So I am writing this from the office of the Chaplain at Olivet Nazarene University. They have me in a lovely guest housing but the campus controls the Internet and I can’t get in on my laptop, so Chaplain Holcomb was kind enough to lend me his office computer.
I am here to speak in chapel the next two days and it occurs to me that you all might be interested in what I am going to tell 2,500 (mostly) Christian college students tomorrow morning. So here goes.
I’m going to tell them we need a new name. Say “Christian” and you’re a political activist bent on taking everyone’s freedoms away. Say “born again” and you’re a religious fanatic. Say “evangelical” and you’re an enlisted officer in a culture war. Say “Jesus freak” and you are… well, just that.
Point is: we’ve been labeled, but what the labels engender in people’s minds has little to do with what we are called to be as followers of Christ. How did this come to pass?
Then I launch into a brief history starting with the high idealism and the crushing disillusionment of the ‘60s, the birth of a new breed of Christian through the Jesus Movement, and then how what started as Jesus music focused on the world turned into Christian music focused on Christians, and finally into a Christian subculture with a Christian version of everything. The point here being SAFETY became the key element and FEAR became the driving motivation and a big selling point for a safer alternative to the scary world out there.
The reason for this little history lesson is to show these students, many of whom have grown up in Christian homes and gone to Christian schools, that it has not always been this way. The Christian subculture is a product of my lifetime.
“The Christian subculture is more culture than it is Christian. It began as our attempt to affect the world, and has become evidence of the world’s effect on us. The Christian subculture is not the church. It is not the kingdom of God. Both can do fine without it – both are doing just fine without it.”
The final challenge? Be a Christian in culture, not a cultural Christian. The word Christian makes a really bad adjective. There is no such thing as a Christian anything; there is only YOU! Who you are is God’s answer to the world.
The world doesn’t need Christian music; it needs YOU making music. The world doesn’t need Christian TV; it needs YOU in television. The world doesn’t need Christian movies; it needs YOU in Hollywood. The world doesn’t need a Christian coffeehouse; it needs YOU in Starbucks.
Heck with labels; the world needs YOU. You are the last Christian.
John Fischer The Catch 
While I see your point, John, I don’t think it’s very practical. There is a reason for labels among people, just as there is a reason for signs on a street. If everything were just a “restaurant” or a “store,” we’d have great difficulty finding what we needed. There are Chinese restaurants and there are Mexican restaurants. There are clothing stores and there are book stores. There is nothing wrong with there being Christian people and Christian organizations.
If there is a bad connotation with the word “Christian,” you can say the same thing about “Jew,” “Irish,” “African” and pretty much every other people group. Enemies and detractors try to turn helpful labels into something ugly. To atheists, “God” and “Christ” are ugly labels. That doesn’t make it so. Rather than changing labels because of what our enemies have done with them, why don’t we reclaim those labels and make them stand, once again, for what Christ has done.
The truth is, the vast majority of the world’s great art, literature, music and humanitarian work is “Christian” because they were produced by Christians “for the glory of God,” as Bach wrote on all of his pieces. Doing something for the glory of God is not a bad thing. And the products of such motivation and enterprise have to be called something. Rather than worrying about labels, why don’t we all get busy working for the glory of God, and let the world figure out what to call it, as they did in Antioch when believers were first called “Christians.”
Why do we care what the world calls us, or what they think? They think this is 2011 CE (Common Era), when you and I know it’s 2011 AD (Anno Domini). They think we evolved from a lower form of life, when you and I know we were created. The only opinion that matters is God’s, anyway. What does He call us? “Sons of God?” Think of what the world would do with that?
good points… 🙂
While I think John Fischer’s writing was wonderful, and he believes what he is saying, I can not help but agree with Waitsel Smith. It is God’s opinion of us that matters. Let others call us what they will, I stand strong in His love and if the labels that are placed upon me by society tells the world that I stand for Jesus, then label me. I have no shame when I tell people I am a Christian, despite the times I see “oh”, and “really?”, or any other reaction.
