This is something that I've struggled with intensely for the last ten years or so. I grew up in church and I was saved at an early age. I still believe with all my heart that experience was genuine and that I have a relationship with God (even though I'm one of His unruly children from time to time.)
The trend I've seen in the circles in which I've traveled is a push toward self-centered Christianity (I use the term loosely here.) My family and I have joked that "it doesn't matter what it IS... it just matters what it LOOKS like." It seems that "Christians" have become more consumed with looking just so (matching cuff links and shoes or the trendy hairstyle) and putting on a production than they are with making sure they have a right attitude toward their fellow man. Loving people as Christ loves them is no longer top priority. This is bothersome to me.
I hear them say that the world is so evil and people are so wicked... and I won't disagree. I do disagree with the reasons that people turn from Christianity now more than ever. In my opinion, non-believers choose to stay that way because of the hate and arrogance of the "christian church." There is an air of superiority that Christ never intended and that is what is causing the church to lose ground. We've forgotten how to love people and only know how to love ourselves and puff ourselves up to look holy. The pretense and pomp and circumstance quite honestly makes me ill.
It seems to me that it's been forgotten that Jesus loved the poor and needy and those who were less than perfect. He chose fisherman who were no doubt dirty and smelly to be his closest followers. He took time from his day to sit and talk with a woman who had been married 5 times and had dinner with a tax collector. We forget that Paul was the "chief of sinners." When church becomes a production with fancy costumes and designer shoes and only those with perfect harmonies can sing -- we alienate the ones that we were commanded by Christ to reach. The outcast, the downtrodden, the hurt and sick and weary.
Just ask yourself -- would someone struggling with addiction feel welcomed in our church this Sunday? Or would we stare and make them feel uncomfortable? Could a prostitute walk in our doors and hear the Gospel or would she be unwelcome because of her appearance? Do we love people unconditionally or do we hand them our "baptist handbook" and tell them when they meet all the enclosed criteria they can be included?
Because of all this, I have distanced myself from the "church" and a lot of "Christians." I do my best to treat people in a way that is respectful and kind. I endeavor to live my life by principles of integrity and character, honesty and responsibility rather than making sure my skirt is the right length or that I never go to a movie theater. I would rather be known for being a "liberal" who genuinely cares about people than a "fundamentalist" who is proud and elitist.
The bible commands us to treat others as we would like to be treated and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. These are the most simple of commandments, yet it seems we fall so short. To be a Christian is to strive to be Christ-like. I do not think Christ would be pleased with the arrogance and pride that has taken over his bride.
