The (Re)emerging new christian

- By Samuel Thambusamy

Christianity is all about following Jesus. It is about living a renewed life made possible by Jesus. It just occurred to me (in the last few weeks) that we no longer get to meet with Jesus within the contemporary shades of traditional christianity ( better read as churchianity). We have substituted the experience of Jesus with religious language, heart warming music and songs, well thought out statements of belief, corporate-style church management, form/s of worship, spiritual tokenism and jingositic mission ideology. Honestly, do we experience Jesus and does it last -when the music fades, the responsiblity at church is over for the day, after people leave the church premises and all is stripped away? At times, I feel that something is missing. I am beginging to see the need to collectively (as followers of Jesus) meet with Jesus and learn to follow him from one another.

Most of us, only get to experience an upgraded version of colonial Christianity and we stay happy with that kind of religious experience. No wonder, people still associate Jesus with western style church buildings, the solemn if not orderly worship style and symbolism distinctly different from the cultural traditions of India. Interestingly, the earliest disciples were always associated with Jesus and even derided for their ‘peculiar’ lifestyle. They caused everyone to stop and take notice. Jesus was at the center of the faith-community and they were ‘attracting’ many to their fold. In fact, they were even referred to as movers and shakers – (those who are turning the world upside down). It is strange that we have not presented Jesus within the West Asian social setting that he was born-raised and taught. His teaching style, stories and life perspectives must strike a chord with the Indian psyche. And yet, we speak more of Church and Christianity and less of Jesus. Not surprisingly, Jesus is still perceived as Western – white skinned, blued eyed and worse, one who spoke western (Greek) philosophy.

And even if we are able to get through the colonial misgivings, we are caught up with the trappings of cultural Christianity. The commercialization of church and her related Institutions have been a distraction. Christmas, and its festivities, carol services, parties, greeting cards and cakes – largely define who Christ is and describe christian life. Wonder why, Easter is not a big event. Such a ’santaclausization’ of the goodnews is a real tragedy. We are guilty of turning Christmas ( the christ event) into a Christ-less mess. Lost in the commodification of the goodnews, the least we do is to invite some people to a Christmas carol service if not to a Christmas party. At the christmas event/s, we give entertainment when people need the gospel message and give the gospel message when they need entertainment. Instead of re-telling the gospel, we retail the gospel. People get introduced to what we believe about Jesus, but sadly they don’t meet the Jesus whom we believe and follow. The Jesus who is the embodiment of ‘grace’ and ‘truth’.

Few people get past the colonial and the cultural Christianity barrier. But when they do, we kill their enthusiasm and zeal by imposing ‘doctrinal Christianity’ on them. It is sad to see sincere seekers get entangled in doctrinal issues that have divided the church for centuries. In the name of discipleship, what they are taught is pet denominational doctrines. The same emphasis is not given to the teaching the life principles that Jesus taught his disciples and commanded them to follow. Moreover, in the name of worship service what we are ’socialized’ to accept a particular format ( 30 minute singing, one special song, announcements, video, a flavour of the month novelty, offering and a sermon). Where (and when) do we get to learn about Jesus? Our worship services are far from being a celebration of Jesus and remembrance of what he has done for us. The existing churches are no longer places where people can meet with Jesus and experience the presence of his power.

Tell me, when was the last time you heard someone say: “ I became a follower of Jesus at the Church service”. It is always the result of a camp, a retreat or an odd individual who has the evangelistic urge and thirst. Tell me when was the last time we heard a message from the gospels – Jesus’ teaching about money, love, anger, attitudes to life etc? Anyone who hears Jesus’ words and applies it finds wisdom. He had an amazing counter-perspectives to life itself. His message was radical, relevant and refreshing to life. I am pretty sure that Jesus’ would stand tall amidst the religious philosophers of our time.The tragedy is that the teachings of Jesus is the church’ best kept secret. We speak of so many things in Christian gatherings and/or programmes and we terribly miss out the real thing – the experience of meeting with Jesus.

Ever wondered why we have so little of follow-up material, let alone follow-up ministry! I have found it difficult to find gospel materials that can be given to people of other faiths ( I am sure you share the same experience). In the name of Christian ministry we sincerely produce magazines, tapes, CDs, books, television programmes largely for Christian consumption. More than being evangelistic tools, they aid in raising ministry support. Perhaps, this can explain why we largely cater to the religious needs of the Christian community. We are at best providing customer care services, if not being the at the help desk for christians who are focussed on how to keep their hands clean, their hearts pure and their mind empty. When will we find Christian material in secular bookstores that would engage the non-christian with truths about Jesus and offer an opportunity to consider following Jesus? Every time, I go to Landmark I pray that we will soon have some books at least in the religious section.! The sorry state of affairs only reflects our poor grasp of who Jesus is and what he wanted us to achieve in and through us.

Let me take the liberty of asking you this: Have you read all the four gospels? Are you familiar with Jesus’ teachings about life? Have you reflected on Jesus’ view on friendship, meaning of life, money, love of God, worship, family, attitudes to life etc. Believe me, it would be a life transforming experience to listen to Jesus’ counter-perspectives. In my own personal reading of the gospels, I am re-discovering the Jesus – whom I thought I knew. His words are good, true and beautiful. They instantly connect your heart with reality about God, yourself and the world around you. I am saddened that very few people are familiar with the four gospels – the only texts we have that talk about Jesus. It is so shocking that youth leaders, worship leaders have know so little about the gospel and worse, almost nothing of Jesus’ words are spoken during worship ( all the while talking about celebrating Jesus). The call is to go into the world and make disciples…. With the technology that we have today, “going” is easy. But… ” making disciples” is more difficult than ever before.

Jesus said, I have come to seek and save the lost. When will the “lost” meet Jesus and encounter love, grace and truth. The promise of Jesus is life abundant. Didn’t he tell us: “I have come so that you may have life and have it abundantly”? Following Jesus could radically change our attitudes, beliefs and character. Jesus words are LIFE. As one of his disciples recognized: Where will we go, in you are words of life. Why do we make it difficult to meet Jesus? Why do we stop people from encountering Jesus? Why do we deny people the privilege of following Jesus.

People are longing for life. Jesus gives LIFE (in capitals throughout) in all its fullness. It is a privilege to meet with Jesus and enjoy a sustained life-changing experience. It is important to meet with Jesus. You can’t follow Jesus if you don’t meet him or know his teaching. Following Jesus is exciting. To follow Jesus means to live life fully, for in Him there is light, life and love. The call is to become his disciples. That means to deny…ourselves, strip ourselves – of an upgraded version of colonial Christianity, the commercial trappings of cultural Christianity, the comfort-zone of contemporary Christianity and take up the cross – and follow Jesus. Such a new kind of Christian is the need of the hour.

The new kind of christian/s need to be the emerging church – a group of people bonded by God’s love, (re) shaped by the grace of our lord Jesus and whose hearts are knitted by the communion of the holy spirit.

p.s: I realize that we need to discuss further on the relevance of church, particularly the role and function of the church. I believe that the (re)emerging new christians need to collectively discuss the nature of their corporate faith expression. Wisdomtree invites you to participate in such discussion.