Vanilla Christian without apology
I’m having trouble coming up with a more intellectually sounding way of introducing this piece, so let’s just go with a plain ‘ole straight to the point approach. In doing so,I’m going to disclose something about myself that I usually don’t hold in high regard as being of any significant importance to how I truly identify myself which is as a Christian.
In the latter part of 2007 I was nominated for the role of deacon. Sometime in the early months of this year, I was "officially" designated as such. The short answer to being a deacon is that he is simply a servant. Much to my disappointment, there were no funny hats to accompany this new responsibility. 
Taking a cue from an elder and friend, I try to not get wrapped up in titles, instead looking at the purpose and of even being honored to be called to serve. That said, titles can be useful in maintaining an order of authority and accountability, when speaking in terms of a business or conducting business. The flip side is that people can also go to such extremes in their fascination with a title that they lose focus of the purpose behind the title. Titles should help affirm what one’s job, duties or responsibilities are. Titles in general however; shouldn’t identify who we are. An exception is to follow after this brief sidetrack…
Not quite a week ago I visited a site by a professing believer. The site was well put together and had a certain artistic flair to it. The guy that runs the site has an obvious creative touch, but that’s not really the point of all this. As I was exploring, I checked out blogger’s snippet about himself, which reads:
Web designer and developer. Loud discerner. Software engineer and
programmercoder. Conservative. Musician. Christian-follower. Nuclear engineer. Libertarian. Jovial cynic.
Nothing unusual about using a strike through. I’ve used it myself to make sarcasm of a situation, or to show that I have revisited a thought and edited accordingly, and I’ve used it to make a point about something by coyly drawing attention to that which is to be "disregarded". For some strange reason though, seeing the strike through used in the word "Christian" to downplay the word and I assume magnify Christ struck me as an odd thing to do. Don’t get me wrong here please, anytime we can get out of the way to allow Christ to be magnified in our lives is great!
As I’ve become acquainted with the Christian blogging world I’ve seen "Christ-follower" (minus a strike through of the trailing i-a-n) used several times, and even then the term has always struck me as an odd way to identify oneself. It’s as if when one goes to the trouble to differentiate, they’re begging for separation not differentiation. I guess the question I have is, "When did it become "in" to be ashamed to be known by the title "Christian"?" I mean seriously, the early church thought it an honor to be known as such for whom they identified in (Jesus) to the point of willing to die for the true purpose behind the word.
Here’s something to think about… Did Jesus ever change His message of who He claimed to be or what His message was when it got a little uncomfortable for Him in His association with God the Father?
Matthew 26:59-66
59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, "This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ "62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 63 But Jesus remained silent.
The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."64 "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?"
"He is worthy of death," they answered.Mark15:1-2
1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.2 "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate.
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Notice that Jesus didn’t waver in His encounter with Pilate, perhaps replying instead: "King!?!? Hmm , king of the Jews carries way too much implication and discomfort, nah…. more like a historical model for man to "follow". No, I don’t see where Jesus was concerned about how the world perceived Him concerning His claims of who He is.
Acts 11:26
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Now, I know that there have been many instances throughout history where people have done things in the name of Christianity that we’re not Christ-like when compared to what Scripture says. The Crusades for example. In recent history we have scandals and vandals that have the name Christian attached to them, be it the likes of Juanita Bynum, Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley or the way out in left field Westboro Baptist Churches of the world to name a few.
Acts 26:28
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
Hopefully I’ve been able to articulate that if Jesus wasn’t ashamed of who He was, then we shouldn’t be ashamed to be known by the very name that the early church founded to identify with its creator. In closing I leave you with a final verse concerning the word Christian and an invitation take 5 minutes to watch and listen to what Ravi Zacharias has to say (select the Video titled: Postmedernism: is it a new idea?).
1st Peter 4:16
16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Grace and peace be with you.
I’ve heard some good things about this blog. Remember to balance the pics with the text tho. cheers!
Good words and so true. There seems to be a “movement” where Christ followers want to make Christ more appealing to the world. Downplay that, downplay this, love, love, love and don’t offend anyone and ya, “you can be a Christ follower too!” Seems like if we all just paid a little more attention to God’s Word and our own relationships with Him then maybe we wouldn’t be so concerned with being “relevant” or hip or cool or whatever. Sometimes it’s hard to see true humility… and… who’s preaching that and who’s listening? God’s blessings!
~Jen
Christopher says:
Thank you Jen for the kind words and affirmation that I am at least not the only one that thinks this train of thought to be odd.
I think you so hit the nail on the head when you say: “Seems like if we all just paid a little more attention to God’s Word and our own relationships with Him then maybe we wouldn’t be so concerned with being “relevant” or hip or cool or whatever.”
