This is in my simple language. What I call "it is not tell and show me, but it is show and tell. " I no longer identity as Christian or White Evangelical because of the damage done by Christian Nationalism. I now identify as Pro Jesus. 🙂🙂🙂🙂
I remember reading Brio (and wanting to write for it someday 😬.) I relate to so many of your experiences growing up in evangelical church culture. I now call myself and others who love Jesus, “Jesus followers.”
Beautiful piece, Sarah. It’s been too long since I’ve read on the journey and it’s a delight to be back! This reminds me of a piece I read by a Black Christian activist who said a question she gets frequently when speaking at White Christian evangelical schools is how race and social Justice intersect with the Bible. And she said she finally stopped giving a long winded answer and just said, Black Christians never contemplate this. One of the first acts in the Bible is God freeing an enslaved people.
Yes! Jemar Tisby frequently discusses how the Black Church in America has always been theologically consistent while constantly pursuing justice. This is the model all Christians need to follow.
This clause caught my attention: “Show me a desire to protect refugees and asylum seekers.”
Did you intend that to be as Political as it appears?
I have been young, and now I am old; but I don’t believe that beating the Bride produces the change you long to see.
It’s not up to you to tell others to “show you” something better.
Like Peter, each of us is on a specific walk with the Lord. And as with Peter, Jesus’ specific instructions to each believer are different.
That’s why when Peter nudged Jesus and asked about His plans for John, Jesus said, “What is that to you? You follow me.”
Every believer who ever lived has had a Peter moment—boasting in self and eating those bitter words later. Candace Cameron Burè, Amy Grant, and myriad others (#MeToo).
Your frustration with lip service is noted and valid. But the journey makes room for the repeated falling and rising of Christ followers.
We may all have different gifts, but every believer is to demonstrate their faith in a way that draws people to Jesus instead of pushing people away. The early Christian church didn't practice being countercultural by telling non-believers all the ways they were sinful. It was their love and mercy to all who came to them that was countercultural.
A close follower said “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.”
It is a simplification to say what the entirety of the early church said or did. I get your point. But you’re talking about the Bride of Christ. And you’re using examples of sinful behavior to castigate the Bride—whom Jesus passionately Loves
The Church—born again believers in Christ—has done more good on earth than any other entity over the history of humankind. And the Church has suffered more as well.
This is in my simple language. What I call "it is not tell and show me, but it is show and tell. " I no longer identity as Christian or White Evangelical because of the damage done by Christian Nationalism. I now identify as Pro Jesus. 🙂🙂🙂🙂
My social media profiles now say “politically homeless Jesus follower” for much the same reason.
This was a fantastic read, Sarah. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading ❤️
Amen. Well written and on point.
Thank you.
Really glad this popped into my feed. I used to tell my players, “your actions speak so loudly that I can’t hear what you’re saying.”
And I think that's a message more adults need to hear too.
💯
I remember reading Brio (and wanting to write for it someday 😬.) I relate to so many of your experiences growing up in evangelical church culture. I now call myself and others who love Jesus, “Jesus followers.”
We might need a support group for those of us who read every word of Brio for years 😂
Beautiful piece, Sarah. It’s been too long since I’ve read on the journey and it’s a delight to be back! This reminds me of a piece I read by a Black Christian activist who said a question she gets frequently when speaking at White Christian evangelical schools is how race and social Justice intersect with the Bible. And she said she finally stopped giving a long winded answer and just said, Black Christians never contemplate this. One of the first acts in the Bible is God freeing an enslaved people.
Beautiful reflection♥️🫶🏻
Yes! Jemar Tisby frequently discusses how the Black Church in America has always been theologically consistent while constantly pursuing justice. This is the model all Christians need to follow.
Yes, yes, yes!
Some solid points.
This clause caught my attention: “Show me a desire to protect refugees and asylum seekers.”
Did you intend that to be as Political as it appears?
I have been young, and now I am old; but I don’t believe that beating the Bride produces the change you long to see.
It’s not up to you to tell others to “show you” something better.
Like Peter, each of us is on a specific walk with the Lord. And as with Peter, Jesus’ specific instructions to each believer are different.
That’s why when Peter nudged Jesus and asked about His plans for John, Jesus said, “What is that to you? You follow me.”
Every believer who ever lived has had a Peter moment—boasting in self and eating those bitter words later. Candace Cameron Burè, Amy Grant, and myriad others (#MeToo).
Your frustration with lip service is noted and valid. But the journey makes room for the repeated falling and rising of Christ followers.
Till we get Home.
I meant it exactly as I said it.
We may all have different gifts, but every believer is to demonstrate their faith in a way that draws people to Jesus instead of pushing people away. The early Christian church didn't practice being countercultural by telling non-believers all the ways they were sinful. It was their love and mercy to all who came to them that was countercultural.
The first message of Jesus was “Repent.”
“Go and sin no more,” followed that.
A close follower said “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.”
It is a simplification to say what the entirety of the early church said or did. I get your point. But you’re talking about the Bride of Christ. And you’re using examples of sinful behavior to castigate the Bride—whom Jesus passionately Loves
The Church—born again believers in Christ—has done more good on earth than any other entity over the history of humankind. And the Church has suffered more as well.
Yikes