"So, which religion are you?" They looked at me.
Uh oh.
Not this question. No, please, not this question.
Every non-believer I've ever met has this among other reasons for rejecting my belief when I say "I'm a Christian":
"I'm just not a religious person. I don't feel like I need to follow all your 'rules'".
Then, they typically make some negative allusion to home-school skirts and 18-passenger vans (of which I have neither, which makes the remark all the more humorous). I often giggle in response - which is just awful - never laugh at an agnostic, that probably isn't the best way to convert them - but I can't help it. There are so many cliche stereotypes that Christians must forgo. It's as if we're expected to sit there and submit to the conventional image.
I was once at a friends house, who didn't know the Lord. A few of our other friends were there, and they started talking about their New Age ideas of spirituality.
It was then that they turned to me, who had been sitting quiet at the opposite end of the table (quite intentionally). I knew the answer to their question. And, if I had done what I have done a million times before, I would've answered "Christian. I'm a Christian." But I knew that wouldn't go over well. I wanted to influence these people, not turn them away.
"Well? Are you religious?"
"Nope."
....There was a silence.
"Seriously? You don't believe in God? The Universe? Anything?"
"Oh, yeah, I believe in God. And Jesus. But I'm not religious."
This completely confused them. "Jesus" and "Religion" were like ... inseparable! Two peas in a pod, siamese twins, a snake with two heads!
"You believe in Jesus?"
"Yeah."
"Like... That he's God?"
"Yeah."
....another silence. They knew something was fishy, here.
".....Why?"
Bingo. I now had a chance to explain my 5 reasons for believing why Christ is in fact who he said he was, without even referring to scripture. So far: Hadn't even mentioned the word "Christian."
After I was done explaining, my friends were obviously intrigued. They liked this idea. Love Jesus, and don't be religious.
What a thought!
"That's kinda cool. And different" one of my friends said.
"Yep." I smiled. :) In reality, I'm just another Christian. But I'm a Christian without the conventional image of "judgemental religious pew-sitter."
Unfortunately, right when I thought I got off the hook, another one of my friends connected the dots.
"Doesn't that make you a ... LIKE... a Christian?"
But, by this time, I could say "yes" without turning them off to my reasons for why I was a Christian - I had already given my reasons. I had made my case for Christ. I had told them why I believed in the historical and scientific evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was divine.
"I guess you could call me that, if you wanted."
The conversation went on. And my friends are now curious about what it is I truly believe. Still to this day, those same people are asking. And sometimes, that's all it takes for Christ to draw another one of His children to Himself.
Scripture tells us to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This completely pertains to the way we evangelize. Know the enemy - and know how to defeat him. Know how to stand up against the Devil's stereotypes of Christians. Street corner evangelism is great. Passing out tracks is great. But I've found that being real, and being intriguing, is the most effective.
Just a thought for you to munch on today. :)
My love to all of you . . .
7 comments:
I love this post. Very intriguing. :)
Gosh, I was JUST thinking about this this morning. It's so true! The word "religious" is a total turnoff these days.
Nice! :) I like your replies to all of your friends questions... totally agree with you!
Moe
Wow, that's such a good idea! I need to start getting more creative with the way I answer that question. thanks for the inspiration =)
But why is being "religious" such a bad thing? I don't think religion is such a bad word because it's showing reverence to God... Of course Jesus is our brother and friend, but he is also our God and hung on the cross because of our filth... I think the view of "relationship, not religion" diminishes fear of God. God is just our brother, he has no capability to damn us to hell, or punish us for sins we commit. He's just the big lazy chair we fall into.
Just some food for thought. :)
I don't think so at all, Mr/Ms Anonymous. :) In fact, if anything, the "Relationship" view of God should increase our fear of him, not diminish it. If your thoughts on that were correct, then all intimacy with God would be deemed wrong.
If an intimate relationship with the father decreases our honor of the almighty creator of the universe, then something has gone terribly wrong!
I have always found my own walk with Christ, and my own fear of the Lord, fostered when I am able to personally connect with Him on a level far deeper than the "far-off" God so many people see as the pinnacle of "religion."
Those are my views, and thank you for expressing yours! I always appreciate those who voice their opinions on theological matters like these :)
Hello! I was just wondering what your 5 reasons are for believing that Christ is God. I think it sounds like a wonderful way to remember what you believe (having a list like that). I enjoy finding yet another reason for myself, but if I were to actually have to explain why I believe Christ is God, I don't know that I could remember any of them very well, and probably wouldn't be as effective. And I (of course) want to be able to easily give account for the hope within me! =) Anyway, just curious, and thinking of maybe compiling my own list!
-Carrie
p.s. You have a beautiful playlist! =D
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