This short series we will be running throughout the summer was initially inspired by the backlash against an appeal for a unity founded upon dignity, honesty and humility, and for merciful behaviour toward people who are different, within a moving sermon preached by Bishop Mariann Budde at the National Cathedral in Washington. The row presented such contrasting images of Christianity that Simon felt the temptation to walk away – not from Jesus, not from the church, but from the label. He didn’t want to be associated with the brand of Christianity that was being associated with the MAGA movement. Simon set out his thoughts in his personal Substack blog, which inspired Craig to drop everything and write an immediate response.
Last spring, Are We Still Christian? became the title of our own mini-series. Beginning with Simon and Craig’s posts, each member of the Collective shared their own contrasting thoughts.
Having completed our latest blog series, and with two new members of the Collective now on board, we felt that the question is still live enough to warrant a summer reprise. What follows over the next six weeks comprises three lightly edited posts, one that has been largely rewritten and two new contributions. The series will begin next Saturday with Simon’s initial post but, before we stir the pot again, may we invite you to reflect on the following questions:
What does the epithet ‘Christian’ mean to you?
What images come to mind when the term is used?
Have those images changed in recent years?
Does the word make you feel mostly positive, indifferent or negative?
*
As we think more deeply about what the label ‘Christian’ means, and whether we are still content to use it to describe ourselves, we hope you will find yourself a little stretched, stirred and reassured that challenging conversations can generate more light than heat.
If you want to take things further, Simon is currently working on a new blog series entitled 10 Reasons why Jesus is the Main Problem for Christianity – in his own words: “it is a scab I can’t stop picking at”. Ugh! You can find his opening post here.
