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"Christian Domestic Discipline" Continued

Jul 16, 2013 — Categories:

I think the thing that wearies me is this tendency to slap the label “Christian” on something to somehow justify or legitimize a program, practice or ideology. My latest encounter with this came as I walked by a storefront for a business called “Totally Christian Karate.” What in the name of Jesus does that mean? I continue to struggle with the way “Christian” is used and what its use conveys.

I think the thing that wearies me is this tendency to slap the label “Christian” on something to somehow justify or legitimize a program, practice or ideology.

My latest encounter with this came as I walked by a storefront for a business called “Totally Christian Karate.” What in the name of Jesus does that mean?

I continue to struggle with the way “Christian” is used and what its use conveys. We can use the example of my last blog on Christian Domestic Discipline (CDD).If you want to engage in misogynistic activity like CDD, go ahead; but stop baptizing it in Christianity. I couldn’t help but flash on the absurdity of Jesus teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “Husbands, spank your wives when they displease you.” Seems a little inconsistent with: “I came that they [people of all genders] may have life, and have it abundantly,” in John’s Gospel (10:10).

So what does it mean to be a Christian these days?  Is it simply code for anti-gay, anti-choice and following a particular secular political agenda?  No, for me it means following the teachings of Jesus, plain and simple.

I am reminded of a seminary classmate who spoke about his father. Someone approached him and asked, “Are you a good Christian?”  His father’s reply was simply, “Ask my neighbor.”

If our neighbors and family members live in peace and experience justice and compassion from us, then maybe we deserve the label of “Christian.” Otherwise it is false advertising at its worst.

Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune
FaithTrust Institute
www.faithtrustinstitute.org

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