Many professing Christians today affirm a faith that downplays, dismisses or domesticates Jesus. But they don’t want to see or hear that.
They prefer ideologies — often labeled “biblical worldview” or “Christian worldview” — that ignore Jesus’ life, teachings and calling to discipleship.
These perversions of the faith restrict Jesus to his sacrificial death and lend support for values and behaviors that contrast with how Jesus called his followers to live.
Instead, the emphasis is placed on believing selective doctrines rather than emulating what Jesus said and did.
This what pollster George Barna and other political operatives have done by arbitrarily creating lists of “essential beliefs” deemed “biblical” or “Christian.” These lists and tests leave out Jesus nearly completely.
There are many precedents for this kind of misguided faith. For example, slaveowners held a “biblical worldview” and could easily sign onto these arbitrary doctrinal statements used to support policies of harm and exclusion.
But, of course, slaveholders did not follow Jesus.
Also, of course, their ministers knew better than to point that out or the corn and tomatoes that showed up on their doorsteps would be replaced with something more explosive.
Not running one’s beliefs and behaviors through the filter of Jesus leaves in all the bad parts. And unfiltered faith produces unfaithfulness.
Today, those who so proudly and loudly claim to be “Christian” are the ones most likely to miss the major point of the faith: that Jesus calls for disciples who don’t merely “accept” him (a nonbiblical concept) but see and seek to live through the lens of his life and teachings.
Not once did Jesus ask would-be disciples to sign a doctrinal statement. He told them to believe the Good News, throw down what occupies most of their time, and follow him.
Then he broadened that invitation (not the instant initiative rite many churches give), saying, “WHOEVER wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 NIV
Much of Americanized Christianity sells Jesus short — because these falsely labeled, convenient versions of the faith affirm the fear, privilege and comfort that are preferred.
Like with slaveowners, knock-off Christianity fuels a lot of cruelty, untruth and injustice today. More so, sadly, than by those who do not claim to be Christian.
All it takes is affirming some odd list of beliefs while ignoring Jesus’ life, teachings and calling, and treating him as nothing but an eternal ticket kiosk.
John D. Pierce is director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative (jesusworldview.org), part of Belmont University’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership.