A New Kind of Christian

I like many things that Brian McLerna writes, but I am not a Brian McLeran fan. I find it too difficult to overlook his compromizes on key parts of biblical teaching (Jesus as the Only Way, divorce, homosexuality, etc.,.). But Brian McLeran writes an essay called, “Christian,” in David Kinnaman's new book, UnChristian. His vision is GREAT! Here is what he says . . .

In thirty years, research could show us that when people think Christian, they think things like this:

• Christians are the ones who love people, whoever they are – gay or straight, Jew or Muslim, religious or atheist, capitalist or not, conservative or liberal.

• Christians are the ones who have done more than anyone in the world to stop the HIV/AIDS crisis.

• Christians are the people who gravitate toward the poor and who show compassion through generous action and seek justice so that the systemic causes of poverty are overcome. They call the rich to generosity, and they call on rich nations to work for the common good.

• Christians are people who believe that art and creativity are important, so they consistently produce the most striking, original, and enriching art.

• Christians are willing to give their lives for the cause of peace. They oppose violence in all of its forms. They will lay down their lives to protect the vulnerable from the violent.

• Christians care for the environment. They don’t just see it as raw materials for economic gain, but they see it as the precious handiwork of their Creator.

• Christians have personal integrity. They keep their marriage vows and are aware of how destructive misused sexuality can be. Yet they are compassionate toward people who make sexual mistakes, and they never consider themselves superior.

• Christians build harmony among races. You always know that you’ll be respected when you’re around a Christian.

Perhaps I am a dreamer. But when the hard realities jolt you out of denial (as the research presented here can do), the status quo becomes less acceptable, and one is motivated to dream of better possibilities. I hope that this research will push others toward becoming dreamers too, and that hose dreams will inspire the needed creative and faithful action.

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