I am grateful (again!) that we have YOU to remind us of this! May their ears and hearts hear well and deeply! May they hunger for living this way.
Personally I see it more as living different in the same world as everyone else. And to use a worldly example that we all experience… Just bear with me for a second… hopefully this will make sense.
For instance, if you go into a grocery store and you want organic bananas or gluten-free chips or tofu, often you have to go to a specific section of the store. Thus, people who are specifically looking for that stuff will likely never wander to that separate part of the store. And as a result, they may never find the healthier food.
Some stores are now mixing the healthy stuff (which is still clearly marked) onto the same shelf space and freezer space as the regular processed food. Now everyone actually can come into the store and see all the selections and make a choice to reach for the healthier food.
I see Christians as also needing to be that in the world. We need to be side-by-side with “not-yet-believers” in order to really give folks a choice, give them a chance to “read our label” if you will. And give them a chance to see that the labels we’ve been given might not be as accurate as who we are when they get to know us.
I would love to see Third Day next to Tom Petty in a music store, Left Behind next to Lost on the video shelf, etc. And us next to our unique neighbors all around us. Might be a bit “pie-in-the-sky” but it also might work. Someone might choose Christ because they can compare side-by-side.
Excellent analogy, Kellie. I like the “side-by-side” approach because it is “good marketing.”
Spot on!
John,
I am another American living in China and my husband and I are all too aware of the trappings of “culture in Christianity” and “Christianity in culture.” It is very clear to us that our experiences and walk with Jesus are very influenced by culture . . . be it positively or negatively.
As we reach out to those around us (we are in an area with Tibetans(Tibetan Buddhists), Hui (Muslims) and Han (traditionalists, Dao/Taoists, combo Tibetan Buddhism/Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, atheists, etc.) communities, we are careful not to use the word “Christian” . . . in English or in Chinese. We use the term “follow Jesus” because that’s what Jesus said . . . “Follow me.” We point out that Jesus was a Jew . . . not a Christian . . . and that his first followers were Jewish. They did not “lose” their Jewishness but found freedom and abundant life through following Jesus.
Culture, being an identifying factor in one’s identity, is so strong that it’s important to emphasize that a choice to follow Jesus doesn’t mean abandoning that culture. We encourage minority followers to learn scripture songs in their mother tongue, not in Mandarin. If they don’t *know* scripture songs in their mother tongue, then we encourage them to write some!
Because of American television and movies, there is a very bad image of “Christians” in this land. They believe that everyone from the United States is a “Christian” and yet those same “Christians” live lives that are so counter-cultural to any morality system that people are hard pressed to believe that “Christianity” offers anything special. When I point blank say, “I don’t want you to become a Christian,” it immediately captures interest and prompts intense conversation on what it means to “Follow Jesus.”
It’s semantics . . . the words mean the same thing . . . but presented in such clear ways that there’s no confusion over what is meant.
Excellent. We’re doing the same thing: challenging people to think.
Go brother! Right On!!
Like to add an Amen to today’s Catch, which I thought was wonderful and got a lot out of it, plus all of the posted comments too – and add brother John whispred prayers that your speaking to the student @ Olivet Nazarene University goes and went well.
John,
Thanks for today’s Catch. You are touching on something I have been struggling with for some time. Personally, I like it that you say “Christian” is a poor adjective, and seems to me you are also saying it should be more of a verb than a(n) noun or adjective. I am coming to a place I almost rather others decide if I am “Christian” or not. Isn’t that how we got the label anyway?
At the same time I understand what Waitsel is saying. Where do we accept the fact that others may draw conclusions from their own “stuff” rather than from us?
My faith in Christ is ever growing and the reality of and our need to live the Gospel is becoming more real to me every day, but my respect for the American version of Christian and Christianity is declining. I love the “side-by-side” thought. In case anyone is interested, we have a group that realized we may be doing tha that in our community. If interested, check us out at http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=2325
So, not only did we pardon Johnny Cash, we have church in all kinds of places.
