As a “Christian” growing up in the south, I have heard almost everything that could be said about my religion and its followers. For instance, we are judgmental, Bible-beating, close-minded hypocrites. The funny thing is that all of these allegations are true – but not for everyone. Yet, those Christians who don’t fit these allegations are still affected.
I know that many times I have felt embarrassed or ashamed to name myself as a Christian, which should not be the case. Even worse, there have been times when I’ve wanted to participate in various opinionated conversations with others and have been quieted or had eyes rolled at me when they learned of my beliefs.
Immediately, that person usually assumes that my opinion will be conservative, inaccurate or irrational. I do not blame these individuals for not wanting to listen to me; it’s human nature to stereotype. However, it saddens me to see that the Christians who aren’t judgmental, Bible-beating, close-minded hypocrites are restrained from having a positive impact on others.
Paul in Ephesians 4:1-3 charges us to walk in a manner of humility, gentleness, patience, love and eagerness to maintain peace. Can we look at the Christian community and say that this is what our modern image is?
When people ask me if I am religious, I sometimes answer, “Well, technically, I am a Christian, but let me explain…” Then, I follow up with a long explanation of what I believe, how my church is unique and how my parents raised me to be open-minded and cultured. By this point in the conversation I have lost the person’s attention and am left with the stereotype.
If I were asked to describe what Christians should be, I would say they should be people who care about the community around them, welcome all walks of life and are willing to listen and learn from what others have to offer us – not people who are stubborn or hurtful in their words. As I heard from one of my professors, “If anyone is using the Bible to denounce someone, they are using it improperly.”
God lives in solidarity with the brokenness of the world and so should we. If we Christians lived by this idea, I feel we would have a much better influence and image. There are not many people that I know who are going to understand the beautiful reality of grace through Jesus Christ when it is coming from a megaphone on top of a van with “Repent or Burn in Hell” painted on the side.
To be understood, we must understand. We cannot expect people to listen to us if we are not willing to listen to them in turn. Neither can we expect them to allow us into their lives if we immediately point out all of their flaws. My wish is that one day the Christian community can overcome the negative stereotype we have “earned” throughout the centuries and be seen as a people of love and hope.
Cardinal Seawell is a religious studies sophomore. She can be reached at
Religion at Loyola is a weekly column open to all members of the Loyola community. Those interested in contributing should contact Religion editor Garrett Fontenot at [email protected]
