I just had an inquiry from the Religion Editor at a major American weekly news magazine. She wants to know our take on the phrase "followers of Jesus," particularly as an alternative to the term "Christian."
I see it on Facebook regularly, when some of my Christian friends describe their religious affiliation with a variety of terms that seem to restate in new words what it means to belong to the body of Christ. Most of those folks seem to have a passionate faith and common interest in building relationships beyond their church friends.
What do you think the difference is between "Christian"and "Follower of Jesus?" Who in your experience is making this choice and why?
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Comments (35)
I find it frustrating when people segregate themselves from Christianity, but I'm growing to think that it is a needed shift. Christian seems to be a title centered on the actual individual whereas "follower of Christ" seems to be a description leading to the person of Jesus. Actually, as I'm writing these things I'm growing more and more inclined to drop tag of "christian" from my vocab.
I think the term "christian" has grown meaningless in our generation and a new phrase needs to emerge.
I wonder, will some Stateside describe themselves as Baptist first when asked?
The problem, regardless of terminology, is to define the terms. "Follower of Jesus" sounds like it carries more of a commitment to some people, but if said follower picks and chooses which teachings of Jesus (and the rest of Scripture) to follow, the hypocrisy is just as great as it is for many "Christians."
At some point, the issue of sin, salvation, sanctification, etc. must be broached, or all these terms are meaningless rhetoric.
Some even think that saying you’re Christian means you’re not Catholic! The OED defines Christian as “Believing, professing, or belonging to the religion of Christ.” So,
Christians are “followers of Christ!” But, today, the idea of Christianity has been so watered down, so denominationalized, so confused, that for many, it no longer suffices. So, a logical choice for clearer definition is “Followers of Jesus” which, at present, leaves little room for confusion. For those who truly understand this term, it shatters denominationalism, crosses factious borders and draws a clear line in the sand. To call yourself a Follower of Jesus, you place yourself on the side with the Heavenly Host entire, the Royal Priesthood, the whole membership of Christendom. To be a Follower of Christ, is to be truly “Christian,” in the fullest sense of the word.
I would rather redeem the original term than coin a new term that will either a) be too twee to be useful, b) be too meaningless to be useful, c) fall out of "fashion" in 12 months or d) become completely misinterpreted.
Mark Driscoll was recently interviewed on "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News" on CNN. Hughley started complaining that Christians were a bunch of hypocrites. Driscoll very wisely asked, "Do you like Jesus?" Hughely said yes. I wish I could remember exactly what Driscoll said, but it was a great response that I think pointed out that Jesus came for those who are broken, so there are broken people at church. He opened the door for anyone who likes Jesus to come find out more.