How Christianity Is Evolving Within Our Culture
Last month I guest posted on Tavia's blog about Christianity.
Today I am going to be focusing on how Christianity is evolving within our culture. I am going to hit on a few points that really get me fired up about this topic. I wanted to post this on my blog in case anyone missed it. I am very passionate about this topic and do not intend to offend anyone.
1. The bible verse tattoos. This has nothing to do with tattoos, but it has everything to do with living a Christian lifestyle. It all started in college when I noticed person after person getting religious tattoos, throwing pictures of it on Facebook, and then posting pictures that, as a Christian, I was offended by. Drunk at parties when they are underage, wearing provocative clothing, etc. all while in every picture you can see the cross hanging around their neck, or bible verse stamped on their body. Really?? Christianity has evolved within our culture in a way where we think that if we speak about God, write the words of the bible on our body, and go to church every Sunday, we are a Christian. Wrong.
You see, being a Christian demands more than a couple hours in church every Sunday and the commitment of Philippians 4:13 stamped on your back. If being a Christian were easy, everyone would be doing it. What everyone is doing is devaluing the importance of Christianity by making it seem like all it takes is a life-long commitment to a tattoo and owning a bible in order to be brought into those pearly gates.
2. Posting bible versus on social media, going to church, shouting out on social media how Godly you are....only when the going gets rough. When people are happy they very rarely post bible versus (sadly). But, when the going gets rough it is like this person flipped a switch and, because they are needing God, they all of a sudden acknowledge His presence. Let me say something. God does EVERYTHING for a reason and He knows when you are 'using' Him and guess what, He doesn't care. If even for a moment you speak His words, He is happy because that is one step closer to Him. But, just like a sport, you have to consistently practice Christianity. You can't just pray when you get broken up with, or lose a loved one. You can't just go to church on Christmas and Easter. You have to practice and not 'show-boat' your Christianity.
3. It is all about the "cool" churches and saying you go to church. I have met so many people who 'go to church.' What is sad is they go to say they go and they are not spiritually present. Although this concept really saddens me, the fact that they are at church is a step in the right direction. To be honest, sometimes I cry in church because I am so moved by His word and His presence that I know He is with me, listening to my prayers, and hearing me rejoice. I wish everyone could experience that feeling, but simply going to church doesn't get the job done. Praying before dinner because that is what you grew up doing doesn't get the job done. If there is no passion in any of these actions then they are meaningless.
As our culture evolves Christianity is becoming more of the 'cool' thing as opposed to what it was made for; to develop a relationship with God. People spin the bible their own way, skip around from church to church depending on what celebrity attends, or how the music is. No one is focusing on God, but more on how 'being a Christian' will make them look in a crowd.
It is a sad development, but as Christians, it is our duty to NOT turn our backs on those who may be lost, but instead help lead them to find God and develop a relationship with Him. Some people may say, "Oh, we don't like that person because they aren't a Christian..." when it is our duty to be disciples and spread His word.
Christianity doesn't have a 'look.' It isn't the brown-haired girl in the perfect dress, or the mom with the bob-haircut who feverishly takes notes every week. It could be the tattoo artist, the ex-hooker, the recovering drug attic, the teacher, the lawyer, the couple looking to God to save their marriage, or the lost teenager just trying to find their place in this world.
You see, as Christianity evolves, so do we as people, but one thing always remains the same. In order to call yourself a Christian you must maintain a relationship with God. A deep, loving, spiritual relationship that is deeper than any tattoo, or Facebook status, and cooler than any church you have ever been to.
Happy Thursday!
**In no way do I aim to offend anyone. This post is 100% my opinions discussing a topic I am very passionate about.
Thank you for your post, your statements ring true!
ReplyDeletePreach, sister! Love that you are so strong in your faith and can share it with your readers. SO on point!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Thank you! This is a great post, Sarah! I totally agree with everything you said!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who currently "flipped the switch" and is posting daily bible quotes on fb because his friend just passed away. Not that I don't mind them but its like all of a sudden. This post is soo true!
