Thoughts and reflections on chapter 1.
“Christianity is illegal. Is there enough evidence to convict you?”
An interesting take on a popular bumper sticker, but is it true? If the world is as Pete Rollins suggests, then the answer is a resounding “absolutely”.
Those of us who have grown up in the Church have no doubt heard the illustration of the man on trial for his beliefs. The question that serves as the crux of this moral tale is whether or not the man’s beliefs are strong enough to convict him of his Christianity. But the question we must ask of ourselves is not whether our beliefs are strong enough, but if our actions are bold enough. For it is our actions that share with the world our beliefs.
I’ve spent most of my life in the Church. I can quote the popular passages of Scripture, and perhaps even some that are more obscure (floating axeheads, talking donkeys and the like). I know when to stand, when to sit, when to speak and when to be silent. By these measures, I would not deny Christ. If these beliefs are the standard, I quite often affirm my faith in Jesus. But what if more is required?
Last July, I had the opportunity to hear Pete Rollins speak at Rob Bell’s Poets, Prophets and Preachers conference. Near the end of his talk, he spoke of his belief in the Resurrection of Christ. His response was this – “Of course I deny the resurrection.”
After he explained, I realized that I deny the resurrection, too. I, and each of us who carry the name of Christ, deny the resurrection each time I see a need and do not meet it in the name of Christ. Each time I choose my religion over a relationship with another of member God’s creation. Whenever I fail to remember that Jesus died for the forgiveness of my enemy as much as He died for me.
Do I go to church, even speak there? Do I sing the songs, and carry the name? Yes.
If actions convicted me, though, I fear I would often be set free.
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