Religion must cease being a catalyst for hatred. We are all brethren, children of the same Father regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Yes, some see more clearly than others. And we do indeed reap what we sow based on our life choices. But we are all brothers and sisters and dearly beloved by God.
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Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4)
Scripture is its own interpreter. Nothing can cut a diamond but a diamond. Nothing can interpret Scripture but Scripture" Thomas Watson.
The reason that we rarely refer to ourselves by the Christian label anymore, is the simple fact that everyone wants to be included. Thus, people can support abortion and be Christian, support the gay agenda and be Christian, commit any sin under the sun and be Christian. At that point, it is necessary to find a new label. In fact, idolatry is practiced under the label of Christianity and everyone has grown to accept it as a part of the Christian community. The label was first applied in Antioch, Syria because they were followers of Christ who were separated to Him. The term was not one of a complement but of ridicule.
It has something to do
with political correctness
creeping into some churches.....
The reason that we rarely refer to ourselves by the Christian label anymore, is the simple fact that everyone wants to be included. Thus, people can support abortion and be Christian, support the gay agenda and be Christian, commit any sin under the sun and be Christian. At that point, it is necessary to find a new label. In fact, idolatry is practiced under the label of Christianity and everyone has grown to accept it as a part of the Christian community. The label was first applied in Antioch, Syria because they were followers of Christ who were separated to Him. The term was not one of a complement but of ridicule.
I have several thoughts about what you've said Jay. First, sinners don't define terms, the Bible does. So, the Bible defines you as a Christian... even if some who call themselves "Christian" are not truly Christians. Why give them the power to send you running to different labels??? Imagine if a movement of occult psychics began to call themselves "Apostolic". What do we do then??? LOL
I'd advise that we not worry about what others call themselves and simply stick to the Bible.
As for the other statements you've made, I'd like to expand upon them.
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The reason that we rarely refer to ourselves by the Christian label anymore, is the simple fact that everyone wants to be included. Thus, people can support abortion and be Christian
Many sincere and devoted Christians are libertarian on this subject and don't believe that the Government's power should extend to controlling a woman's womb, thus making her a breeder should she not want to give birth. I know, it's not the popular position, but many hold this view. They believe that the Government is incapable of properly addressing the issue of abortion and that it should be addressed through private organizations and efforts.
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support the gay agenda and be Christian
Again, some Christians are libertarian in their outlook. Believing that the Government shouldn't have power over private relationships or associations. Thus, they believe the Government's power shouldn't extend to regulating things such as marriage. Again, a libertarian position that is proliberty and privacy.
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commit any sin under the sun and be Christian
The fact is... Christians do sin. Even in Corinth we had rebellion, sectarianism, fornication, adultery, etc.... yet Paul addressed them as saints and admonished them to repent of their errors. Christians are imperfect human beings. If a Christian sins... it doesn't make me want to stop calling myself a Christian... it causes me to pray for them and encourage that they confess their sin and repent. I don't believe it's easy to fall beyond the reach of grace.
Aquila, Paul stated, "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1Cor 6:11) He is stating this was their state in times past, but they were no longer in such sins. Further, he commanded them to cease from fellowship those that went back to such things until such a time as they came to repentance. (1Cor 5 especially verses 9-11)
My emphasis was placed upon the words 'were' and 'but'.
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I am an Apostolic Pentecostal. Apostolic in teaching, and Pentecostal in experience.
I think my main objection to the label is that it has become so politicized. But having said I do not identify myself that way, I think I better clear up a couple things.
I never deny being a Christian if I am asked and because of how I live I am asked often. However it seems that most unbelievers I know are very confused by Christians. What they do and don't know about Christians today looks something like this... They are republican, love war, are not just pro-life but anti-abortion in all circumstances. They like to picket and would blow up clinics if they could get away with it. They are homophobic, anti-sex and want to regulate EVERYONE's morality. They are anti-science, do not believe in global warming, are not friends of the environment. They believe that it is OK to tell others with different or no beliefs that they are going to hell.
Those who understand the term Pentecostal usually believe that it is and stricter sect of Christianity that believes dancing and social drinking are sinful, have to wear jean skirts and tennis shoes, use faith healing instead of medical treatment, have made up a language that they call tongues but only speak it to each other in church, heck...some mix us up with the JWs and think we refuse blood transfusions. I have NEVER met ANYONE outside the church who understood the term Apostolic.
Since very little of that is ME... and I think very little of that would have been or is Jesus I just don't want the label. I love for people to get to know me as a 'regular' person and then tell them about the One who saved me.
I don't shy away from the term religious. I am religious. I love the history and tradition of the church. I love scripture and bible stories and old hymns. I love tent revivals, brush arbors, white clapboard-big steepled-single aisle-wooden-pew buildings and the Sistine Chapel. Tongues and interpretation and a homily.
I find no shame in the name Christian, I just wish that it was better represented and I find no reason to deny my religion. Being religious does not keep me from having a relationship.
... and the UPC IS a denomination... (just had to throw that in there).
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