Hello and Welcome!
My name is Sherry and in this blog we’ll be exploring topics concerning faith and Christianity. I hope to help change the negative connotation sometimes associated with the word ‘Christian’ and shed light on what followers of Jesus are really about. I plan to post once a week and I welcome your comments, opinions and observations. I would love for this to be an interactive forum so that we can all share, learn, and encourage one another.
I am no expert on any of this – far from it. Born and raised Catholic, I was pretty much coasting in the spiritual department, but over the last three years, life-altering circumstances have driven me to explore my faith and study Scripture, to read and listen to many scholars interpret the Bible, to examine who God is and question how Jesus fits into the whole equation, and ultimately, to learn a ton of stuff I never knew about my own faith.
Why “christian not Christian?” One reason this name came to me is, it’s a play on the phrase ‘sorry, not sorry.’ Have you heard it? It’s like ‘I’m sorry that I’m not sorry’ when you feel strongly about something, or when you’ve done something to slightly inconvenience or offend someone.
This phrase rings true partly because I get tired of feeling like I have to apologize for being christian. I mean, I get it. I know. In light of what some Christians have done in the past, and how some continue to behave today, I know that many don’t really Represent when it comes to the true meaning of Christianity. But, honestly, it gets wearisome feeling like you have to answer for what others have done – erroneously, for sure – ‘in the Name of Jesus’.
The phrase ‘christian not Christian’ applies also because I know, when asked about our faith or spirituality, some of us feel like we need to answer with, “Hey, I’m christian, but not ‘Christian’, you know?” – complete with air quotes and eye roll. Common misconceptions about Christianity, coupled with media portrayal, and some actual Christians’ behavior sometimes necessitates this response.
But these are not the primary reasons for the name.
More on where ‘christian Not Christian’ came from, next time.
For now, please join the conversation and comment with your answer to this question:
What one thought or phrase comes to mind when you hear the word “Christian” and why?
When I think of “Christian” I think of a journey. I used to think Christian meant work or effort toward God. As I have gotten older and wiser I realize that Christian really means relationship. It is a journey toward relationship with Christ. As the journey progresses and the relationship grows I realize how beautiful Jesus is. How grateful I am that I have him in my life. Now and forever. It’s a gift I have given myself
I love that definition ‘a journey toward relationship with Christ’ I couldn’t agree more!
Hi
The thought that comes to my mind is the belief that Christians believe they are the only ones going to heaven. I also have a very different idea of what heaven is but many times when I have talked to someone who is Christian and they have had a loved one pass on they feel compelled to make it known they know they are in heaven because of their belief. Sorry not sorry to start out with why I find the word may cause separation.
I think you have struck on a very important point. Belief vs behavior. Acting as though you know someone else’s fate because they do not believe as you do is a good way to turn someone off to Christianity.