Why I’m not a Christian

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i live in tanzania, east africa, and i also don’t tell people i’m a christian… even when they ask. our conversations often go something like this:

tanzanian: hey, white guy, you must be a missionary. it’s true, isn’t it. are you a christian?

me: well, it depends. what do you mean by that word ‘christian.’

the guy: oh, you know, those people that go to church on sundays and don’t drink beer.
or you know, the ones who give money away.
or well, i knew this one guy who led a really good choir, but also beat his wife.
or the people who wear cross necklaces around their neck.
or i’m not sure. they seem a lot like everyone else, but sometimes talk about sin.

me: uhm, no. i’m not one.

the same guy (but with a strange look on his face): then what are you?

i then have the opportunity to share the gospel with this guy, explaining to him what it really means to be a disciple of Christ, and why i am one. it’s really awesome. and it happens all the time that people ask if i’m a christian.

but, for the record, i’m pretty sure “christian” is in the bible 3 times. i think “they were first called christians at colosse” is one of the times. at least i vaguely remember being forced to memorize that back in the day.

Acts 11:26.

Figured I'd go ahead and fall on the sword and be the first nit-picking Bible nerd to point out that "Christian" is in the Bible.

I say we redeem the name, not toss it out. Like if a guy was eating burgers every other meal and walking around calling himself a vegetarian, that wouldn't change the definition. Even if everyone was doing it.

Touche. It's there. I thought about doing a search before I posted this, but I figured it would invite better discussion if I let my readers find error in my thoughts. That's the point of this post anyway. I'm hoping to start a conversation with my readers.

That being said, my point remains. A group of new Jesus followers calling themselves Christians in that day worked great because there was no TBN.

So if not Christian? What might be more representative? Christ follower, disciple of Christ? Couldn’t those words be misinterpreted also?

I’m wrestling with this issue myself!

I too hesitate to label myself or describe those like me. I usually default back to "follower of Christ" or simply believer.

Gutsy post, I like it.

I love this tripp. Keep on loving and acting like Christ would. Not like a Christian would.

Good thoughts, very reasonable conclusion. Some more food to chew on…

Would you say that you are an American even though there are “bad” Americans?

Would you say that you are a son even thought there are terrible sons?

If you become a father (don’t think you have kids but I don’t know), would you say that you weren’t a dad because so many other dads are disgraceful to the moniker?

Do you call yourself a comedian even though many who do likewise aren’t funny at all?

Christian isn't a term I'm very fond of either. The only time I use it to refer to myself is when I'm talking to other "Christians". When I'm talking to someone whom isn't a believer or whom I'm not sure about, I refer to myself as "daughter". That's where the "Huh?", "What the?", "Is she in a cult?", looks come in. I love those btw. Then I get to explain that the names and labels we have for ourselves and each other don't really matter. The only label/name of ours that matters is the one that God has for us, and His for me is daughter, so that's what I am. Finally, their minds are blown with my level of deep.

After reading all of this, honestly it seems like using or not using the word "christian" could be the best thing to do or the worst thing in the world! I am thinking I will just start saying that "I am a follower of JC" (Jesus Christ) That will sound more edgy right now.

Great point Dave!

so, does that make you a “Christ-following celebrity” or a “born again celebrity”?

also, due to negative connotations associated with the term “man,” I would like my gender to be referred to as “wiener bearing human.” or just, WBH.

In light of this:
If I just met you, having seen some of your video's and appearances at conferences, and I asked you: "Are you a Christian? What do you believe?" How would you respond?

To which question?

I'm new here, but I'd like to point out that Jesus' followers in the Bible never actually called themselves Christians, if I'm not mistaken. It was sort of a dismissive term coined by one of the Roman authorities to refer to the followers of the Way, I believe. You could say, from the beginning, "Christian" was never really an official name for the movement Jesus started, but yeah…

Thanks so much for this post! I've only just discovered your site within the last 36 hours, but I'm loving it already =)

Word appears in the bible: Christian-2 Disciple- 258

Its alot easier for us to fall under our American "Churchianity" definition of Christian rather than the bibles definition of a Disciple.

I vote toss it out. Just my two cents

Excellent post, Tripp. I, too, have been moving away from this label, and sometimes go even further to say I want almost nothing to do with the label evangelical, too. Depending on the context and people around me, I'll go into more or less detail as needed.