Keep up the Good Work everyone. Love,
Yep, originally, the word “Christian” wasn’t a flattering term. Maybe the modern connotations aren’t such a curse after all. It’s a reminder to us that we’re of a kingdom that is not of this world.
I think you and I are feeling the same vibe here. On the 11th I wrote an outraged blog posting.. http://thepreservationist.net/2011/03/11/americhristian/
We all wonder why our culture is so bad. Its because “Christians” have stopped leading and have instead become Americhristians.
I find this to be sort of funny and a bit offensive too, as who gives anyone the right to speak 4 me and try to tell me I am not leading the way in my life & business efforts just because I guess I am an American? Yet I’ll choose to laugh it off…
Wonder why my reply to the above post by the person that goes by the name, Majestic isn’t showing up again, or was it removed? I’ll try again: I was simply a bit offended by it, just because I am an American I suppose to agree with the remarks I don’t lead in my business or life and to read the post that the URL given. That made me feel even a bit sorrier and laughed more, because I believe in birth control and using condoms that makes me some how or another less of a Christian?
Talk about the very reason why some don’t carry the Christian label well, in my opinion is partly because of the self-righteous shown in putting down and offending people Christian or not because they thoroughly believe in the use of preventing an unwanted births by using a condoms – Now I’ll try to show respect to others beliefs and to employ some people skills – I do wish others would learn it better and the scripture where the Lord requested to take the log out of ones own eyes before you attempt to take the speck out of a brothers. 🙂
as usual, you are spot on John…
I agree with John that the term “Christian” has become meaningless. I prefer believer, or Christ-follower.
I disagree with the last statement. The world doesn’t need ME, it needs Christ in me.
Yes, of course. It assumes you are the carrier of Christ. Thanks for the clarification.
I would like to be able to read your posts and not think of ten people who NEED to read this. I don’t send it to them because I would be doing it for the wrong reasons. This is excellent! I agree totally with you. We do need a new name.
Send it anyway.
I feel the same way, but ironically, sometimes the people I think”need” it are my Christian friends. This especially applies when we are challenged to be more loving and accepting–not necessarily condoning–of those who don’t believe the same way (on certain issues, for instance) as we do.
fabulous article. Kellie’s remarks just supplement what you hav said. oh that the Church would take the Gospel to the world and quite sharing it with each other. we are “the light of the world” and “the salt of the earth”, not the light and salt of the church. thanks again for a great teaching.
Well said!
John, My prayers are with you as you speak God’s Word to the students, staff, and faculty at Olivet Nazarene University. Those thoughts are relevant to such an audience because the history of the Church of the Nazarene theologically is bot Wesleyan and 19th Century Holiness Movement. The Methodist minister who is considered to be the founder of the Church of the Nazarene, Phineas F. Bresee, believed the church should always be a place for the poorest of the poor as well as the wealthiest to worship together. His colleague, Joseph P. Widney, a physician and preacher came up with the name Nazarene from the Scripture where can any good come out of Nazareth, hence Nazarene meaning rejects. Joseph P. Widney historically has done much for the City of Los Angeles Public Health and the University of Southern California’s Medical School. He was progressive and wrote a book in the 1930’s talking about the three major religions from the Middle East–Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Blessings these two days,
Gary Lee Parker
Wanted to thank Gary Lee Parker 4 the very good history lesson on the Nazarene Church and Dr. Widney.
Nazarene = rejects! I love it! Hey, I’m right at home.
THIS IS THE SINGLE BEST COMMENTARY YOU HAVE EVER MADE!!! Not only does it finally define YOUR mission, it defines it for all of us. I strongly recommend you seek out Os Hillman (Marketplace Leaders) and Rick Boxx (Integrity Moments) both saying the same thing. Os has been a leader in this movement, focusing on the marketplace believer.
Well done, John.
