John Smulo gives his reasons why he does not like the term “christian”. — Norm

Words have meaning because we give them meaning. Sometimes particular words lose meaning. Other times they take on new meanings that are loaded. “Christian” is a word that has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used, and who is using it. Below you will find a list of reasons why I struggle with the term “Christian” to represent faith in Jesus.

1. Because it has a lot of historical baggage.
2. Because it raises a lot of hurt for many people.
3. Because people think they have “Christians” all figured out.
4. Because it’s become a stereotype, even if often a painfully accurate one.
5. Because the kind of Christianity I’ve read about has different connotations than “Christian” implies.
6. Because it provokes anger in many people.
7. Because it often has little to do with Jesus.
8. Because it’s associated more closely with judgment than grace.
9. Because I’d rather use a term that causes people to ask questions, rather than giving them a box to put me in.
10. Because in popular culture it’s more associated with what “Christians” are against, than what they’re for.
11. Because it’s often inaccurately tied to other words such as “nation”.

Tomorrow I’ll talk about the self-descriptor I prefer to use instead. But until then, what do you think about the word “Christian”?