When a “Christian” is concerned with how they’re perceived, especially with regard to those outside the church, I think that they are on the road to exalting themselves above Christ. Which in some ways is what I think Chris Elrod was saying when he talked about presenting the truth.
Additionally, I hope that others reading into these dialogues would not interpret or receive our words as being antagonistic toward the people ie; the flock lining up with the Emergent Church or variants of that movement. I speak for myself in saying that: “My prayers and thoughts are that anyone associated with, indoctrinated in or contemplating involvement with the EC would seriously examine what the EC is saying doctrinally versus what the Bible says in all things.”
Grace and peace be with you Jen.
I sometimes use the phrase “Christ follower” as opposed to Christian. Especially with people who might not go to church regularly. I do it because I think the word “Christian” comes with so much baggage I spend all my time explaining that “no I’m not homophobic, bigoted, or mean spirited.
I’ll also use the phrase “Christ follower” when I’m emphasizing just how radical Jesus was. Often the word “Christian” invokes imagery of boring, stale, safe, and dull. Which is sad. But true.
I’m not ashamed of being labeled as a Christian. But I don’t want a label to be what stands between me and helping someone see just who Jesus really was.
Christopher says:
E.B. great to hear from you again, and as always to have your two cents worth thrown in.
I think you make some points that sound valid, however be it a label or our actions, either could cause someone to be turned off to Christianity. Plus some people just don’t care about God, so no matter what we think we are doing,that person is determined to deny Christ.
I think that it’s sometimes assumed that The Great Commission means that we’re supposed to be the one responsible for someone coming (conversion) to Christ, that we’re to be the reason, which isn’t the case; since none of us can ever be a savior for anyone. We’re to preach the Gospel, the good news, and let the Holy Spirit do His job. Now that in no way implys that we shouldn’t be persuasive (in words and deeds), but not at the expense (ie; compromise) of the good news, Jesus, nor our relationship with God. Part of that process involves speaking about how sin separates us from God and condemns us to hell (two subjects that can turn people off).
Having said all of that, let me be the first to confess to being soft at being upfront and blunt. Now by no means am I suggesting going “Westboro” on someone,when witnessing to them. However, consider if you were sitting at home unaware of a fire in your house… wouldn’t you be appreciative of the person that factually expresses the situation with love and urgency for your welfare?
Pheww… getting long winded. Time to let others talk.
here.
E.B. I did read the link to your post BTW and I’ll get back with you with some thoughts. Until then….
Grace and peace be with you.
I agree. I too don’t want to come off as “better than” anyone, because I know I’m not, yet at the same time I can’t help but feel a tinge of anger (and didn’t Jesus sometimes get angry?) when I hear anyone want to play down the power of Christ or His Word to appease anyone.
It isn’t that we should all be in anyone’s face regarding our Christian faith. If anything, it should be evident without a word being uttered but if someone should ask, or God presents the opportunity for us to share do we then need to make Him look more appealing, more like the world so that they then might want be “associated” with Him?
I think the thing that bothers me most about this is “a better than” attitude. Like somehow there’s this thought that “we want to be a new kind of Christian. Not like those old ones and we’re finding new ways to do that.” I don’t think there should be difference and it’s a dividing thought at that.
Again, shouldn’t the thought be instead, “man is lost and without God will perish in his sins.” Shouldn’t our goal be as Christians, all of us, to just put Jesus first, first in our own lives and then let Him be modeled through us? Man made religion is always… man made. He is always thinking of new ways, new ideas, and maybe yes, some of it is with all sincerity but if we all truly would strive to walk as Jesus walked we would find (especially with the masses) that more than likely it would not be a popular road most would want to walk.
Well, again the perfect model is Christ Himself and if there’s anyone we should be listening to it’s Him and if there’s anyone we should be mirroring… it’s Him. A hard road for any of us to walk and only possible in His power and our surrender.
God’s blessings!
~Jen
Christopher says:
Jen,
Well put and amen!
Jen has sparked an additional thought with her comments that I’d like to share as food for thought (applies to both the individual in the “church” as well as the collective “church”):
Grace and peace be with you all.
I basically agree with everything that’s been said. I don’t want to water down Christianity (I like to think R3 waters up Christianity.
). But I think we need to be conscientious of sticking to terms that confuse the meaning of what we’re trying to accomplish. In this case, clear communication with someone. (Incidentally, I think we are all striving for that in this conversation)
Let me use Jesus’ own behavior as an example. I think part of the reason Jesus didn’t overtly proclaim himself as the Messiah was because Jews at that time were looking for a Messiah to be a military leader, someone who would kick some serious Roman butt. Yet Jesus came to do the exact opposite. He came to love and save people, not destroy them in military conquest.
If he had accepted the word “Messiah” without redirecting it’s meaning, it would have been that much harder for him to spread the Gospel. I know it’s an old cliché, but I think it’s true: words mean something. And sometimes that meaning hurts your ability to communicate effectively.
