I get to introduce Biblical truth to people who may or may not have any foundation in Scripture or experience with faith. At the same time, I don’t want to alienate my audience; I’d rather open the door to dialog than convict readers of sin in 500 words or less. Consequently I’m called to task by atheists and believers alike. But it’s the atheists I find most interesting; they provide insight we simply must understand if we’re to engage Christ’s Great Commission with any credibility at all.
One recent exchange highlights the task at hand. My column had called for moderate churches to take more initiative vis-à-vis social problems.
“People like you give religion attention it doesn’t deserve,” one reader commented. “I’m not necessarily recommending religion,” I replied; “I’m recommending following Jesus. I’m also arguing that those who follow Jesus really do have something useful to say — and that we need to live a ‘witness’ that speaks with … authenticity.”
“You lost me,” he replied. “If Jesus isn’t the Christian religion, then what is he? Christian leaders have run this country into the ground. The Christian moral compass points in any direction except the right one.”
I love it when the door swings wide open!
“Good call,” I wrote. “You get my point exactly. The ‘Christian’ message has been co-opted by so many special interests and power manipulators that it’s all but unrecognizable. That’s why I use the term ‘Jesus-follower,’ because people have been fed this mixture of ‘religiosity’ and politics. The message of Jesus has been neatly sidestepped because it’s so subversive in our culture. Christianity is supposed to be about this ongoing relationship with Jesus that directs our lives — but typically it’s not. I’m personally committed to ongoing reformation in response to the Gospel.”
Here’s the hook for today’s article. I can invite this man to the Presbyterian Church I attend with confidence. If he comes, he’s going to get the Jesus message; he’s going to witness the humility of believers living Gospel lives; he’s going to see a faith community that is beginning to be subversive in this post-Christian culture.
And, if he meets us any other day of the week, I believe he’s going to meet Jesus-followers who take seriously the imperative to be the presence of Christ in our community.
You see, Jesus isn’t “mainstream” anymore; it’s a truth that spells hope for the church! It’s also good news for the world — if only we listen to the Spirit.
Derek Maul is an author and freelance writer living in the Tampa, Fla. area. He has a Web site — www.Derekmaul.net and a blog — www.derekmaulonthehalfshell.blogspot.com
