Christianity for People Who Aren't Christians, Part 2Намуна

“Unchristian” Christians

Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Let’s state the obvious: there are many “unchristian” Christians, specifically ones who are legalistic, judgmental, hypocritical, intolerant, and sexist. Aren’t those the “big five”? And disliking these things in professing Christians makes it hard to get to the Christ they say they follow. Let’s touch on a few, although I recognize them all.

Research shows that the number one reason people leave the church (or avoid it in the first place) is due to encountering people who are judgmental. The judgmental seem more interested in condemning people than helping people. Jesus said, “Do not judge.” That’s God’s job, not ours. 

The real spirit of Jesus is truth but always coupled with grace. Christians are fatally flawed, but they recognize that and choose Jesus to be their answer of salvation. Their sins are no different than the next person’s, and, through the power of Christ, there is hope for all. 

At this point, you may be saying, “Okay, you’ve mentioned key issues, but let’s cut to the chase: Christians are often intolerant of other people, especially gays.” I am asked so many times if I’m accepting of gays. My answer is always, “Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?” There is no doubt that there are Christians who are unloving and ungracious—even hateful—toward members of the LGBTQ community. But that lack of love is sin, and they are accountable for their actions. We all are. God cares deeply about every human being on this planet—he loves all people and wants to be in relationship with us.

Which means that every single person is welcome and accepted at an authentically Christian church. But here’s where it gets tricky, and it’s tricky for any number of lifestyles. Acceptance and affirmation are two different things. Personal acceptance is never combined with lifestyle affirmation. Almost every story Jesus told dripped with this one message: if you are far from God, you are welcomed to come home. And when you do, you’ll be met with grace and challenged with the truth we all so desperately need. 

The invitation is to figure out where you stand with Jesus and how he applies grace and truth to your life. 

Do you find it hard to engage Christianity because of either your perception or personal experience with Christians? Would you consider learning more about Jesus from the Bible to see what he taught and how he treated people?