Christopher says:
Agreed, what we have here is a good dialogue of trying to understand different perspectives,along with a sincere effort to not water down the message contained within CHRISTianity.
I firmly believe the same when you say “words mean something” (having weight,worth,impact,and power). The example of Jesus as a political Messiah was great, something I just happened to have briefly made reference to in another post not too long ago (Between the Lines). The way that statement was worded says something deeper to me though; the fact that it was Jesus that redirected the meaning of the word, just as He redirected how man related to his Creator and one another. I’d like to add that in my opinion, timing (by His divine orchestration) played a role in this as well. Just something that we all need to keep fresh in our minds; that Jesus is the first and last in everything. Which I do think is a sticking point with many beyond our little discussion here:
Thanks again E.B. for adding to the conversation and my apologies for taking so long to respond today. Oh yeah, R3 is not watered down in my opinion. If it were I’d never link to it.
Grace and peace be with you.
I’m the strike-through culprit.
I think I like “Christ-follower” because it’s a more descriptive phrase of what I’m striving for… rather than a label of a group I’m in. Followers of Christ weren’t called Christians until Antioch (Acts11), and even then “Christian” clearly meant “Christ-follower”, whereas these days (unlike the first century) it seems that it can mean anything… from a hardcore legalistic fundamentalist to an unabashed porn star who was sprinkled as an infant and hasn’t been to church since.
To this I would answer that we are first and foremost called to not be ashamed of Christ. If some followers of Christ feel compelled to straight up call themselves “Christ-followers” I’d say that’s still quite scripturally faithful… and a really far cry from being ashamed of Christ. It’s a heart thing in the end no matter what anybody calls themselves. Someone’s actions, words, and theology will reveal if they are ashamed of Christ or are compromising scripture to be relevant… not so much what they call themselves (especially when they call themselves CHRIST-followers). I think your logic on this point was a little shaky… especially since the term “Christ-follower” seems to emphasizes Christ even more than the term “Christian” (not that that particularly matters a hoot… because we won’t be judged on our labels).
Oh, and believe me… as someone firmly within the conservative wing of the emerging church (whatever that means… confessional Calvinist?) I’m definitely no fan of the so-called Emergent Church. I like to explain it to folks like this. The difference between the Emergent folk and me is that when asked if I’m a Christian I’ll say “Yes, I’m a Christ-follower” …and they’ll say “No, I’m a Christ-follower”.
As a self-administered pharisee test you could ask yourself how you would respond if someone asked you if you are a “Christ-follower”. [yes, I'm a Christian] [no, I'm a Christian] I think the answer to that question might answer all of your own concerns expressed in your post.
Christopher says:
Yes, I was in fact referencing your blog and Bio, but simply for illustrative purposes. It seems from your comments that you might have the impression that I was implying that by your choice to identify as a “Christ follower” verses a “Christian”; that I was in turn throwing you into the EC camp, or otherwise implying how and what you feel about your relationship with Christ does not make you a Christian in. That was not my intentions, and if that’s how you perceived this post and my commentary, then I offer my apologies to you for offending and inadvertently implying such.
First, welcome and thank you for the visit and your input to Got Fruit(?). Secondly, you’re not “the strike-through” culprit.
As for Antioch and the Book of Acts, yes, I agree that it most likely wasn’t until then that the early church, the followers of Jesus Christ were called Christians. This point was made in the post when I said: I mean seriously, the early church thought it an honor to be known as such for whom they identified in (Jesus) to the point of willing to die for the true purpose behind the word.”, as well as following it up a few blockquotes and paragraphs later with reference to Acts 11:26. Again the points there were illustrate,backup, and contrast with today’s Christian,what I was saying about early church members readily identifying by the name “Christian”.
Steve you make an excellent point in stating: To this I would answer that we are first and foremost called to not be ashamed of Christ. (Romans 1:16) Actually were first and foremost called to repent and believe (Mark 1:14-15), but hey, I’m just messing you.
Also, I agree that by whatever title one chooses to identify with Christ is not going to play into their salvation unless… for example one is in a doctrinally corrupt denomination,sect,group, what have you, where “Christ-follower” means adhering to the teachings of Christ as a model for being a good person, yet they are not repentant nor allowing Christ to be their Lord & Savior of and over their life.
Concerning the logic of the commentary, do recall that what was stated was an opinion not an absolute comment directed against anyone choosing to be known as a “Christ-follower”, It was stated:
The gist of the post is that I wanted to emphasize; especially to any readers that might be experiencing their own doubts or unease about being a Christian, that in view of this day’s perceptions toward Christianity, being a Christian and known as such is not a dirty word just because the world says so. This was something that I thought was articulated (perhaps badly):
“Christ-follower” is a term that I perceived as being not wrong, just ambiguous, when seen from a Biblical perspective. Please understand that until a few years ago I was unaware of the Emergent Church which is where the term seems to be more readily used, furthermore I hadn’t encountered believers; be it EC, Baptist, Methodist, or whatever else denomination that used the term “Christ-follower”, so yes, it is an odd term to me.