ReplyDeletewow, great post Sarah. seriously. I think everyone has a different view of the church and Christianity and we should be open to change, that's the christian thing to do. i do get irritated with some people sometimes and constantly posting things on facebook and kind of "lording" it over me.
ReplyDeleteTruth, my friend:)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sarah!! You're 100% right, and it's very well said.
ReplyDeleteLove this Sarah. And absolutely am obsessed with that beautiful picture. We are actually still struggling to find our 'church home' up here in Cleveland, but still try to lead a life that He would be proud of and do the right things.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sarah! Loved it and you expressed truth so well.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! Thank you for sharing. I think the whole "mega church" aspect has made church seem cooler. People go to church to be entertained, not to worship. That being said, I do think in many respects being a Christian and going to church is actually NOT seen as very cool anymore. At least that's what it seems like to me. There's a double standard for many people and a hated of conservative leanings, and it's something that is going to make standing up for Christ more and more difficult. (Ha. Didn't mean to write this much! This is something I'm passionate about too.)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted this. sometimes I see this in blogs, shouting about christianity one day the next talking about being drunk and never wanting to get married and just flamboyantly breaking God's laws. I know these people are still loved by God very deeply, but it does make me sad to see. they are missing out on so much. that relationship is so vital in good times and bad.
ReplyDeleteI agree - you maintain friendships, family, marriage through relationship and hard work, why is your faith any different?
ReplyDeleteLove this! & In reference to people who only go to church at Christmas & Easter... My childhood priest once referred to them as "Chreasters". It made for a funny little joke but, was meant to bring light to those who think that's ok & "being a Christian".
ReplyDeletePreaching it sister friend!! Love everything you mentioned, and I love that you are my sister in Christ. Now when is our coffee date for challenging conversations?? Why didn't TXSC have more days!!!?!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm in the minority - but I don't care when or why people go to Church... THEY'RE THERE! Churches have to change to stay relevant and attract the lost... if that means looking like a mall or having a Starbucks inside, who cares! It's getting people through the door. Whatever the reason they decided to come, at least they're there!
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome if they're posting scripture REGARDLESS of the reason they're doing so - because THEY'RE POSTING SCRIPTURE! Does it hurt their personal testimony if they're posting a Bible verse one minute and posting a drunk pic the next - of course... but I don't doubt the power of God's Word and believe that that verse could STILL speak to someone who needs to hear it, regardless of what was posted before or after it.
More power to people with tattoos that have a Christian message behind them - because that tattoo could spur a conversation with someone who doesn't know Christ! Who are we to knock ANYONE down for posting scripture, attending church or getting a tattoo associated with their faith?!?!
Unfortunately, I think that it's views like the ones you've expressed that have TOTALLY turned people off to church. I hate hypocrisy as much as the next person (duh!) and think that if you have a true and deep relationship with Christ your actions will reflect that... but who are we to condemn the actions of people who are on their way to figuring that all out. I think that instead of knocking them for being "Chreasters" we should be reaching out, inviting them on a regular basis, etc... but I can't really blame them for not wanting to come when it's opinions like this that are waiting for them when they get there.
How about "liking" someone's scripture post on FB, inquiring about the meaning behind a tattoo or inviting someone to take their faith to a deeper level AFTER a service at a mega/cool church through a community/small group.
I'm definitely not trying to "stir the pot", but would HATE for someone reading your blog think that all Christians have this view point. Isn't the ultimate goal to win people over for Christ? I don't think that condemning people for not being "Christian enough" is the way to do that.
FYI - I DO attend a church I LOVE (what you might even call a "mega church" hahaha) and have been a Christian for many many years. I've found that the BEST way to encourage people in their faith is to lead out by example.
Love that you're starting a conversation about Faith... but am afraid this post may have left a sour taste in a lot of "seekers" mouths.