As a Christian for almost 21 years now, I cannot imagine not being one. Especially since coming to Simpson and growing my relationship with Jesus, which has led to the most stable mental and emotional health I have ever experienced. Yet, so many individuals are hurt by Christians and different doctrines that push them away from God; where have we gone wrong?
One issue that I think is plaguing Christianity on a global scale is nationalism. I am proud of my heritage; my father was in the army, I grew up on military bases and I do not hate this country.
However, as a Christian, our identity should always be with Christ before it is with a country or ideology. Culture and society do not define the Bible, which seems straightforward, but it is not.
Not all “Christian” values are biblically sound. As culture changes, Scripture is used to provide evidence of a “Christian” perspective.
Many churches supported chattel slavery and sexual slavery, as well as capital punishment and violence against children, were all biblical “truths.” It has been used to justify killing and destruction across continents and time.
A second issue is that we do not do a good enough job at separating our cultural ideology from our biblical beliefs. An idea considered to be culturally “right” or “wrong” can blur the lines with what the Bible conveys.
For instance, the Bible does not promote individualism or materialism, but the United States culture emphasizes taking control of your future as an independent worker, with a focus on creating a productive life and becoming a consumer.
Thirdly, taking care of the poor is one of the most fundamental biblical principles found throughout Scripture. Whether you are pro-welfare or anti-welfare does not matter, because as a nation we are failing our low-income community, for both conservatives who tend to be Christian, and liberals who tend to care about the marginalized.
Another issue is legalism. The biggest threat to Christianity, or its values, is Christians, not someone who does not share the faith.
Jesus had the most problems with people who misused Scripture. Religious individuals in positions of power or influence used the law for intimidation or their own gain, and He came to call out the hypocrisy of the laws.
Christians are not called to impose laws based on an interpretation, but to pursue a relationship with God and other people. There is no rule we can break that will automatically send us to Hell and keep us from God. There are acts we can do to strengthen or weaken our relationship with him.
God’s love for us does not change, nor does his longing to grow closer. Whether we sin or not, and whether someone interprets our actions as sin or not, his love for us still stays the same.
