In this week’s Newsweek (March 16, 2009, p. 18), Lisa Miller writes that many people have begun calling themselves “followers of Jesus” rather than “Christians,” because that name is too often associated with stereotypes, such as hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and a particular political party, which they want to avoid.
I believe that the content inside is more important than the label on the outside, but I have a couple of questions about this trend
1. Is the name “Christian” so badly damaged that we can no longer use it? Some names are irredeemable. If my name was “Judas” or “Hitler,” I would probably seek to start fresh with a new name. But the term “Christian” comes with a rich biblical and historical tradition, and we should think twice before we give up on it and move on. After all, it won’t be long until the “followers of Jesus” tarnish the name with their sins or errant theology, and then will we have to start over with a new name?
2. This is already happening, as an increasing number of people use the term “follower of Jesus” as a way to avoid the need to believe in him. They say that it isn’t necessary that we know about and rely on Jesus as long as we follow his example of inclusive love. I have heard this so often that whenever I hear someone say that they are a follower of Jesus, I instinctively ask if they believe in him, too.
Richard Mouw, the President of Fuller Seminary, must have had a similar experience, for he notes in the article that those who use the term “follower of Jesus” tend to diminish the deity of Christ. They think it’s more important to follow the moral example of the human Jesus than to believe in his salvation as the Son of God.
In sum, I think that we should fight to redeem important names and labels, and only discard them when that no longer seems possible. I call myself a Christian, or “little Christ,” because I am a follower of Jesus.
Sean on March 13, 2009 at 7:20 am
Mike, thanks for this thought. It bugs me too that we can feel compelled to use names other than Christian to describe people to believe in CHrist. I know that in different parts of the world, however, the term “Christian” can mean that a person believes in anything other than the local religion. This brings us to couple of terms that I like to use to desribe who I am in Jesus: “Disciple of Christ” or “Believer in Jesus.”
katdaddi on March 26, 2009 at 9:45 am
About 7 years after I became a Christian and the workplace started becoming somewhat hostile towards people sharing thier faith. I was working at the Johnson Space Center for a contractor off site, we had about 1000 employees. I was dead set on the fact that I would not allow this to slow me down and that no matter what I was going to share my faith with people, every opportunity I got. I felt obligated to do so , as a follower and servant of Jesus Christ. We started a weekly Bible study at the office, recieved permission from the company to use the email system to post information about the meetings and take any paryer request from other employees. In the name of Jesus, just trying to shine the light as best we could.
One week a non-Christian came to me with a prayer request. In that conversation they mentioned a fellow worker who was a very good friend of mine and in my department. They wanted to know if he was coming to the Bible studies. He wasn’t. They said, “well you don’t have to worry about Curtis, you can tell he is a Christian, he doesn’t need to say it.”
That hit me pretty hard. They were not trying to say anything negative about us who visibly tried to evangilize, they were only mentioning what a good person Curtis was. Loud and clear though.
God chose the Jewish people, to be the example, not to live above everyone else or have the most pride, but to BE the chosen people.
I pray that we can worry less about what we are called and what the public perception is and seek to be what God has called us to be. Seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness….
In His Service
JesusLover on August 12, 2009 at 6:52 am
I’m a follower of Jesus, in love with the King of kings.
Here in South Africa, many non–white citizens erroneously believe that all white people are Christians. Sadly, this untruth causes them to judge Christ by the actions, behaviour and words of non-believers. Having ministered to Hindus for a few years, our small missionary group were amazed to discover this. Before these sweet people would accept Christ as genuine, we first had to de-myth their pre-conceptions and then prove – through our lives and real love – that the God of the Bible is who He says He is and can do what He says he can.
It just goes to show how important it is not to hide our light under a bushel: to consistently walk with Christ and visibly display our faith and love to all people. If we are perceived as being the same as non-believers, we have no credibility and we bring shame to God’s name. Actions speak far louder than words. We have to earn the right to speak on God’s behalf – or no one will listen to us.
JRO on March 13, 2009 at 12:38 pm
good points Mike…I definitely see myself as both…For me, “Christian” is a factual term or a “label” that stands for a set of deep beliefs that center around the Bible and the God/Man–Jesus Christ…”Follower of Jesus” is more of an active, dynamic description of who I am…or better said, who I strive to be.
renycorrea on March 20, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Hi, guys. Thanks for the insights and comments on the use of the “Christian”. When the name “Christian” was first used of Christ-followers-believers in the Bible they were derogatory. In time they turned to be something to be proud of. When I got saved I was very proud of telling people I am now a Christian. Unfortunately, the Philippines which was known to be the only Christian country in Asia is considered the most corrupt and we lagged behind in everything. I can see the point in referring to myself as Christ-follower or Christ-believer rather than a Christian.
