On dumb Christians

Dumb Christians are high on the list of my pet peeves. These are the type of Christians who tend to parrot off ideas that they hear from other people without personally appropriating it in their life or who blindly accept any idea that comes from the pulpit or a spiritual authority figure. While I highly value the insights of pastors, theologians and lay leaders, I think that we should always be testing out any idea that we hear against the Bible and what it says. We need to have the Berean spirit, a spirit that thoroughly studies and examines the various claims that a Christian might hold. I don't care if you have the "right" doctrine if you don't know why you believe in what you believe in. There comes a point when your argument should be devoid of the words "but my pastor says that ..." As Christians, we are called to maturity and growth in our faith and our walk with God. As Christians, we are commanded to do things excellently. It is ironic that Christianity is now so closely associated with the words "stupid,"bigoted," and "close-minded." These words are the antithesis of everything that Christianity is and should be!

Paul reminds the Church of how they should remember who they once were (a bunch of messed-up sinners) to stop them from getting too haughty and adopt an attitude of self-righteousness. We, as Christians, do have the annoying tendency to walk with our head held high, looking down on people and being very critical and judgmental. This is exactly the type of attitude that nurtures ideas of moral superiority amongst Christians. Yet, in adopting a morally superior attitude, it does nothing but show that individual's moral bankruptcy!

We are called to be the salt of the earth, not the mace. The fragrance of love and grace should follow us wherever we go, not the stench of legalism and criticism. It's weird to think that most of the meanest people I know self-identify as Christians. A mean Christian is an oxymoron just like a dumb Christian is. Christians should be an example and set an example for the world that it lives in. The example it must set is one of acceptance, of warmth, and a welcoming spirit. We should be marked with humility, forgiveness, and a heart of hospitality. We need to show the world the transformation that Jesus can bring to humans. We need to witness about His mercy and compassion.

Against these things, none can complain.