I have a “son” who attends Olivet. Not my son by blood, but by choice and the love of Jesus. He was in chapel today and in the Christian formation class that you spoke in also. I spoke with him at lunch time today and we discussed some of what you said in Chapel. Not all of the students at Olivet grew up in Christian schools or even Christian homes. My son became a Christian in March of last year during his senior year of high school. He said he remembers feeling that Christianity was not something he needed because it was just a bunch of rules, obligations, and judgements that he did not need. He ultimately became a Christian because of the love and acceptance that he was shown by the people who not just called themselves Christians, but loved like they were Christians. Which essentially means followers of Christ. Christians don’t need a new name. We, as a culture, simply need the defining characteristic that is the love of Jesus Christ toward all man kind. As the words of the song we used to sing when I was a child in the 70’s said, “They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they will know we are Christians by our love.”
Preach it! Tell your son to come say hello after chapel tomorrow. Love to meet him!
Thanks John,
I told Alex to go by after Chapel and say Hi. He said he will, but has a Lab right after Chapel so he can’t stay long. He is growing in Christ by leaps and bounds. He is someone who wants to make a difference in this world to the people who are separated from Christ like he was.
I’ll look forward to meeting him!
“He ultimately became a Christian because of the love and acceptance that he was shown by the people who not just called themselves Christians, but loved like they were Christians. Which essentially means followers of Christ. Christians don’t need a new name. We, as a culture, simply need the defining characteristic that is the love of Jesus Christ toward all man kind. As the words of the song we used to sing when I was a child in the 70′s said, ‘They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they will know we are Christians by our love.’ ”
If we Christians were all more loving–toward each other as well as non-Christians–maybe the name “Christian” wouldn’t have such a negative connotation. We are not to sit in judgment–that’s God’s job!
You know John, we have bantered back and forth over different subjects but playing with the name Christian to me is dangerous.
I agree with what Waitsel Smith says:
And I quote; “While I see your point, John, I don’t think it’s very practical. There is a reason for labels among people, just as there is a reason for signs on a street. If everything were just a “restaurant” or a “store,” we’d have great difficulty finding what we needed. There are Chinese restaurants and there are Mexican restaurants. There are clothing stores and there are book stores. There is nothing wrong with there being Christian people and Christian organizations.” “Why do we care what the world calls us, or what they think.”
My point exactly; Why do we care – Is our thin skin and our defensive position because we don’t agree with someone else that says he or she is a Christian and then acts too worldly in our sight. Or, are we afraid the world may associate us with those people that say they are Christians and we feel don’t really act like WE think they should act if they are really CHRISTIANS.
I am proud of my Christian friends, I love my Christian songs, and I’ll continue saying that I am a follower of Christ – which is really saying I’m a CHRISTIAN. If you put too much emphasis on the term Christian not fitting the times, nor the need to declare the fact that you are truly a follower of Christ therefore a declared Christian; it could be taken as if you are somewhat ashamed of being called a Christian and known to be associating with other individuals that call themselves Christians.
I’m going to continue being know as a Christian and will just let God judge whether individuals that call themselves Christians are really followers of Christ. Let us pray for all our Christian brothers & sisters and not make such a big deal about what the secular world feels about the term Christian or how it is used. God Bless you John, Thank God you are a Christian.
Thanks, Bud. I always appreciate your perspective. Here’s what you need to remember I have two 25 minute talks with these kids and some discussion time around campus. I might purposely overstate a few things just to wake them up and get them thinking/talking. Of course we’re never going to not be Christians, but it’s the teaching metaphor that I’m going for. The point is You–your life, not a label. Who cares what we’re called if we’re following Jesus.
Spot on John! I agree TOTALLY.
I think there is also a need for us all to remember that “Christ wasn’t/isn’t ‘christian’ ”
…and that our Heavenly Father/Son/Holy Spirit AREN’T American/Australian/(insert your ‘culture’ here)
I believe we are all called in accordance the with OUR FATHER’S PURPOSE, not our little labels/cultures or comfort zones.
John 17:14-16
“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”
Now some will argue the point about this passage meaning/justifying our segregation from the world, but if we read verse 15 in context, I can’t see how it can actually give us an excuse to have our own little safety subculture
It says very clearly three main points. (One of which is emphasized twice too if you notice)
1. We are hated because of the word He has given us
2. That we are not of this world as He isn’t of this world (mentioned twice. A reminder/encouragement of what we’re to remember and to focus on as we go about living IN the actual world perhaps?)
