They think I'm dumb.
1 Corinthians 1:20 (AMP) #verseOfReflection
Where is the wise man (the philosopher)?
Where is the scribe (the scholar)?
Where is the investigator (the logician, the debater)
of this present time and age?
Has not God shown up the nonsense
and the folly of this world’s wisdom?
The last time we met, we briefly talked about what people might think of Christianity. The term itself as noted can be very convoluted, seemingly codified, and any mention of it at times might be the source of conflict. The first question to be addressed: What do Christians actually do?
Where do I begin...
It probably goes without saying, but Christians are human and mistakes are more often made 'in the name of Jesus' than you would imagine. Whether this be a result of how a believer was brought up in the faith, misinformation pertaining to certain cultural understandings, or just more knowledge than they know what to do with; simultaneously slacking heavy on the grace. It's not easy being a representative of something bigger than yourself, especially when some have all but perverted what it means to be a follower of Christ through their self-promotion and childish antics in what may seem to be a genuine attempt to lead people to a stronger relationship in Christ. The list of pastors (leaders, teachers, etc.) alone who gleefully give the idea of God a bad name may just be long enough to serve as a temporary equator around the globe.
"If there is a God, atheism must
seem to Him as less of an
insult than religion"
-Edmond DeGoncourt
(Taken from I Knew Jesus... Ch 3.)
So what do Christians actually do? For starters they love (Mark 12:28-31). Love is another one of those words that is not easily understood and I'm convinced that the majority of people are still coming to terms with the difference between lust and love. Having been there myself, I completely understand the struggle. They also are called to live in peace (Romans 12:17-19), look after others [in a variety of specific ways] (Matthew 25:31-40), and seek to grow in faith through continuous trials, tests, and tribulations (Hebrews 11:6). This barely scratches the surface, but hopefully provides a better overview if you were clueless (or unsure) before. Could always say, "Look at Jesus!" Extremely easier to say than do (i.e. Carrying it out).
We know the Bible says alot of ish; what I do?
Well, growing up the one thing I understood above all was the importance of being kind to people. For some odd reason, I was always (and continue to be) the fall in between the clique type of person. I was able to pick up on how someone really felt without them expressing it and at times would go out of my way to befriend someone if I knew they might not have a lot of friends or if they were being picked on for whatever reason. In grade school one young boy was named Johnny and in highschool one young man named Andrew. In Johnny's case, he seemed like a nerd/geek/whatever. Wore glasses, was kind of anti-social, very stereotypical caricature of a kid who might be a loner (for a number of reasons). One time on a field trip we were at the park and a teacher asked if I "know who that kid is", who happened to be alone and pulling bark off the tree. "Yea, that's Johnny." I did as I was told, and let him know he'd kill the tree if he kept it up, but more importantly I was glad to actually have known who he was. How many times are we surrounded by people that we should know and don't; more or less let them know we see them?
In middle and highschool it became more of the same. Continued to be brought up in the faith and making friends, most notably friends which crossed every boundary known to us as kids at the time (which would be gender and ethnicity). Even when in elementary I thought it cool to be close friends with a dude named Huey, who was of Asian-descent. I'd have to say I became more serious and intentional about my faith once I attended the Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation. This was my first serious introduction into studying the faith at a scholarly level (think christian summer camp/seminary introduction for youth). From there things really took off. When I came back to the "real world" people at my job said they could tell I had changed; I was glowing.
By highschool I had some "failed" attempts at evangelism since I hadn't really been trained, but did what I could to struggle and express why someone might need Christ instead of understanding that I should relay what Christ had done in my own life. There were a few sermons I preached here and there and constant involvement in ministry, most of which included multimedia and the art of "creative communication" (which continues to this day).
Once college rolled around I was really able to put into practice what I had been learning. Not only am I responsible for myself, but others as well. I was a leader on a number of occasions in various school groups both in community college and at the university level. My faith gave me the impetus needed to be an AmeriCorps member and encourage people to take back their neighborhoods from drugs and blight; really show them that even the work of a few can make a difference. Other than simply caring for folks, doing right by my fellow man, and trying to lead a righteous life, faith, hope, and love carried me through my undergraduate years. It wasn't easy. You learn to forgive, control your emotions, and not give in to certain temptations even when it's all that anyone could ever imagine...or you've fallen prey to them before.
Lastly, and I had never been without my failures, shortcomings, or insecurities, I was becoming more and more of an advocate...for everybody. At Carnegie Mellon I pushed the university administration to do a better job of taking care of their graduate students. God had really set me up for that given the way things played out. At one point someone had said that this was an issue for 22 years and all of a sudden I showed up. Truth of the matter was this had always been an issue, and one which effected everyone. [Sadly, during the time of my attendance we had a student who committed suicide before/during winter break.]
Now...my faith causes me to continue to advocate. These days it's more so for people who aren't part of the faith or are a minority within the faith. I'll readily defend Atheists, agnostics, scientists, Muslims, and the like in encouraging my fellow Christians to be more understanding and forthcoming in their dealings and interactions. I continue to challenge those who know everything about the Bible to look deeper, especially when it comes to understanding gender and sexuality. Do you really think the Bible says everything? Or is it a starting point and an ending point with so much in the middle...at a minimum do a better job of being in communication with those you disagree with. Forever a purveyor of unity.
I've had the pleasure of going toe-to-toe with a number of offshoots of Christianity and believers who fall in line with some others, which most people would deem as "cults". It never fails how the conversations start out and eventually progress. If they were recorded live it'd be a real Home Box Office entertainment special to see. The funniest thing though, I think, is they still can't realize after talking to me over and over...they don't know "what I do".
2 Timothy 2:15 (AMP) #verseOfReflection
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God
approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed,
correctly analyzing and accurately dividing
[rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
Sumthn2Ponder (s2p):
- Is there evidence of faith in my life?
- How would those who know me describe "what I do"?
- Does what I do line up with who I am?
Links for Consideration(L4C):
- How to Talk Christian
- Christian Clichés
- Sexual Differences
- Go here if not working
- What Jesus Wouldn't Do