Steve, I believe that I would pass the self-administered Pharisee test by answering that “question’ with “Yes, I am a Christian”, if I were a Mormon or a Jehovah’s Witness however… that wouldn’t be a true answer. As they say I might be sincere, just sincerely wrong. Sorry, I couldn’t let you off the hook so easily with that loaded question.
Steve, again I thank you for taking the time to sound in, and once again offer my apologies if anything that I’ve said was taken as a personal attack. I’m going to close with a passage from 2nd Timothy, not directed at you but rather for trolls or anyone else that should happen along and try stir up things by reading too much into our dialogue.
Grace and peace be with you.
Hey… NO apology is necessary.
Seriously… I was just throwing down some healthy counter-point (I’m the loud discerner), and I didn’t take offense to anything you said… and to top it off with a cherry I think I agree with everything you just said in response. Perhaps some of my counter-point also applied to other commenters’ remarks… but I digress.
Yeah… Mormons sincerely call themselves Christians… and I guess would be in the same category as the spry porn star who calls herself Christian because she was sprinkled as an infant. And on the “Christ-follower” side there are those calling themselves that (Bell, Pagitt, McClaren) who are really NOT following Christ.
Speaking of those three in particular… Driscoll had a pretty pointy talk he gave at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary on the revisionist wing of the emerging church. He pretty much laid out how Emergent “conversations” are starting to question substitutional atonement, virgin birth, sin of homosexuality, etc… and are therefore heresies (which I guess would make their proponents heretics).
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=23382035&id=157694670
It’s worth a listen. I’ve used it to help guide peers who might have otherwise been swooned by the neo-liberals of the emerging crowd.
Christopher says:
Steve,
I’m happy to hear that you did not receive my words as a personal and unwarranted attack. Thank you for being gracious in response.
I am familiar with the Big 3 of the EC as well as their “teachings” as you’ve mentioned, in fact I’m in the process of teaching a discernment series for my church’s young adults group, of which theological liberalism, the EC, and it’s doctrine will eventually be touched upon. Thank you for the resource! I’ll definitely check it out and consider it for inclusion in the lessons.
Grace and peace be with you.
Enjoyed following up on everyone’s conversations. After reading Steve’s last comment I was so glad to hear that Mark Driscoll is speaking out against the “Big 3″. I remember last year after reading Bell’s Velvet Elvis (which I would not recommend) praying that God would raise up a pastor to speak out against such heresies and Driscoll was the guy I prayed God would use. So for me (as I’m sure there were others within the body praying for the same thing) that’s a BIG answer to prayer - praise and thanks be to God! Anyway, thanks for posting the link Steve and I will definitely check it out.
As with anything, discernment is key. Thank God there are people out there (Christopher) who are teaching the truth to our youth.
God’s blessings,
~Jen
Christopher says:
Hallelujah indeed! True, it’s a blessing to have and know that Driscoll is speaking out against the EC, however it’s up to us “little folks” as well to do our part. Our podiums might not be as big as Driscoll, Ken Silva and Ingrid Schleuter to name a few, but we still have a voice that, to borrow Steve’s comment: help guide peers who might have otherwise been swooned by the neo-liberals of the emerging crowd.
Jen, I also want to thank you for being bold. You’re one of the few people that I’ve heard unapologetically not recommend Rob Bells: “Velvet Elvis”. I’ve not read it myself, and in all likelihood never will. Perhaps that’s something that you would care to post at Walk Two for us if you haven’t already. I’m still a little gun shy toward philosophical(?) readings if you will, after having been indoctrinated in my teen age years to humanistic thinking from a little book titled: Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach. FILE UNDER: Be careful of what you ingest mentally & spiritually.
Also Jen thanks for the acknowledgment. I’m simply trying to do to the best of my ability what it is that I believe God has put on my heart to address for Him and His kingdom. As Steve alluded to in his last comment, I’m concerned,especially having a spot in my heart toward young people about the spiritual dangers lurking ever so close to the true church. There are plenty of ideas “out there” that sound good on the surface when speaking of Christianity; “sound good” and sound doctrine are not the same however, we all must be on our guard to differentiate, and expose that which is not the true Jesus.
Grace and peace be with you.
[...] I want to give a big THANK YOU to E. Barrett, Jen and Steve and for all of your comments on "Vanilla Christian without apology". Each of you, in your own way have been a blessing. I thank you not only for the comments and [...]