Preface: This was written for my Christians and Culture class when I was a student of Bible & Ministry and submitted May 13, 2000.
The ‘Modern’ Christian
The word “Christian” these days in many ways is very stereotypical. So many people rally for us to understand them better; more Women’s rights (or should I say Womyn’s rights?), African American’s rights, Disabled person’s rights all just and in some ways deserving and necessary. I, as a Christian, want to be understood better! The stereotype that generally creates a mental image in one’s mind is so detailed that it makes it almost impossible for anyone to be Christian and needs to be broken. Using age, skin color, ethnicity, physical appearance, hobbies, music preferences, that persons’ life before being a believer, and even down to education for some people, to, in a sense, discriminate against the Body of Christ. There is also tradition, and cultural comforts that impress expectations that “Christians” should and should not do. Sadly, almost all of the above-mentioned items merely turn people away from joining, understanding, and growing in the Body of Christ! This is not to say that all things are acceptable, but I think that this way of thinking usually hurts rather than helps evangelism and all its’ possible positive results.
First, what does the term Christian or Christianity mean and encompass? The word Christian does not refer to an object, rather it is “a person who believes in Jesus Christ; an adherent of Christianity.” This definition alone should destroy half the battle in society, as you can only refer to a person as Christian not a movie, or a book, or a song. Take into account a tattoo. Is a tattoo wrong? Is it more “Christian” if it is of a cross? A tattoo is a choice you make, irrelevant of what it is, the tattoo is not Christian…the question should be whether the person bearing it is. Then again, you cannot fairly say that someone is any less Christian than the next because of a tattoo. This is where tradition and society come into play and create stereotypes and make determinations as to what is and is not accepted as being Christian. Remember, however, the only thing that is Christian is a Christ believing person.
So, with that in mind, why is it so hard for some people to believe? There are too many preconceived ideas and non-biblically based requirements from a lot of churches when it comes to salvation and beliefs. This also applies to those who are already believers; just on a path of faith grounded in tradition and cultural bias rather than biblically supported ideas. Our focus, generally, is to the non-believer and “as the non-Christian contemplates the vast puzzle of Christianity, he visualizes a lot more pieces in it than Christ on the Cross.” Some of these ideas, as Joseph C. Aldrich states, are profound yet essential in eliminating for the breaking down boundaries, created by the world, in order to more effectively reach the surrounding community. One being, “to become a Christian, I must give up everything I enjoy.” This could be true depending on what you enjoy; but the Bible says, most strongly in Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning that former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on a new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” So, with a newfound belief system of Christianity comes a new man, created in the image and likeness of God; and a new definition of what ‘fun’ is to some extent of the word. As a new believer, studying the Bible and learning to grow in, with, and by it is necessary. With that, “proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Eph 5:10-11) It must be understood that sacrifices are made with all changes in life, but that life does not get worse once you are a Christian. Another idea presented is that “to become a Christian, I must go to church and get involved in lots of meetings.” This idea is still perpetuated and taken in a negative manner. The bible says in Eph 2:8-9 that “for by grace you are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” So faith is the key here. How do we get faith? Romans 10:8,17 says, “…The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach…So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” By being able to clarify these ideas to a non-believer one should be able to reach a lot of people.
Having these ideas understood by the community and those currently in the church is a key to having a more ‘community correct’ church. Breaking down preconceived ideas about Christians, their beliefs, and what is necessary to be a believer is the hardest thing to do. Another issue in getting out to the community is the physical aspect. Literally, the world is very fast paced, busy, and, for the most part, lacking the morals and values that would normally drive people towards a more positive environment such as church. So, a church must know what avenue to use to effectively reach the community in order to discuss the aforementioned preconceptions. Some may have more frequent services, or evening services. Others might invite the local high school choir to perform one Sunday, drawing in families of the performers, sending out mailers about the church, or physically walking through town with the church’s information. There are also group meetings aimed towards certain people, such as Youth groups, Men and Woman’s bible study, and many more. Ways of attracting the community are endless with one of the most vital being word of mouth. On that note, it is important to know that a church cannot solely focus on bringing people into church, but also keeping them there, and happily, and a biblically based faith, rather than a traditional or culturally biased church and belief system. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh…Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exaltheth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Cor. 10:3,5)
So many things can affect how much diversity a church has in its local body. Personally I agree with, as the old saying goes, “Quality over quantity.” I would rather be part of a numerically smaller yet biblically based and spiritually stronger church any day. The overwhelming fulfillment by the Spirit will allow one “to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints that is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end.” (Eph 3:16-21) So, with that in mind, go as it says in Ephesians 4:17,29 and “testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, …Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” The Lord does not discriminate, does not take into consideration the cultural differences, or location. So, why as a believer would we? Or why would we allow for people to use such traditions and culture comforts to negatively affect out walk in faith and spreading the word? Let’s not allow it; let’s make a new cultural comfort out of Christianity. It is cool to be Christian!
1 - The Random House® College Dictionary, Revised Edition Most current Copyright © 1984 by Random House, Inc. Based on The Random House® Dictionary of the English Language, The Unabridged Edition.
2 - Joseph C. Aldrich, Life-Style Evangelism Copyright © 1981 by Multnomah Press, p.215
3 - All Bible verse references from: The Scofield® Study Bible Most current Copyright © 1945 by Oxford University Press, Inc., previously published as The Scofield Reference Bible.
4 - Refer to footnote 3, Emphasis his.
5 - Refer to footnote 3, Emphasis his.
6 - Refer to footnote 3, Emphasis his.
7 - Refer to footnote 3, Emphasis his.
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© 2001 Shannon Yáñez
