Post #7: March 10, 2009: Labels in the Christian World

This week, I read an article of Newsweek by Lisa Miller called “A Christian by Any Other Name.” This article discusses how many denominations have sprung up and how the word “Christian” has fallen into narrower niches and groups. As people in the Christian world struggle to find their identity, many other people have gotten use to the label “follower of Jesus” and are gaining much popularity from the youth. Here are some advantages that boosters say in the Newsweek article:

“Follower of Jesus” has at least two advantages over “Christian” or
“evangelical.” First, it doesn’t carry baggage. You can wear it abroad, in
Islamic countries, or at home with your Jewish or Buddhist friends, without
causing offense. Second, it distances the bearer from the culture wars that have
made American politics so defensive.” http://www.newsweek.com/id/188198

After reading the article, I wonder how the word “Christian” in our society and culture has changed. I also am curious about the many other advantages and disadvantages of being a “follower of Jesus.” The first reason I thought the label “follower of Jesus” was brought up was because others thought they were to act and follow Jesus in the way we served the poor and loved each other. In other cases, we self-apply the label based on creeds and list of beliefs, not based on our behavior. Creeds, doctrines and prayers are very important in our religion, but I believe those are not primary ways of showing the world we are followers of Jesus.

There are many flaws with this label. Sometimes you may be a “follower” of Jesus, but if you do not believe in important beliefs such as Jesus rose from the dead or that we were saved because of Jesus’ sacrifice, then you are not a Christian. This makes me wonder the possible reasons why people chose to differentiate between “Christian” and “followers of Jesus.” One reason I thought was because the word “Christian” has gotten such a bad reputation because of “pretenders,” so real followers are avoiding the word in favor of something that means the same but with a different reputation.

Since the name “Christian” was introduced to the world a long time ago, its meaning and title has gone through many multiple transitions. Starting from religious persecution, to a religious faith as a formal way of expression through theology, to a time of reformation making a designation between “Christian” and “Catholic,” the word “Christian” has gone through many alterations, including many denominations and cults. But the word “Christian” has been viewed within society differently at many different times. At some point, the label Christian might have been given to those who show characteristics that are taught and exemplified by Jesus, ultimately meaning that person was “good.” Other examples would be the “word” Christian viewed as a political stance or relief work such as humanitarianism.

When interviewed about how the world is communicating Christianity with a judgemental attitude and about the concern about message and method, Dave Gibbons said this:

When I relate globally I usually say I’m a Christ follower rather than a
Christian. There are elements within our cultural Christianity that is not at
the heart of who Jesus is. As you travel, you begin to understand that the
problem isn’t Jesus as much as it is the things we’ve added to Jesus and the
gospel.

The spelling of the name is identical, but the meanings place us in different stances and positions. It is because of these differences that the name “Christian” keeps on changing and also why different denominations and cults form. You could ask 100 people about what the word “Christian” means and you will get many different views and opinions. Labels make it seem like one denomination or label is better than the other. What is your opinion on this? Would “follower of Jesus” suit you better than the label “Christian?” What is your definition of the word “Christian.”