Christian And . . .

When I was a younger Christian, I was eager to add labels to my Christianity. Today, people too often will use labels. I am a High-Church / Low Church, old earth / young earth, charismatic / non-charismatic, pedo-baptism / credo-baptism, Arminianism / Calvinism, liberal / conservative, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Non-denominational “Christian.” Through the years I have seen the wisdom of broadening my influence in pastoral ministry. Often times people have called the church and asked, “Are you a Spirit-filled church?” or “Are you Calvinist?” or “Are you . . . ?” Most of the time I do not answer them specifically. I am not trying to be deceitful, but I realize they are stuck in this label game.

There was a lady who called and asked if we were “Spirit-filled,” which for her meant “Charismatic.” Our church at that time was not specifically Charismatic. We were non-denominational. She did not like my response. However, she ended up “trying us out” about a year later and stayed for many years saying it was one of the best family feel churches she was ever part of. She said she missed out on those blessings for a full year, because of a self-imposed label.

“Christianity And” is a real issue in the church today and should be carefully pondered. Be careful with allowing labels to divide us! As C.S. Lewis writes, we are merely Christians.

This above text is from The Screwtape Letters Study Guide and Commentary, by Mondo Gonzales, Xulon Press, Maitland FL. 2021. p. 223. In C.S. Lewis’ book, In The Screwtape Letters (Letter #25), C.S. Lewis refers to the idea of “Christian And”.