The word “Christian”, though often misrepresented, means “Christ-like”. No human has the power to be Christ-like; even the Bible states that we all have sinned, Romans 3:23. It is my perception to believe that anyone who dedicates themselves by incorporating the character and philosophy of Jesus is expressing the desire to be “Christ-like”. In searching through the Roman, Greek and Jewish archives as well as the archaeological discoveries ( dead sea scrolls, shroud of Turin, etc.) and even that Jesus was mentioned in the Koran as being of Divine origin would indicate that Jesus(Christ) actually existed. Yet, I struggle to understand any reason that a man would make enemies of the religious and political powers of his time, ultimately to be crucified for no earthly reason. He was obviously radical.
The question,”Why are people Christian?”, is one that every “Christian” should ask themselves. Are they really Christ-like? I would have to say, “no”. I understand their desire and their human frailties. I also understand that the Bible is the most prophetic and tangible resource for insight into human behavior containing guidelines towards achieving personal inner peace and contentment. The fact that it was written in the age of mankind when the primary mode of travel was the camel, is astounding.
The character of humanity, in general, hasn’t changed. All the elements; love-hate, joy-envy, peace-anger, patience-intolerance, kindness-selfishness, goodness-heartless, faithfulness-divisiveness, gentleness- crudeness, self control-vindictiveness are in the character of every human being. Each of us, individually, choose who we want to be in response to our environment. It is our decisions that formulate our character. It’s our character that impacts our environment. Our society is the result of who we are individually and collectively.
The hardest of hearts has felt a tear seeing acts of kindness and love. The most loving of us all has felt rage. We all have a wide range of emotions or decided to have none at all. It’s easy to build walls around ourselves and much more difficult to tear them down. I have had the unfortunate task of doing both. It takes a lot of courage to turn the other cheek. Hopefully, we are wiser after the first slap. To be Christian does not mean to be foolish, only forgiving.
Other religions offer a variety of rewards. I can’t imagine living the after-life with 70 virgins. It’s all I can do to live happily with one woman, and I’m sure she feels the same. True contentment is not gained with material or physical gratification. They are only temporary. Peace is not about what you have, only who you are.
If we are to live forever, it must be in a spiritual realm. Therefore, we have been given these bodies as spiritual incubators. To be completely ambiguous; what is the reason for life as we know it? We are all born to die and so on with our children. What gift can we give them other than life and ultimately face death. What are the odds that all of this was accidentally and thoughtlessly developed ? Billions to one.
This is only an article. I would have to write volumes to express the spiritual experiences I’ve encountered in this life. I will never claim to be Christ-like, I’m too imperfect for that honor. I believe the only difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is believing that Jesus is the “way” to love and peace, the “truth” to what is real and the “life” that is ours with our Father. Resting comfortably, in His hands through the vapor of this life.