Tom Basham on March 24, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Thanks for the excellent comments,
A good friend describes himself as a “Christ Follower,” and it sounds fine coming from him, but for me, I still prefer the term “Christian.” The world has spent 2000 years trying to defame the name of Christ, and not succeeded. I’m not worried that there are some who misunderstand the meaning of “Christian,” or attach some cultural connotations to it. In the end, it is simply an expression of our attachment and kinship to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Queenofscience11 on March 24, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Personally, I state that I am “follower of Christ” as oppose to being a Christian. I understand your sentiment that Christianity is misunderstood by many and it for this reason that I am “a follower of Christ”. Christianity, in the United States has become a cultural aspect in which most state that they are a Christian and may not serve Christ according to the word. Based upon the text, Christianity is not suppose to easy in that it costs a person something to follow Christ. Many churches and people individually had water down the text to accomplish their inner motives, so Christianity has become a man-made religion that in many areas has conflicted with the true gospel of Christ. So, that is why I am a follower of Christ. Thank you so much for posing this question! God Bless!
ufooulotu on March 25, 2009 at 12:06 am
God bless you, Mike. It is easy to confuse between a Christian and a follower of Jesus. This passage has clarified to me what I really was. I think it is the content of our relationship with Jesus which matters, although it is true that we have often been misled by these two terms as you have said. If we follow our Lord and do as He commands, we can either be termed Christians or followers of Jesus Christ!
J on March 25, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Hi Mike,
a point from the other side of the coin…
I so whole heartedly disagree with the premise….that somehow calling oneself a “follower of Jesus” is a statement against being a Christian. I see it as the exact opposite.
James 1:22 (KJV)
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
——-
Why do much of this and other countries call themselves Christians? Because they inherently or traditionally believe in Jesus?
OR because they actually walk out their faith as Christians?
I am both a Christian and a “follower of Jesus” I am not ashamed, nor in any way denigrate the deity of Christ. The reality is that according to scripture, being a “follower of Jesus Christ” supercedes being called a Christian any day.
——-
James 2 (NIV)
18But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless
It does beg to question though, how much of a minority is there who actually “follow him” for his good teaching and don’t truly believe He is the son of God? Wouldn’t they more likely call themselves something other than a “follower of Jesus?”
In Christ and definitely trying to follow.
Blessings,
J
sthenry on March 25, 2009 at 11:37 pm
The true Christian is the one who practice it, not just name it. They called us Christians because we live by it. Pls. read Acts26:28… Because of our testimony. I just let people know that I’m a Christian ( follower of Jesus or believer of Christ).
learning2serv on March 27, 2009 at 8:31 am
Mike, wonderfully thought provoking article. To answer a couple of questions you posted within, I agree with you that the name Christian is not damaged beyond worth or worthiness.
For your other point concerning the use of ‘the term “follower of Jesus” as a way to avoid the need to believe in him’ I rest upon Mark 9.38-40. This is speaking of working miracles but I believe the principal is applicable – you cannot lightly take up the name Jesus and not be identified with what (and who) He is. Such is the unseen persecution of Christianity in America today.
As I read the comments, the thought came to mind, “Is this how denominations were started?” The three answers I see represented here (Christian, Follower of Jesus, Christian that is simply a Follower of Jesus – if I have summed correctly) have been represented well. There is scriptural support for all three views and takes on a few others. To add my own, they were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11.26), which seems to be the most authoritative and historically tried and tied to persecution.
Perhaps the question can come to this place: Jesus… asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Mat 16:13-18 NKJV)
Unbelievers are going to speak of us as evildoers and numerous other things which aren’t edifying (see 1Pe 2.12, Mat 5.11 and more). What we are called is not nearly as important as the revelation of Christ to us and – if we will let – through us. People who are seeking Christ will only find Him on one condition: the Father must draw them (John 6.44-45). Our role is to glorify God by our good works (Mat 5.16).
“…no one can [really] say, Jesus is [my] Lord, except by and under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit” 1Co 12.3 (part B, AMP). Whether believers call Him Christ, Jesus, Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus (see Mat 1.21 and Phil 2) ALL will one day confess Him as Lord – Christian, Follower of Jesus or whatever they are called (Phil 2.11 – prayerfully it is done before judgment).
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
(1Pe 2:11-12 NKJV)
JimM on April 1, 2009 at 5:53 am
I think that you are being a little hard on those who name themselves as followers of Jesus and do not call themselves “Christian”. Sure, Christianity has a rich heritage and of that we are all proud. But you seem to be wringing your hands of the down side of has happened to much of Christianity– a basic, objective reading of church history reveals some of the worst misdeeds and even atrocities that have been committed by religious folk. Recent chapters in American history show too close a relationship in many instances between the church and vested interests.
It is not that people who call themselves followers of Jesus feel that they are immune from similar errors. I would posit that many of us are acutely aware of our own shortcomings and we are alarmed at many in the church who merely gloss over many of the errors committed by the church in the past and present while being very critical of others.
I think I’ll stick with my term “follower of Jesus”. It is a very precise term for me. Sure, anybody can appropriate the title and use it any way they want– in much the same way the term “Christian” has been used.
Whatever happened to the idea that it is about “relationship” and not “religion”? Or is that just a worn out cliche? Maybe we should focus on the “do” part of our faith and not these externals. You may think that I am being a bit sensitive or even harsh here, but hey, you’re the one that brought it up after all.
The fact that you instinctively ask if “followers of Jesus” believe in him, indicates that you have some sort of litmus test of faith. Personally, having lived life and seen some pretty messed up situations in peoples’ lives, homes, and yes, churches, I prefer to leave those tests to God.
mycroft on June 27, 2009 at 2:53 am
I think the emphasis of the original post may be a bit misplaced. The comment that troubles me is that “we should fight to redeem important names and labels.”
I’m not sure that’s our mission particularly. Paul wrote that he had “become all things to all men, that I might by all means (at all costs and in any and every way) save some [by winning them to faith in Jesus Christ].” I Corinthians 9:22 (Amplified Bible). The question of what we call ourselves is too often wrapped up in ideas of avoidance of discussion, and and not enough in communication of Truth. Many times we label ourselves so we don’t have to tell people who we really are. That’s why you often find yourself having to ask “Followers of Jesus” whether they believe in Him. And why I often find myself having to ask “Christians” exactly the same question.
The reality is that in any given discussion with the world, we should be seeking God’s guidance and have a willingness to identify ourselves and communicate the truth about who Jesus is in the best way possible for whoever we are talking to. What that means is we might call ourselves a “Christian” a “Follower of Jesus” a “Bondservant of Christ” a “human being that God loved enough to send His Son to die for” and a thousand other things that convey the same message. We should always be seeking to identify ourselves in a way that encourages those to whom we are speaking to engage in discussion about WHY we identify ourselves with Jesus.
The way we avoid the problems of preconception, regardless of the label used, is to seek conversation, not simply identification. The real problem is when we rely on labels, whatever they may be, to communicate our belief instead of telling the personal stories we have about how Jesus changed our lives and about who He is.
learning2serv on September 7, 2009 at 9:32 am
Well stated, especially the third paragraph. Well said, and well done.
Blessings -l2s
elisau on August 7, 2009 at 6:44 am
I am both a Chrsitian and a follower of Christ. At my church we also refer to ourselves as “believers”.
Matthew 7:16-21 (NIV) By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Mikl4given on November 7, 2009 at 4:39 am
As I am seeking the Father’s heart of Love, I am saying that I am a child of Father God. Jesus is the way to the Father, He did nothing that the Father did not direct Him.
CeeCee on January 19, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I’m not really stuck on being a christian or a follower of Jesus– don’t get me wrong I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit– He’s the love of my life!
What I’m really concerned about is that the world sees Christ in me– in my life and living.
Light Your Light so Shine!!!
miss9er@yahoo.com on February 15, 2010 at 4:34 pm
To be a follower of Jesus we must love our enemies and pray for them. We can’t be like the scribes and be judgemental. Love our neighboor.
Pray for people everyday especially those going through a difficult time or illness.
Kathy
rgsdiamonds on March 21, 2013 at 3:19 pm
Hello all,
I believe this is a good practice. In the beginning it was called the Way. Things have changed drastically in our modern world today. The vast majority of Churches and those who would call themselves Christians are not and only give bad testimony to the true belief an LIFE STILE. So many will say they are Christians today and hurt others at work and live a knowingly bad life, promote the wrong people and life standards that go against everything that Jesus taught and His rules. I believe that the word Christian today is only a popular word for those who want to feel better about themselves more than actually living it. Just look at the number one church in the country and look at all those who call themselves Christian and voted for abortion and same sex marriage ignoring what the ultimate love in their life should be Jesus. Also the Catholic church calls themselves Christian and they are anti Christ. Just look at all of the popes that have died and look on their casket, you will notice an M not a J. It represents Mary. A fallen human being like the rest of us.