Christianity: offended or offensive

"The world is equally shocked at hearing Christianity criticized and seeing it practiced." Elton Trueblood, (1900 - 1994), American author and theologian.

I came across this quote today, and found it to be a particularly eloquent comment on the state of Christianity in our world. This is especially obvious in the US presidential debates currently going on. I heard on the radio the other day that two candidates were asked about their religious views, and both candidates (I forget who they were) said that, though they hold Christian values, they would never force their views on others. I think they’ve cottoned onto the truth of Mr Trueblood’s statement above: don’t criticise Christianity (that would upset people) but don’t let them see me practice it, either. So I ask you: if we cannot see the Christianity in their lives, what good is it? If it is not the driving force guiding their every move, what good is it? If their Christianity is not forming their worldview, what exactly is it doing?

According to the 2001 Australian census, 69% of Australians identify themselves as being Christian. In the States the figure quoted is around 75%. So my question is this – why would 69-75% of the population be upset if you actually put your Christianity into practice in such public a place as the White House*? Is it because most of those people have a Christianity that closely resembles that of the candidates – the name of a social group to which they can identify, and nothing else? As Robin pointed out both Clinton and Obama profess to Christianity, yet won’t make the moral stand on abortion one would expect of a Christian. Why not? Why are they so afraid to stand up and be counted? Afraid to offend people, I guess (it is a popularity contest, after all).

And it’s not just them. Regular Christians are following suit. People have been so brainwashed by the “don’t say anything that might offend someone” camp that they are afraid to live their Christianity. Well, guess what? CHRISTIANITY IS OFFENSIVE! Follow our God and do things His way, or you’ll go to hell. Stop living a homosexual lifestyle. All other religions are wrong. That’s pretty offensive stuff to most people. And our culture is so caught up in the tyranny of tolerance that it has hamstrung most everyday Christians and stifled their outreach. Our job as Christians isn’t to take the offence out of Christianity, because the Truth IS offensive to many people. Our job is to carry Christ’s message with us wherever we are, regardless of who might find its message upsetting. We were not told to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to those who will not be upset by it.” No. We were told to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all men.” We have been given the Truth, and we must decide how we will use that gift. Will we hide its Light, or let it shine? We will upset people. Jesus did. We will offend people. Jesus did. Why? Because not everyone likes what the Light shows them about their lives. I guess Mr Trueblood is right – the world would be shocked at seeing Christianity practiced. But that’s just too bad. ‘Nuff said.

*Huckabee was campaigning as an evangelical Christian, but he couldn’t get enough support to stay in the race.