Recently I did a minor good deed for a complete stranger, and after thanking me he said, "You must be a Christian." I've been told that before, and it always irritates me. The next time I'm going to say that no, I'm actually Jewish/Hindu/Buddhist/Muslim/Atheist. I'd like a reaction to that. Would you still invite me to the church you created in your basement? Would you throw my five dollars back at me? Were you mistaken?

Technically, I am "Christian." But that's not what makes me a good person (at least I try). You'd think the world could tally up the pedophile priests and figure that out for themselves. You'd think we could look back on the Nazis, the witch-burners, and the Spanish Inquisition, which basically introduced systematic torture and fascism to the world, and come to the conclusion that Christianity does not equal goodness, kindness, giving, or peace on Earth.

My brief Sunday school education did teach me that the basis of Christianity is good deeds, charity. A collection plate to benefit the leaky church roof means nothing to me. Preaching charity once a week does not erase the history, the past two millennia, of Christianity's flaws, and actions speak louder than words. No one and nothing is perfect. And the next person out there to give their time or money really will be a non-Christian. And what will you say then?

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Comments (3)

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I'm more inclined to respond, "No, I am not a Christian. It's quite possible to be kind/generous/ethical etc. without subscribing to a religion."

Kate MacDonald | January 18, 2008

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David, Thanks for sending this to me, but I have to disagree with your responding comment. I think Jennifer LeBlanc is on target. I find too many who say they are “Christian” exude a certain smugness and ownership about their religion. There is accompanying lack of respect for others’ religious choices; that if you are not with them you are against them. It’s disheartening that the lessons of Christianity, acceptance and love of others, have been set aside; replaced with viewing religion only one way.
On another note it's unbelievable that Fundalmentalists, the largest group who call themselves Christians in everyday conversation, work through politics to make their religious views a part of the US Constitution. It's all part of the Christian movemnt package. You wouldn't want to hear what I'd say to someone who assumed my religion because of my actions. David, you're a wonderful guy, but come on!
Barbara Drake Bresler,
Williamsburg, VA

Barbara Drake Bresler | January 10, 2008

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family psychiatrist, Des Moines, Iowa

I think there can be some positive ways to respond to such comments as "Are you a Christian?" I have experimented to pointing out what I do believe - what is fact - that we live in endless space - infinity if you will, that we are all, along with all matter, star dust, as a friend of mine likes to point out. Both of these facts are awesome and mind boggling in themselves.
I also like to tell a story of when the woman I married and I were out to eat. We had paused and held hands as the meal was put before us - in our joint Quaker tradition of silence before meals - afterwards a man came up to us from across the room and said how glad he was to see other Christians pray before eating. We both smiled, had a good laugh about it later, and just let it lay - silence can be good for the 'soul' - regardless of one's beliefs or practices. My own contacts with Christian friends keep me balanced and a chance to work on my own reactions. I don't think we have to define ourselves in the negative - there are other options. I look forward to reading other comments.

David Drake
Des Moines, Iowa

ddrakedo | January 10, 2008

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