Everyone of us holds a disparate set of beliefs and allegiances within us. Some of these beliefs and positions are in fact in conflict with one another. Others are simply not easy to fit into one category. As I interact with someone, especially as I get to know them, I want them to see that I am not a 2-dimensional caricature of what a Christian is supposed to be.By way of analogy, I've asked people to imagine me with a T-shirt on that had a big "C" on it. You know, kind of like this one you see here. Instead of "C" being for "Cookie" let's imagine it might stand for a few other things.
For each "guess" about what the 'C' on my chest stood for, I'd try to give them a cogent answer. Here's a few examples...
Q1: "I know you trend right in your politics - does 'C' stand for 'Conservative'?"
A1: "While it's true I believe in retaining what has been proven virtuous, beneficial, and effective for our society, I don't want to be associated with people who are lock-step with flag-waving, war-mongering, greediness, and lack of compassion. So, no - I would prefer you not associate the 'C' on my chest with 'Conservative' even though that might be the best fit for my political leanings."
Q2: "You seem to be very involved and committed to your church. 'C' must stand for 'Church-goer'!"
A2: "While it is true that I love my church and am committed to it, I am only as committed to it as an institution insofar as it upholds Biblical doctrines, wise practices, and proclaims the truth of the gospel. I don't think there's any magic or special dispensation in my church tradition or its leaders. While I do believe that one of the main means of grace in any Christian's life is the local Church, my focus is on Christ first and then his still-being-perfected body. So, sure - I'm OK with you understanding that I'm a church-goer, but don't assume that it's about works of service, regular attendance, or being in 'the right group.' So, I'd prefer you didn't see my identify as a 'C is for church-goer' person."
Q3: "You seem to talk about the 'Doctrines of Grace' a lot, so 'C' must stand for 'Calvinist', right?"
A3: "While I do believe it is God who first chooses us by the counsel of His will, monergistically regenerates us, and ultimately sustains us in our walk with Him, I know many Calvinists who don't seem to be very grace-giving in their outlook towards non-Calvinists. Because of that, I would prefer you not associate the 'C' on my chest with 'Calvinist'."
Q4: "You've indicated that you are not convinced that God has ceased all supernatural endowments for His people. Does 'C' stand for 'Charismatic'?"
A4: "While it is true that I remain open that God does indeed move sovereignly to bring about miracles in certain contexts (especially when establishing His church in areas where His word has yet to be established), there is too much baggage for me to associate myself with the charismatic movement. So, I would prefer you not associate the 'C' on my chest with 'Charismatic'".
Q5: "You emphasize the life of the mind for the Christian, and the deep theological and philosophical tradition of the Christian faith. Does 'C' stand for 'Critical Thinker'?"
A5: "It is true that I believe most Christians today do very little in the way of critical thinking, and applying wisdom and Biblical discernment to decision-making and determining whether something is consistent with Christianity or not. I also know we can tend to rely on human wisdom rather than God's, so perhaps 'Critical Thinker' isn't the label I most want you to associate the 'C' on my chest with."
Q6: "Well, since you've pretty much ruled out all of these labels, what exactly do you want people to associate the 'C' on your chest with?"
A6: "While there are many things I do hold to be true, and for which I am not totally opposed to being associated with, I have one main identity that I want people to know first and foremost. The main thing I want people to associate the 'C on my chest' with is 'Christian' - that is, a Christ-follower. No, I don't think that's a hazy, ambiguous thing. I believe a lot flows out of that. Being a Christian, and having a Christian world-view informs my politics, how I view the church, the doctrines of salvation, miracles, and even how I view the world. But, before you pigeon-hole me and over-categorize me, first and foremost, I want you to see Jesus in me and know that I am trying to trust Him with my life and proclaim the truth of His gospel."
So - what's the final answer?
'C' is for 'Christian'!
For each "guess" about what the 'C' on my chest stood for, I'd try to give them a cogent answer. Here's a few examples...
Q1: "I know you trend right in your politics - does 'C' stand for 'Conservative'?"
A1: "While it's true I believe in retaining what has been proven virtuous, beneficial, and effective for our society, I don't want to be associated with people who are lock-step with flag-waving, war-mongering, greediness, and lack of compassion. So, no - I would prefer you not associate the 'C' on my chest with 'Conservative' even though that might be the best fit for my political leanings."
Q2: "You seem to be very involved and committed to your church. 'C' must stand for 'Church-goer'!"
A2: "While it is true that I love my church and am committed to it, I am only as committed to it as an institution insofar as it upholds Biblical doctrines, wise practices, and proclaims the truth of the gospel. I don't think there's any magic or special dispensation in my church tradition or its leaders. While I do believe that one of the main means of grace in any Christian's life is the local Church, my focus is on Christ first and then his still-being-perfected body. So, sure - I'm OK with you understanding that I'm a church-goer, but don't assume that it's about works of service, regular attendance, or being in 'the right group.' So, I'd prefer you didn't see my identify as a 'C is for church-goer' person."
Q3: "You seem to talk about the 'Doctrines of Grace' a lot, so 'C' must stand for 'Calvinist', right?"
A3: "While I do believe it is God who first chooses us by the counsel of His will, monergistically regenerates us, and ultimately sustains us in our walk with Him, I know many Calvinists who don't seem to be very grace-giving in their outlook towards non-Calvinists. Because of that, I would prefer you not associate the 'C' on my chest with 'Calvinist'."
Q4: "You've indicated that you are not convinced that God has ceased all supernatural endowments for His people. Does 'C' stand for 'Charismatic'?"
A4: "While it is true that I remain open that God does indeed move sovereignly to bring about miracles in certain contexts (especially when establishing His church in areas where His word has yet to be established), there is too much baggage for me to associate myself with the charismatic movement. So, I would prefer you not associate the 'C' on my chest with 'Charismatic'".
Q5: "You emphasize the life of the mind for the Christian, and the deep theological and philosophical tradition of the Christian faith. Does 'C' stand for 'Critical Thinker'?"
A5: "It is true that I believe most Christians today do very little in the way of critical thinking, and applying wisdom and Biblical discernment to decision-making and determining whether something is consistent with Christianity or not. I also know we can tend to rely on human wisdom rather than God's, so perhaps 'Critical Thinker' isn't the label I most want you to associate the 'C' on my chest with."
Q6: "Well, since you've pretty much ruled out all of these labels, what exactly do you want people to associate the 'C' on your chest with?"
A6: "While there are many things I do hold to be true, and for which I am not totally opposed to being associated with, I have one main identity that I want people to know first and foremost. The main thing I want people to associate the 'C on my chest' with is 'Christian' - that is, a Christ-follower. No, I don't think that's a hazy, ambiguous thing. I believe a lot flows out of that. Being a Christian, and having a Christian world-view informs my politics, how I view the church, the doctrines of salvation, miracles, and even how I view the world. But, before you pigeon-hole me and over-categorize me, first and foremost, I want you to see Jesus in me and know that I am trying to trust Him with my life and proclaim the truth of His gospel."
So - what's the final answer?
'C' is for 'Christian'!
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