Christianity, and religion in general, can be a controversial and sensitive subject for many people. However, it is important to not sweep this topic under the carpet in order to not offend people or to act like it is not an issue worth discussing. As a Christian myself, there are often personas and connotations that are unnecessarily and inaccurately associated with being Christian. To me, my religion is not about “being a Chrisitan” and it’s really not about religion at all. Christianity in my life is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and his ability to make me into a better person and ultimately live a more fulfilling life. If you are religious or not, I do not write about this topic to offend, or cause conflict, but rather to bring attention to misinterpretations among religious communities and non-religious communities in order to achieve better a better understanding of both groups. Below are just a few of the most commonly held misconceptions about Chrisitianity.
1.Christians are judgmental- Too often I hear this statement being the reason that non-Christians are turned away from Christianity. Unfortunately, I can completely see where they are coming from. As Christians, we are called to hold each other accountable for our actions and help other Christians keep from stumbling in their faith. However, this can cause conflict when Christians attempt to hold all people to the same standards, even those who do not hold the same beliefs. For this reason, non-Christians understandably feel as though they are being judged for their actions if they do not align with Christian standards. The important thing to remember is that no one is perfect and we are all human. Christians are taught to love everyone regardless of their actions and beliefs and while some Christians may be judgmental, some non-Christians are just as judgmental. The myth that Christians are disapproving of non-believers arises from our desire to help others be strong in their faith, which too often results in a negative connotation of the Christian faith.
2. Watch what you say when around Christians- On more than one occasion I have been in a group of people, Christians included, when we stop what we are saying, try to take back something that could come across offensive, or try to cover up anything that could be seen as “sinful” in the eyes of those around us. Being Christian doesn’t me that we live in a bubble of happiness and innocence. Christians and non-Christians go through just as many trials and miserable occurrences in life, we live in the same society, watch the same movies, here the same songs on the radio and the same breaking news stories on the TV. In my opinion, to cover up the thoughts we are thinking and the feelings we feel is to do everyone a disservice. For Christians, we shouldn’t have to switch the song on the radio the second our pastor walks in the room and for non-Christians there should be no need to apologize for cursing in front of a Christian. Christians should do the same things they do in front of people as they do behind closed doors and vise versa because if we change our actions as a result of whom we are around, Christians will continue to obtain the stereotype of being two-faced. Christians are not fake; we are real people who make mistakes and are forgiven despite our inadequacies.
3. Christians are boring- Sure we may not always be the craziest ones at the party taking body shots off each other but just because we strive to do things in moderation does not mean we don’t like to have fun, and certainly doesn’t mean we are boring. Some Christians I know, you could put them in an empty room by themselves and they could have the time of their life, completely unaided by substances of any kind. I cannot guarantee that every Christian you meet will be fun, but to say that we are all boring is certainly not true. Many Christians seek joy and find it despite their adversities.
4. Christianity is for white, wealthy hipsters- Yes, there are many trendy Christians who like to hang out at coffee shops and wear beanies while sipping on Yerba Matte and discussing life after death. This being said, you can also find Christians who are homeless, who have been addicted to hard drugs, who have been to jail several times and Christians who have every inch of their body covered in eerie tattoos. Christianity is not about image, but once again about a relationship. There is no background check, screening, or application to becoming a Christian. If you are a human being you can become a Christian regardless of where you come from or what brand of jeans you wear.
While these are just four of many images of Christianity, it is important to keep in mind and respect the beliefs of all people. Everyone comes from different upbringings and circumstances and we must attempt to suppress assumptions and preconceived ideas and in exchange get to know people from all walks of life. Get to know people for who they actually are and not just what other people have said about them. Christianity is not an “us against them” religion of rules and condemnation but it is a relationship with a higher power that encourages an understanding and love for all people.