3. That he doesn’t want us ‘taken out of the world’ but that we’re to be ‘protected from the evil one’ as we carry on within this world.
I read this passage as saying:
“Hey guys, you’re in this world but remember because you’re in me, you don’t belong to it any more than I do. The message I have given you WILL cause offence because it’s meant to as it’s the only way to shake people up to change and transform their lives if they listen. Accept this fact, and don’t go isolating/insulating yourselves from this world just draw upon my protection from the evil one as you go about what/where I direct you.
As you put it so well John, “the Christian subculture is more culture than it is Christian” and SAFETY is the key element because of FEAR of the scary world out there.
Were the disciples ‘christian fishermen’, or fishermen who happened to be christians?
Was Jesus a ‘christian carpenter’ even?
What of other followers of Christ mentioned throughout the new testament that appear to have trades etc? Were they ‘christian’ trades people?
I think we ALL really just need to continue to work at putting our FAITH where it belongs in our saviour’s protection and get on with REALLY being the salt and the light to our world by actually being in it.
No more ‘christian’ doctors, ‘christian’ artists, ‘christian’ mechanics etc
How about doctors, artists & mechanics who just happen to be christians?
(or ‘students of Christ’s teachings’ as we read in a ‘Catch’ a few weeks back)
Jesus: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” ( John 17:15)
I read this passage as saying:
“Hey guys, you’re in this world but remember because you’re in me, you don’t belong to it any more than I do. The message I have given you WILL cause offence because it’s meant to as it’s the only way to shake people up to change and transform their lives if they listen. Accept this fact, and don’t go isolating/insulating yourselves from this world just draw upon my protection from the evil one as you go about what/where I direct you.
Well said.
Write on!
If you all recall, CS Lewis makes a very similar point in the Foreward to Mere Christianity. He used the word ‘gentleman’ as an illustration; as time passed, the meaning changed significantly.
Part of the problem is that “the media” uses the power of their communication outlet to redefine terms as they wish, whether they are correct or, all too often, not. And unfortunately, people begin to repeat and believe the redefinition. As the saying goes, a lie repeated often enough becomes (understood to be) the truth.
And perhaps part of the problem is that some of us, maybe all of us, don’t really understand what our label means. And we try to live according to the definition of a label that we don’t really understand, and in doing so, we perpetuate or add to the misconceptions.
And part of the problem is that there are groups of people that misappropriate a “Christian” label and do very non-Christian things. Recently a group grabbed the label of “baptist church” and have spoiled the good name of many other people.
How do we straighten out what has been bent? Is it possible to refute the lie, or the redefinition, in such a way that we could be properly understood? Or would people just see us as whiners?
Or, is the solution to come up with a new label? In the recent past, various groups of people have taken on a new word because they were offended by what had become of their label. For example, African Americans rejected the old, offensive label and chose a new term, and for the most part, people respect that. The problem with choosing new labels to replace a label that has become offensive is that even the new label can be redefined relatively quickly.
Or, as John suggests, shouldn’t we just be? To be or not to be? Is that possible?
This is why I dropped the label and went to “YOU.”
John, as a daily reader I had to finally put my fingers on the key board and provide a comment. What an overwhelming blessing this article is Three point field goal…swish!
Great message today in chapel! One of the first messages this semester that has really resonated with me. I wonder why we have to be so safe and why we are supposed to be republican (which I’m not) and why we have listen to Christian music…is that what is supposed to make us a good person? If we stopped capitalizing on Christianity we might realize that we might not really even understand what we are asked to do. We don’t need a subculture. We need people who are involved in all of culture acting out of love and respect…not a separation and judgment.
Anyway I could rant for a long time about this stuff, but I just wanted to say thanks for the message!
Thanks for commenting.
Preach it, Brother! AMEN!!
We were not put here for our own sake and benefit, but for others. We need to go and do, not sit and be (though there is a place for that also).