Is it time to stop calling ourselves “Christians?”

Is it time to stop calling ourselves “Christians?” 

We are told in the Book of Acts that the disciples of Jesus were first called “Christian” in the Syrian city of Antioch (Acts 11:26). Now it is important to know that “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. It would be more correct to refer to him as “Jesus the Christ” rather than simply “Jesus Christ.”

The term Christ in it’s Hebrew form means “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” Perhaps had Christians gotten their name from those in Jerusalem we would now be referred to as “Messianics.” Can you imagine? 

Yet it was those pagans living in Antioch who first started calling us Christian because we wouldn’t participate in their pagan worship practices.

In other words the term “Christian” was first used as a derogatory moniker for the followers of Jesus. It is found only three times in the Bible, twice in Acts and once in I Peter. But never used by the early Christians to describe themselves.

It would be similar to calling those who belong to the Tea Party  “Tea Potters.” Not a flattering term to say the least.

Well over the years the term “Christian” came into vogue, even among disciples of Christ. By the 2nd century we were referring to ourselves with this unflattering and derogatory descriptor. 

It’s funny how words seem to have a life of their own. They evolve or devolve as the case may be. But one thing is for certain: Words change both in their meaning and how they are perceived by the general public.

There was a time when I would have never written an article such as this. But over the years I have come to realize that the name "Christian" itself has accumulated so much negative baggage that perhaps we would do well to put it to rest for a while.

Ask yourself: What do non-Christians think go when they hear the word “Christian” today? What mental images pop up in their minds? 

Recent polls have suggested that Christians are perceived (right or wrong) by non-Christians as being: Homophobic, judgmental, out of touch with reality, legalistic, greedy, self-righteous, too political, anti-Science, and hypocritical; not to mention the many sex scandals of well know celeb clergy, financial shenanigans of celebrity type pastors and their associates, and of course the proponents of the so-called “Prosperity Gospel” that runs counter to the Biblical teachings on economics. 

While these polls clearly represent attitudes of non-Christians towards Christians in general, it would be inadvisable for us to ignore these unflattering perceptions. Some of these perceptions may very well be accurate although branding all Christians as such would be unfair in my opinion. But I’m a Christian so my view is somewhat biased. But:

I am embarrassed to be associated with those who sport the Christian name yet whose lives do not come close to reflecting the life of Jesus. 

I am embarrassed when so-called Christian celebs flaunt their wealth and flamboyant lifestyles that are antithetical to the lifestyle of the Jewish peasant from Galilee. 

I am embarrassed to be put in the same basket as those who have sold their birthright for a bowl of political stew and have compromised the enduring values of the very Gospel they claim to love.

I am embarrassed to be considered in the same league as those Christians who carry the name but who prefer the sword over the cross.

I am embarrassed by those Christians who ignore the Biblical mandate to offer radical hospitality to the aliens and strangers among us. 

I am embarrassed to be considered a colleague of those who allow their politics to shape their reading of the Gospels rather than allowing the Gospels to shape their politics. 

I am embarrassed by those who have turned the Way of the Cross into some prosperity scheme to get rich and call it the Gospel.

So if this is what being a “Christian” means then count me out. I don't want to be referred to by such a name. Call me a follower of Jesus if you will, or a Messianic if you prefer, or simply a religious person.

Until we can unload some of the negative cultural baggage that has stuck to our name perhaps it would be best to stop using the moniker “Christian.” 

Realistically though this is not likely to happen but at least it should give us reason to reflect on the One we truly follow.