Unaffiliated

“We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.” (Colossians 1:28-29 MSG)

According to research by the Barna Group, more than half of 18 to 29 year-olds with a Christian upbringing have dropped out of regular church attendance and are significantly frustrated by their faith. Many of them prefer to remain unaffiliated with organized religion. Christians are seen as anti-gay, anti-science, hypocritical, and judgmental--thus, many young people are reluctant to be associated with such a group. As an older Christian, I am deeply uncomfortable with all of this data. I personally know lots of sincere, kind, tolerant followers of Christ. However, I can’t disagree with all that the young ones have to say. Christianity has been hijacked and misrepresented by several vocal special interest groups. In the gospels, Christ taught sacrificial love, empathy for the poor, reconciliation, humility, and inclusivity. Unfortunately, many young people have been presented with an adulterated image of the Messiah: a business-minded Savior who is focused on numbers; one that would ostracize those who are different than the norm, reject science that threatens age-old narratives, and tamp down questioning or doubt. Christians are no longer seen as advocates for the poor or marginalized, but as proponents for guns, nationalism, classism, and profiteering.

What if we who are ‘older’ Christians presented a depoliticized Christ instead of adding our own agendas to the Message? Christ! No more, no less. No baggage, no package deals, no fillers, no pork barrelling.  Let us share what Jesus taught us through the Gospels, with profound sincerity and purity, bringing each person into maturity. Let us keep our eyes focused on the goal: Know Jesus and make HIM known.