Christianity is not a magical rule system. It cannot be ‘gamed.’
There is no easy Christianity. If there are magic words to get into the club (“Jesus, come into my heart”) it’s not Christianity.
Contrary to what people might claim, all parts of Christianity can be questioned, argued about, and even disagreed with. The integrity of the whole is not necessary to the truthiness of parts.
You’re either living like Jesus or you are not. If you aren’t, no magic words are going to help. If you are, you don’t need any magic words.
See also Jesus is not a theological construct.
Comments
“Contrary to what people might claim, all parts of Christianity can be questioned, argued about, and even disagreed with.”
I disagree with thisâJim
I’d mostly agree with it âeonsim
I know this is probably plagiarism, but this section from Adrian Plass’ Sacred Diary (Aged 37 3/4) seemed appropriate. (Just so it makes sense, the protagonist has been praying at a paper clip to get it to move, just to prove he has faith):
“Got up early today to have a last go at that paper-clip. Ended up hissing viciously at it, trying not to wake everybody up. When I gave up and opened the door, I found Anne and Gerald listening outside in their night-clothes, and looking quite anxious.
Anne said, ‘Darling, why did you tell that paper-clip you’d straighten it out if it didn’t soon get its damned act together?’
Explained with as much dignity as I could that I’d been conducting an experiment in faith, and had got a bit carried away when it didn’t work. Anne said, ‘But, sweetheart, being a Christian isn’t like joining the Magic Circle. Why would God want you to make a paper-clip move by faith?’
Gerald wiped his eyes and said, ‘Dad, I think you’re wonderful. I wouldn’t swap you for anything.’”
â christina
“There is no easy Christianity. If there are magic words to get into the club (“Jesus, come into my heart”) it’s not Christianity.”
Amen, brudda. Salvation is a process, not a pop quiz. I don’t think I know of anyone who randomly went along to any church, said the magic words and POOF suddenly their entire life changed. Most people I know took months of adjustment and getting aquainted with the idea of being christian; if they went up to an altar call, it was because of what had happened outside of the meeting more than in it…as an aside, I think I’m becoming more baptist every day…
â Tony
