caught somewhere between real life, simple faith, & raw emotion
Christianese Culture Chameleons
*This is something I talk about more in my upcoming book 10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith.
A while back I talked about the Christianese language that many Christians speak. Well, sometimes there is more than lingo that I hate. Sometimes there is a whole culture that I think alienates people.
I mentioned that I am on Facebook now. It’s great. I love networking and meeting interesting people and connecting with old friends. Reading the different profiles is fun and educational at the same time.
I hate to pick on some people so I will do so anonymously. I just think this is really important to point out. So I have put a generic, yet accurate, montage of profile aspects based on what I have read. They are deep in Christian culture and I want to know what you think or how you feel when you read this. Here it goes:
Religion: Totally sold-out for JESUS!
Interests: Learning how to serve God with my whole heart.
Activities: Loving the Lord and growing closer to Him.
Favorite Music: Any new worship or contemporary Christian music.
Favorite Movies: Anything clean and fun.
Favorite Books: The Bible
Favorite Quotes: Any inspiring Bible verses.
About Me: I LOVE Jesus.
All these things are parts of profiles I have actually read. And I know I’m a jerk for doing this, but I mean it to be a positive exercise.
Although a person often puts a profile like this together for a reason, I wonder if it doesn’t seem distant and not genuine. Not that he or she doesn’t sincerely embody this description. Just that it is hard to relate to. It does come off as little much. Imagine telling your non-Christian coworker to check out your Facebook page and them reading this. They’re going to think you’re coo-coo (and not in a good way). You’re influence will be limited by the over-the-top religiosity.
All I can think about is how those who interact with Christians so immersed in this Christian culture feel. I think we have to ask if this persona really inspires other’s curiosity for God or if it drives them away?
What say you? Am I a jerk?
3 comments
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I tend to agree with you and don’t think questioning the use of such language makes you a jerk. The whole Christian sub-culture tends to be geared towards other Christians and not so much to non-believers. I feel at times the Christian faith is sugar coated. Just believe in Jesus and life will be sunshine and roses! I am Christian, but I am still a sinner. It isn’t about being perfect and having the answers at all. There are many times I have seen fellow Christians act like non-believers are tainted – they only want to work/associate with fellow Christians. I am not sure where the Jesus is in all of that?
Like you I am grappling with the ramifications of my faith – and it isn’t easy!! Enjoy your honesty in the struggle.
Thanks for the comments. I see that we are kindred spirits here.
I have often wondered that because I don’t do such things as this, am I any less a child of God? Or am I being lukewarm for not being overt w/ my beliefs?
I guess that, in a sense, I will always have that small feeling of inadequacy and jealousy when I see others be so forthcoming and (seemingly) courageous for bearing those descriptions…
But the truth is, those same people that I’ve experienced that are that way, were the very people that made me NOT want to call myself a Christian! … to this day, I am still rather (almost) ashamed to be lumped into the same category as them.
Non-believers see that and, generally speaking, have an automatic response to assume that I am the same way, thus, negating all the possible relativity that I may have with them.
I see myself as no better than anyone, no matter who they are, and state it as much as possible(if not going even further by stating that I am probably far worse than most).
I would have to totally agree w/ you on this one.
How can we be positive beacons for an all-caring, all-loving, and entirely unbiased God if we kind of put that shiny finish on our, dare I say, “trophy-looking” faith?!?
Because, in my eyes, that is what this kind of generic description of one’s self looks like…
… though it may apply to the person, and they themselves may feel that that is entirely who they are, it is how they apply those ideas and beliefs in their everyday lives that will show what and who they truly are.
Jamie K.