Not Christian, Forgiven...

In seminary we do a lot of writing.  I mean, a lot.  Participating in seminary online caused me to realize very quickly that vocabulary is critically important to move an idea or express oneself accurately.  When in conversation with someone in my class I can only go on what they say and have very little ability to 'read between the lines' because context is limited.

This is to say that I've been considering our Christian lingo lately and I've found some of it disturbing, maybe even 'cheap.'  I'd like to propose an alternative to the words 'Christian' and 'believer.'

Both 'Christian' and 'believer' are practically meaningless today.  Christian, to the general population, means almost nothing.  It used to be that a Christian at least attended church.  Today, it is estimated that only 17% of Americans actually attended on any given Sunday.  Behaviors between those who consider themselves Christian are non-distinct from those who do not.  The television is filled with 'celebrities' claiming to be Christian who live their lives non-distinct from anyone else. Christian today means that someone looks fondly on their Christian heritage or that they have adopted some of the Christian values and behaviors in areas important to his/her life.

To be a 'believer' used to be significant.  It used to get you killed.  It meant that you were convinced that Jesus walked out of his own grave for a divine purpose - thus trivializing all other religions and gods.  Being a believer meant that there were other proposed truths that one rejected and distanced him/herself from.  Today, being a believer simply means you believe 'something.'  One would likely not even be asked to clarify what he/she believes.  A believer today is merely someone who is not agnostic or atheist.

I propose a different word we ought to consider using, forgiven.  Forgiven distinguishes between cultural Christianity and sincere followers of Jesus.  To say one is forgiven is to say he/she acknowledges their violations of divine standards and that someone, who is capable of forgiving, has imparted pardon.  When I say I am forgiven at once I humble myself and give recognition to the one who forgives me.  Forgiven is also religiously distinct.  What other religion's grand narrative is of a God who forgives his people?  The proclomation of Jesus is clear and unmistakable.

Today, 'Christian' is a label placed on everything from concerts to mints.  It assumes everything 'Christian' shares in these products and ventures.  But, forgiven is a state of being.  No inanimate object can be forgiven, nor can they respond to God as such.

Being forgiven realeases us from fulfilling the expectations of those who carelessly refer to themselves as Christians.  I no longer want to know what a 'good Christian' would do.  I want to know what my redeemer wants a forgiven Marc to do.  So, let's not waste our time prescribing Christian lifestyle choices, planning special Christian events or marketing nifty Christian products for each other.  Instead, let's help more people down the journey of being forgiven.

marc