The Ox

A MEANINGLESS LABEL?

   So it seems that two Christians - Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh - think Pope Francis is a Socialist and a Marxist.  That's because he's convinced Jesus is on the side of the poor and he doesn't believe in unfettered capitalism.

There's all sorts of irony in this:

- Pope Francis has done an incredible amount to improve the perception of Christianity throughout the world.  His openness, generosity, and humility may not have overcome entirely, some of the negativity associated with the Catholic church but it has made a significant difference.
- Palin and Lumbaugh on the other hand, have done plenty to damage the Christian reputation, if not in their own country then certainly around the world.
- And it does seem strange to label the head of one of the wealthiest institutions in the world, a socialist.

But the bigger issue for Christianity, is that Palin, Limbaugh and Pope Francis would all claim to be Christian, and yet have entirely opposing views on most everything.  This of course has become the norm in Christianity.  Orthodox Priests bless troops in the Ukraine before they shoot at fellow Christians protesting against the Government.  Christians proclaim that God hates fags, at funerals led by Christian clergy.  Celebrities on their fourth marriage claim to be Christian while other Christians criticise politicians having affairs, as immoral and poor role models.


And on it goes...

  Some would say this is a positive thing.  It shows that Christianity is a big tent that can accommodate almost everyone.  And I'm a fan of the generous, welcoming version of Christianity.  I'm more than happy for Sarah, Rush, and Frankie to enjoy the love of Jesus.  But the fact that all of these people claim to be Christian while decrying the 'other' and holding to totally conflicting views on key issues of theology and practise, has I would suggest,  made the label "Christian" meaningless.

   No surprise then that an increasing number of people trying to follow Jesus, are choosing not to identify as Christian.  Recently a colleague asked me "You're a Christian are you?"  I replied "Tell me what you think that means".  When they had finished I said "Well, no I'm not". 

This dilemma isn't going to go away.