Jay Pretli

Tuesday · 9:47 AM ·  

Charlie Kirk: Christian or Follower of Christ?

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It is easy to claim the label of Christian. As an athiest with many years of Catholic seminary training, it seems to me that the title of “Christian” comes cheaply—conferred by baptism, church membership, or simply self-identification. What is far more costly is to follow the example of Christ himself, who lived in solidarity with the poor, touched the untouchable, comforted the weak, and defied the powerful who cloaked themselves in religion.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, many have rushed to declare what a “fine Christian” he was. But the deeper question remains: by what measure? Did he feed the hungry? Did he tend to the sick, clothe the naked, or welcome the stranger? Did he protect the powerless, as Christ did? Or was his Christianity defined more by ideology than by imitation?

He certainly seemed to be a faithful believer. He used words like “blessing” and discussed the importance of his faith. He even declared that “you cannot have liberty without a Christian population.” But is belief all it takes to be a Christian?

The uncomfortable truth is that modern Christianity often praises belief while excusing behavior. A person may be hailed as a faithful Christian without ever resembling Christ in word or action. This reveals a flaw not simply in individuals, but in Christianity itself: when the faith is reduced to mere identity, political loyalty, or doctrinal assent, it no longer demands the radical compassion and courage Christ embodied.

If one can be considered a “good Christian” without living as Christ lived, then the word Christian has been emptied of its meaning. The scandal is not that individuals fall short. We probably all fall short. The real flaw is that entire communities bless the fall and call it faith.

The distance between being Christian and being Christlike has become the defining gap of our age. Until that gap is faced honestly, Christianity will continue to produce adherents to the name of Jesus who remain strangers to his way.

Patrick Goodness See less ...read more

Charlie Kirk: Christian or Follower of Christ? (Please Share and Follow) It is easy to claim the label of Christian. As an athiest with many years of Catholic seminary training, it seems to me that the title of “Christian” comes cheaply—conferred by baptism, church membership, or simply self-identification. What is far more costly is to follow the example of Christ himself, who lived in solidarity with the poor, touched the untouchable, comforted the weak, and defied the powerful who cloaked themselves in religion. In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, many have rushed to declare what a “fine Christian” he was. But the deeper question remains: by what measure? Did he feed the hungry? Did he tend to the sick, clothe the naked, or welcome the stranger? Did he protect the powerless, as Christ did? Or was his Christianity defined more by ideology than by imitation? He certainly seemed to be a faithful believer. He used words like “blessing” and discussed the importance of his faith. He even declared that “you cannot have liberty without a Christian population.” But is belief all it takes to be a Christian? The uncomfortable truth is that modern Christianity often praises belief while excusing behavior. A person may be hailed as a faithful Christian without ever resembling Christ in word or action. This reveals a flaw not simply in individuals, but in Christianity itself: when the faith is reduced to mere identity, political loyalty, or doctrinal assent, it no longer demands the radical compassion and courage Christ embodied. If one can be considered a “good Christian” without living as Christ lived, then the word Christian has been emptied of its meaning. The scandal is not that individuals fall short. We probably all fall short. The real flaw is that entire communities bless the fall and call it faith. The distance between being Christian and being Christlike has become the defining gap of our age. Until that gap is faced honestly, Christianity will continue to produce adherents to the name of Jesus who remain strangers to his way. Patrick Goodness See less
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Charlie Kirk: Christian or Follower of Christ? (Please Share and Follow) It is easy to claim the label of Christian. As an athiest with many years of Catholic seminary training, it seems to me that the title of “Christian” comes cheaply—conferred by baptism, church membership, or simply self-identification. What is far more costly is to follow the example of Christ himself, who lived in solidarity with the poor, touched the untouchable, comforted the weak, and defied the powerful who cloaked themselves in religion. In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, many have rushed to declare what a “fine Christian” he was. But the deeper question remains: by what measure? Did he feed the hungry? Did he tend to the sick, clothe the naked, or welcome the stranger? Did he protect the powerless, as Christ did? Or was his Christianity defined more by ideology than by imitation? He certainly seemed to be a faithful believer. He used words like “blessing” and discussed the importance of his faith. He even declared that “you cannot have liberty without a Christian population.” But is belief all it takes to be a Christian? The uncomfortable truth is that modern Christianity often praises belief while excusing behavior. A person may be hailed as a faithful Christian without ever resembling Christ in word or action. This reveals a flaw not simply in individuals, but in Christianity itself: when the faith is reduced to mere identity, political loyalty, or doctrinal assent, it no longer demands the radical compassion and courage Christ embodied. If one can be considered a “good Christian” without living as Christ lived, then the word Christian has been emptied of its meaning. The scandal is not that individuals fall short. We probably all fall short. The real flaw is that entire communities bless the fall and call it faith. The distance between being Christian and being Christlike has become the defining gap of our age. Until that gap is faced honestly, Christianity will continue to produce adherents to the name of Jesus who remain strangers to his way. Patrick Goodness See less ...read more
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