The Uncommon Christian

Virtually all people, Christian or not, understand that a crucifix is used as a symbol of belief in Christ. It’s engraved on rings, worn around necks, and even tattooed into people’s flesh so that they can carry the symbol of Christianity wherever they go. We have come to recognize places of worship based on the religious symbol attached to the building. Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and so on; Each religion has a unique identifier. In some cases, we will even become aggressive or outright violent, in defense of our religious symbols. Why, though? Is it right to attach these symbols to our faith and hold them above all else in our life? Is that not a form of idolatry? Exodus 20:3-6 “You are to have no other gods before me.  You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline.  You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I,  Adon...

You may not be able to recite all 7 deadly sins, but I’m sure you’ve at least heard of them once or twice. Regardless of what denomination you consider yourself to be, Christians typically only talk about the ten commandments or the 7 deadly sins when it comes to being obedient to God. I remember a few “fire and brimstone” sermons from my childhood that discussed damnation to hell.  My father was Catholic and brought me and my siblings to church with him on occasion. Usually the mass would precede games, food, or some other celebratory event. It was rare to hear anything about hell or displeasing God, but the 7 deadly sins were almost a guarantee if the priest was trying to scare you into being obedient to God. As a young child it made perfect sense to me. If you believe in God you have to avoid doing 7 things or you will die. However, I didn’t believe in God at the time and didn’t care to learn more about Him or His commandments. 1.        Prid...

The Roman Catholic Church has around 1.285 billion members worldwide, is the largest Christian denomination, and is one of the oldest religions. Like other Christian denominations, the Roman Catholic Church believes that Christ died for our sins; however, there are a few distinct differences between Catholicism and other Christian denominations. The one I want to discuss today is the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. Most people, Christian or not, have heard of Pope Francis. He is the 266 th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and is easily the most well-known leader of any Christian denomination. However, how many people are aware that most Christian denominations have similar hierarchies? Evangelicals have Geoff Tunnicliffe who is responsible for leading the World Evangelical Alliance. The churches that are part of the World Evangelical Alliance have over 600 million members and was founded in the mid-1800s. The World Communion of Reformed Churches has Jerry Pillay. You may n...

With 80% of the nation considering themselves to be Christian in some form or fashion I assume that many Americans participate in Lent. My family and I have attended numerous churches, 12+ churches of varying denominations, and all have encouraged participation in Lent. Not only is participation encouraged, but advertisement of what is being sacrificed, or given up, for lent is expected. Most people taking part ask the ever popular question, “What are you giving up for lent this year?” Lent is meant to be a ritual commemorating the sacrifices made by Jesus as he wandered the desert for 40 days. He had no luxuries and fasted for those 40 days. Traditionally, lent was a 40 day long fast in which most foods were given up and additional luxuries were sacrificed. Today, most people choose one thing to refrain from for 40 days. I myself am guilty of this. The one time I participated in Lent I gave up added sugars. That’s all. There are many reasons to fast; mourning, celebration, honor...