sometimes not to use the word Christian because of all the religious thoughts and ideas it brings up. Religion is a man-made, organized system that divides more than anything. We separate into groups that meet in buildings on set days and at set times saying we welcome anyone, yet only want those who feel the same way we do.
It bothers me to see so many who profess to be Christians, those who believe in God and Jesus and spreading His love to others, who argue and fight with those who think differently. We are supposed to be known for our love for others and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Still, it seems a lot of Christians are more interested in defending their personal views and thoughts, getting mad and arguing amongst themselves while those outside the faith are looking at them and wondering why they need to have Christ in their lives.
Now, talking about Christianity in the sense that we are following Christ, living like Him and treating others like Jesus treated people, this is an entirely different thing. As mentioned in Acts 11:26, the disciples were first called Christians by the people of Antioch because they saw the disciples acting so much like Christ. To me, this is the true meaning of a Christian.
True Christianity is a community of people who act like Christ and let him love through them. It is a daily life and is not separated into normal living and religious living. It is not specifically following set doctrines or following rules of do’s and don’ts. It is not meeting in a building once a week listening to one person talk, singing a few songs, shaking hands and going home. It is not a system of leaders who are on a higher level than others. Those who have gifts of leadership lead by example, lead as equals, and lead by a servant spirit to encourage and build up their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. They are not to lead by power or a position of authority.
True Christianity is a daily life following the leading of the Spirit. It is meeting with those we come in contact with along our daily routine and showing the love of Christ. It is eating together, laughing and crying together, accepting one another, talking and discussing our thoughts and views.
As followers of Christ, we are to love others, accept others, and treat others with compassion, respect and love. We do not have to agree with everyone, just accept them. We can agree to disagree and love people just as they are. Everyone does not have to be just like us and they do not have to believe like us. They should be able to be themselves and we as Christ followers should be OK with it.
It is time to stop being a Christian in the sense of religion and focus on Jesus and let Him live through us. After all, we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, we have the mind of Christ, God lives within us. There is no reason why we cannot love and accept others just like Christ loves and accepts everyone.
Thank you for another great blog. I don’t like calling myself a Christian anymore but would rather say I am a follower of Jesus. Christianity has become so much like the world. This saddens me. My husband and I are working through not going into a building to worship the Lord. We are praying for God to send us brothers and sister who feel as we do, to gather together. We will just keep following the Lord and trusting him.
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Thank you Mary. I agree with you. Jesus did not come to start a religion called Christianity. The term today brings so many negative thoughts and meanings that I also believe Jesus follower is much better. Like you, my wife and I are outside the walls of the institution and continually seeking brothers and sisters in Christ who are on a similar journey. Thanks for the comment.
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You have read my book, Wilderness Cry, gave it a fair review, and know my stance. I think we are basically on the same page
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Thank you Mr. Hunt. Yes, I think we are.
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I agree 100% with your assessment. I have written a small but powerful philosophy book about Religion, God and universe; Wilderness Cry- a Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe. You may be interested. Available all major 0n-line book retailers. Amazon calls it “A REAL EYE OPENER”.
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Thank you for the info on your book. I downloaded the Kindle version to read.
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CANT WAIT FOR YOUR ASSESSMENT. THANKS
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Here is my short and simple review. Basically I enjoyed it: I enjoyed this book as it made me think and ask questions. There were many things I agreed with yet many things I questioned, thought about and reasoned over. Some things I still question and a few I still have a disagreement. Overall I found the book informative and enjoyable and I learned a few things throughout. The author came from a catholic background but it relates very well to religion and life in general. The main point being no matter what religion or way of life, following Jesus command to love God and love one another transcends religious lines and interpretations.
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So well said. Thank you. I do think we need to gather in like-minded groups though, but those groups need to be super tolerant and not close-minded. They need to appreciate that they, like everyone else, do not have the whole deal and that they are but a small part of a much greater whole, so that they maintain an open heart that seeks to learn from others and love others in a humility of heart. Such an ideal, but I believe this is the ideal that Jesus would have us live. Thanks as always for your blog, Jim. Really appreciate this platform of encouragement.
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Thanks Jem, I agree. Getting together with like-minded people is an encouragement. Like you said we should not be closed-minded and we should also associate with others who see things differently. Thanks again for the kind words and for your comment.
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I loved this! I have seen and still see the ugly side of Christianity! Rarely do we really see followers of Christ! Thank you for this! It spoke volumes.
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Thank you Kris. I agree with you and I pray followers of Christ will become more obvious rather than just ‘religious christians’. Thanks for the comment.
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I totally agree. Growth and development of one’s spirit (spirituality), which results in the awareness of one’s unity with all creation, will do more for the world than man-made religions have done.
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So true, thanks Paul.
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