For forty nine years, if someone had asked me what religion I professed, I would simply say Christian. After all, I believe in Jesus teachings, I try to live my live my life according to the Bible, I pray to both God and Jesus. Jesus is an integral part of my life and I am very proud to follow in his footsteps as a disciple. Given this, why am I feeling saddened and disconnected with the Christian culture?
I am really struggling to find the Jesus that cared about the people who all others had given up on. I want to find the Jesus that hung out with tax collectors, publicly acknowledged women and children and treated the homeless, sick and elderly with respect. I want to find the Jesus who surrounded himself with people who had been hurt by the pompous religious elite, the Pharisees.
I, myself, find it hard to do all these things and certainly don’t always make the grade. But what I am seeing in our Christian culture, and I am down in the South, has gotten pretty ugly. It has become more of a political party or brand than a religion. Let me give a few examples:
I am going to the beach tomorrow and staying on a Beach Front Property that advertises itself as a “Christian Property”. Really? What exactly does that mean? If your not a Christian don’t come? Is Christianity a club? Does it require dues and a secret handshake? This to me is a marketing technique called branding and Christianity is not a brand. This really makes me angry as I think this is a ploy to get more business.
I am a Democrat, and have different views than my more politically conservative friends. I had lunch with one of these friends and when she found out I was a Democrat she told me that I couldn’t be taking the Bible as it was intended. I kept asking her to change the topic because we just simple were not going to agree but she would not let up. She chastised me for my choice in candidate and was very disrespectful about my beliefs. This woman was a close friend, I was in her wedding. Luckily, after a cooling down period of about six months, we were both able to try again. My point is that Christianity is not a political party. It is bigger than that.
and finally, my gay friends. We are really struggling down here in Atlanta right now. Chick Fil A is a restaurant that is known for its very politically conservative values. I totally get that. But when Chick Fil A made a statement about their views on homosexuality and how it is wrong (really don’t know what that has to do with Chicken but OK) the statement in the paper was that their take on Gay Rights is a Christian viewpoint. That is where I draw the line. Sure, I respect their rights to their opinion but not all Christians feel this way. I don’t feel this way.
Since I feel that the wonderful things about Jesus’ teachings are that they are dynamic, inclusive and stand the test of time, I am denouncing Christianity and becoming an ardent Jesus Follower.
What a powerful and beautiful piece! You have beautifully spoken truth (at least my understanding of it, too). Thanks for voicing this clarion call.
Thanks Martha.
Wow. Great post. I wrote a friend earlier today about Chick-fil-A. Told him I’m not sure about my religious beliefs, but had no desire to worship a hateful God. And that the Constitution should be for guaranteeing & protecting rights-not denying them. Religion should be kept out of politics because your beliefs are not the same as mine. (not you personally) Hope things worked out with your friend.
It is really refreshing to hear someone say they are not sure about their religious beliefs. Thanks for your insightful comment.
I’ve been a Christ-follower for years. Christians sometime forget that Christ came to save all sinners and that includes every one of us.
Absolutely! Thanks!
I too am the right’s worst nightmare, a Dem that has read and understand the teachings of Jesus. As such allow me to share something I think you might find helpful on your journey, all the writings of Bruce D. McLaren but most especially his “Secret Message of Jesus”. His books have been an eye opener for me. I was particularly impressed by the fact that he was, abt 10 years ago, scheduled as a speaker at an Evangelical conference and after his “New Kind of Christian”, another excellent book, was published, they uninvited him to not speak at their conference. That got me to buy the book and I’ve never regretted it. Bless you on your journey.
Thank you so much for these book recommendations. Going to Amazon right now to find them. I am especially intrigued with “New Kind of Christian”.
This is one reason we are not religious. I have no issue with what others believe, each to their own, but I feel the very origins of religion have been lost and yes, it is way to political these days. What people believe, religion wise, has no place in politics. As for companies telling us where they stand on gays and gay marriage, really, who cares. Would they kick out a couple if they were only gay… And risk the backlash. What I find the worst, is not so much that they express their opinion, (“I don’t think being gay is normal, and they shouldn’t get married”) but the not accepting that people might disagree with them, and making a shit storm out of it. I could go on, but will leave it there. I have no problem with gays, or ardent religious people. Whatever rows your boat. Great post Helen
I have heard many say that the arrogance of religion is a total turn off. Thanks for your post.
Seems extreme to give up Christianity over what others believe. I hope opinion and belief does not affect who you are associating with, yet I feel that it has. Whether I agree with Chick Fil A’ s position of not, it would not keep me from patronizing them. They are taking the position of what is written I believe and is that not the basis for Christianity?
It is just like politics. Many choose a candidate that I do not approve, my husband included, but I would not abandon him for this reason. He is a Democrat and a Catholic, and I am not.
These are great things to think about and I really appreciate your honesty.
I never fit in at a church so I stopped going. So much happier now. I love Jesus and follow him not the rules of the South or tradtions of Southern churches. You wrote a great piece.
Your relationship with religion should be yours alone, and no one elses. It’s unfortunate that some choose to give up religion or Christianity because of what others say or do. Would they give up eating or working, or their family because of what others say or do? I think not. Christ is our food, our work, and our family. I’m glad you are following Jesus, but Jesus is Christ, and Christ IS Christianity. Listen to your heart, not to others.