The restoration of “Christian”

Posted by Steve on January 3rd, 2008 filed in Faith

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Is it just me, or are people of faith becoming less likely to use the word “Christian” to describe themselves? I was in church this past Sunday, and a man up front was talking about his reasons for tithing, and he used the phrase “before I was a Christ-follower…” I thought about this later while I was hiking on New Years day. I realized that I am somewhat uncomfortable with the word “Christian”, and the more I thought about it, the more examples I could think of how others shy away from that word. A quick scan of my facebook friends reveals much more creative ways to describe their “Religious Views” than the generic term “Christian”. I have to include myself in that category- mine says “I think that Jesus guy is pretty cool…” I thought that was witty when I wrote it. : )

Why am I a little uncomfortable with the word? And why does it seem to me that people are more likely to use other terms when describing their Christianity?

As I was struggling not to get blown of the mountain I was climbing (it was kind of windy), I could not help but think of the word euphemism. Is “Christ-follower” a euphemism for “Christian”? Are people becoming so ashamed of the word “Christian” that they use other terms to avoid it?

I ask because I think that’s the root of my discomfort with the word. I’ve heard and read too many negative reactions to “Christian”. I’ve seen people identified as Christians do and say too many horrible things. I don’t think I need to catalog the list of offenses, as I’m sure you can think of quite a few yourself. If you can’t, well, maybe you need get out some more as well as read up on a little history.

Is substituting “Christian” with “Christ-follower” or “Jesus-follower” the best way to respond to the negative feelings that people get when they hear the word? I’m not sure it is. It’s not a bad thing. But I don’t think it’s the best response.

I think Jesus is all about reclaiming what is lost. I think he is about restoration and renewal. Instead of abandoning the word “Christian” why can’t we restore it to something closer to it’s original meaning? What would it look like for Christians to identify themselves as Christians, and then go out and do their best to serve Christ? Maybe we can change the perception of Christianity to something that is a little closer to the true message. That’s my hope.

What do you think? Should we abandon the word “Christian”?

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3 Responses to “The restoration of “Christian””

  1. Rey Says:
    January 9th, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    Well it’s hard. Originally the term Christian was derogatory: a label by unbelievers effectively calling them Mini-Christs. Stupidly futile.

    So they try to reclaim the concept of following Christ but all it evokes is a discipleship image and not that pejorative overtone of the original label.

    So I think the term Christian is helpful as a category but has fallen into the cracks of actual definition. If Christ Follower implies actually walking in his steps, then its a good term right until it becomes too broad.

    All in all, the Bible refers to professing Christians (not political ones) as saints, believers, children of God, etc.

  2. Diane R. Says:
    January 9th, 2008 at 8:14 pm

    I agree with you that the term “Christian” needs to be restored since that was the term used to describe the early Chritians. But there is another problem here that you didn’t refer to. Christ-follower, or it’s twin, Jesus Follower are terms that basically are used in emergent churches. Most of these churches are very light with the gospel of the cross and the epistles. To them a Christ follower isn’t necessarily someone who receives Christ’s substitutionary atonement, but someone who goes to church and becomes involved with it’s mission. Having grown up in liberal Protestantism, I see emergent doing the same sad thing. Therefore, I think it’s better to ditch the “Christ follow” term and stick with Christian, and especially “evangelical Christian.” We need to stop being ashamed of the term and it’s attendant reference to the cross.

  3. Sunny Daydreame Says:
    January 16th, 2008 at 9:02 am

    We have given up too many words and symbols to the world already. In many areas the word “Christian” just refers to a good person. “Such a Christian gentleman.” The rainbow has been taken as the symbol of the gay community. Christmas…well Christmas.

    Personally, if asked, I would describe myself as a Christian, but I would also include that I am distrustful of organized religion and my faith is more about a relationship with a loving God and salvation through Christ than about a list of do’s and don’ts created by the church.

    My facebook account says, “Just ask me.” Although I am not ashamed, I would rather people discover my faith through my actions and through conversations that just to read, “Christian” and be turned off by what is going on in the Christian church–now and throughout history.

    My faith is about God and the Bible, not about the church. The church is necessarily a broken institution because it is run by sinful human beings.

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