For much of my life it was easy to answer in the affirmative when asked, “Are you a Christian?”
Now I pause a bit, unsure of how to give an honest and clear answer — and what might be assumed by my response. I am not ashamed of the gospel, but of its frequent misrepresentations.
There is way too much wrapped up in the often-misused designation of “Christian” that implies a political ideology unlike anything those who nurtured my faith taught me to value, believe and act upon.
So, am I a Christian? My answer greatly depends on what one means when assigning that label.
If one means being easily manipulated by falsehoods and fear to empower the politics of exclusivism, dominance and cruelty, then absolutely not.
If one means believing someone’s mangled and self-serving biblical interpretations over the clear and prioritizing teachings of Jesus — then, again, no.
If by Christian one means feeling threatened when those who look, think and believe differently have the same freedoms and opportunities, well, no.
If one means espousing the soul-selling rhetoric of exclusivism as do public religionists like Franklin Graham, James Dobson and Al Mohler — then certainly no.
If one means seeking a theocratic government over the time-tested commitment to full and equal religious liberty in which authentic faith can flourish — uh, no.
If by Christian one means a desire to impose 10 ancient Jewish laws on the general public while ignoring what Jesus said were the two greatest and all-encompassing commandments, then no.
If one means living in a state of victimhood — finding offense whenever my religious sensitivities aren’t shared by others — again, no.
If by Christian one means ignoring the reality that unsafe spaces for vulnerable people sometimes have steeples atop of them, then surely no.
If by Christian one means providing some charitable support but not working to correct the injustices of society, then no.
If one means seeing Christianity as societal privilege rather than a spiritual calling, nope.
If by Christian one means embracing devised doctrines designed to advance male dominance and ethnic superiority at the expense of all others, then a clear no.
If one means being defensive about my faith and expecting all of society to coddle me and my beliefs, no.
“Well,” one might rightly ask, “what do you mean by Christian?”
The short answer: Jesus. That is, following Jesus — not just some isolated and often ignored “accepting” or “believing in” him.
But seeking to actually do what he said to do. Accepting his defining and summarizing priorities to love God with all one’s being and all others as oneself.
Not just grabbing a ticket to heaven but trying to do the really hard stuff that Jesus said marks his disciples.
Putting the interests of others above oneself — with a commitment to the common good.
Concentrating on personal faith rather than showing off one’s religious zeal.
Discerning the wolves in sheep clothing rather than falling for and regurgitating all kinds of gospel-conflicting nonsense dispensed so loudly and frequently by talk shows, social media and anger-fueled pulpits.
Loving those who are — or are so easily and wrongly perceived as — enemies.
Seeking to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control — rather than claiming superiority over others and coercing them to embrace one’s own narrow religious understandings.
The Christian brand is being continually tarnished by those considered to be adherents, not the supposed enemies of the faith so long imagined and feared. The redefinition of Christianity apart from its primary allegiance is an insider job.
The subjugation of Jesus in the faith tradition named for him has led many faithful seekers to embrace other identification marks such as “Jesus follower” or “disciple” — while acknowledging the challenges of living up to such commitments.
What does it mean to be Christian? I’m not sure — but am finding a clearer understanding of how the life and teachings of Jesus are not meant to be expendable.
John D. Pierce is director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative (jesusworldview.org), part of Belmont University’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership.