Thoughts on Radical Christianity

The idea of "Radical Christianity" is nothing new. Since the day the church in Laodicea got an ear full for being "lukewarm" (Rev. 3:16) Christians have pointed at other Christians and accused them of not being radical enough for Christ. But who gets to decide what is "radical" Christianity? You? Me?

Hmong girls in their native clothi

We have a friend named KaBao here in Jackson who grew up in a family that worshiped their ancestors. She was born in Laos. She and her parents were Hmong refugees, coming to the US following the Vietnam war. Growing up in America Kaboa began exploring Christianity knowing full well that if she became one her entire family would disown her, for they are all animists. 

Animism (from Latin anima "soul, life") is a set of beliefs based on the existence of non-human "spiritual beings" or similar kinds of embodied principles. Animism encompasses the beliefs that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical (or material) world, and souls or spirits exist, not only in humans, but also in all other animals, plants, rocks, geographic features such as mountains or rivers, or other entities of the natural environment.

Ultimately she did choose Christ over her family and just as expected she lost them. As a brand new Christian she started attending a local church. Can you guess what the first thing she heard was? She was told her jeans were inappropriate. The Christians now in her life didn't take time to know her story or feel her pain. They instead focused on her outward appearance. Fortunately Kaboa's conversion to Christ was a deep and genuine discipleship. She had counted the cost of becoming a follower of The Way and she paid that price. So although she was terribly confused by the judgement of her new friends she was now a bona fide "Radical" Christian and nothing could take that away.

Is there such a thing as "nominal" Christianity -- Christian in "name only"? Sure. Is it our job to decide what is "radical" for another? I don't believe so. I believe that is the Spirit's job. Our only role in the life of another is to fully accept our "brother" or "sister" in Christ and point them to the same Jesus whom we follow. Together we fix our eyes on Him and aim to love him with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. In my experience those "teachers" or individuals who run around accusing other believers of superficial Christianity rarely take time to ask a few simple questions: "How did you get saved?" for example. They don't seek out the narrative -- the journey -- of another because they've already defined "radical Christianity" in their own minds and all that remains is a solid promotion of their own views. Here's the box -- now you're either in or out. But what about our radical diversity?

Ever stop and just take in the amazing diversity of people on planet Earth? While watching the Olympics this year I got lost in thought about the life of someone like Usain Bolt, the world record holder for the 100 meter dash. Then I got lost in deeper thought about the crowds in the stands and the millions watching him from around the world. The range of diverse people all taking in this one single event was mind-blowing to me. Different languages, traditions, beliefs, and history. But all created by one God. Does the message of Christ expand and widen to encompass the masses? Can people "come to Jesus" in many different ways, under a thousand different circumstances, in a million different cities? Does the Spirit of God work in any willing human heart irregardless of their wealth, class, nationality, or race? Does the Lord equally pursue the one raised in a house, hut, project, or orphanage? Does the gospel extend to the Eskimo, the Indian, the American, and the Chinese? What is "radical Christianity" then?

This is what I think. Radical Christianity is not defined by you or me. If we go down that road our traveling companion will most likely be unhealthy judgement of another, and the log in our own eye will remain a barrier to seeing the full scope of God's working in human hearts around the world. I know this from experience; for I too used to define what is "radical" and what is not in regards to another Believer. But no more. I must only look to my own conscience; my own heart and mind. I must ask myself what is radical Christianity for today? For me? What would the Lord have me do, right now in my life? When we live this way, looking to the Lord for His radical will, then we will no longer run the risk of missing the story of someone like KaBao. We'll stop focusing on her attire and instead climb into her heart. And as we do so -- as we learn of her own choice to follow the Lord against all odds -- we'll be blessed by her.

Judgement will turn to friendship.
Intimidation will turn to intimacy.
And Lording over will turn to Loving along side. 

And that sort of Love is always pretty radical.