Of the over 38,000 possible denominations that call themselves "Christian", it's nearly impossible to give a singular answer to what do Christians believe. That's why there are over 38,000 denominations because those "churches"/organizations can't agree!

First, let me say that the whole trend of trying to be relevant by changing semantics is just getting so boring. Christian vs. Christ-follower. Church vs. Fellowship. We bicker over nomenclature while the world slips further and further into sin.

But I don't think that's your point here…

I totally get your sentiment and in many ways I share it. We've moved from relationship to religion. But I hate the thought of giving up the name Christian. It's similar to how some churches have taken "church" out of their name because they don't want to scare away people (as if those people who drive to that building on a Sunday morning with plans to sing songs and study the Bible wouldn't realize it is a church. oh man! they really fooled them!).

Let me offer this push-back to your idea of not wanting to be labeled a Christian. If we start/continue the practice of dropping names/labels just because a vocal majority (or minority) have tainted the world's perception of that title then pretty soon we're gonna run out of labels to drop. Instead, let's wear the name Christian as a badge of honor and lets be the ones who strive to define for the world what it means to be a Christian. It's interesting…the first "Christians" didn't called themselves "Christians" it says that they "were called Christians". People saw who they were and how they lived and naturally said, "these people are Christ-followers…Christians." That's a title I want to carry!

yea i agree with dave & ben.
‘disciples’ back then didn’t go around introducing themselves as Christian, they were first called that in that verse ben pointed out. even Jesus never addressed His followers as such, but His Church. anyway my point is that labels & names are important esp when its being embodied in the purest form.
ps: i think u just generally dont like tbn

[...] Why I’m not a Christian The Blog of Donny Pauling: former porn producer, changed by Grace and Love… [...]

It actually is there, in the original Greek it's there as Χριστιανός, which is first found in Acts 11:26, when the disciples first called themselves Christians. This word is found elsewhere throughout the epistles, as well, in direct reference to those who belonged to the early church. It is too bad we've mucked it up so. I put "Christ Follower" in my generic little facebook religious identifier category, because I'm so reluctant to identify myself under the broad umbrella of Christianity, and yet, even as I look back at the ancient words of Paul and Peter and Luke, I wonder if this is wise? Why not attempt to redeem it, as others have said here, instead of hiding from it.

Great post. In light of this discussion, I'd like to offer a few new alternative descriptors in hopes they catch on:

- Jesustian
- Non-Religious-Christ-Spiritualist (Donald Miller Style)
- Anti-Satanite

Whatever they are….I am one. ….and not the bad kind. ;o)

i am a Christ follower

So, what you're saying is that we're more like Wayans than Christians. Not a bad thing, either – I think their program in the early 90's was better received than TBN, et. al. anyway.

Interesting thoughts…the only reason I might not call myself a Christian is to generate discussion Otherwise, I try not to worry too much about connotations others might associate with the word; it's just what I am. If it weren't something as fundamental as my faith I might give more thought to choice of words.

What's wrong with religion? It is we that are the problem. Half of the bible is spent establishing a religious system, and the other half is spent fixing the people who screwed it up. Self promoting pride. At least we're not like those other people who claim to be Christians. just pointing out irony.

Ok. This is going to sound totally judgemental and I hesitate to say anything because it may be taken that way…and then I'll be labelled as "one of those" Christians..hey! another label!… squirrel!

Anyway, you guys have some hilarious videos, but some that aren't yours aren't too…Christian. Meaning Christian in its proper sense, not in the bad way. How might this be adding to the definition/label of a Christian?

Interesting! I'm not gonna lie; I've been feeling the same way about what we "Christians" call "church." More than ever in my life, I CRAVE authenticity. I'm ready to "run the race with perseverance" alongside other RUNNERS, not those posing as runners, whose true ambition is just to critique, criticize, tear down, and trip me up. God talks a lot about unity in the Body. "Christians" in the "church" hardly look like that these days. It seems as though "speaking the truth in love" has simply become "judge and gossip to divide." I totally see the need for accountability and discipleship. But the ONLY way I'll listen to someone is when I trust that their words for me are motivated by LOVE, not judgement…

…It was a sad night last week when I found myself asking God if I could just skip the whole "church/christian" thing and just have a relationship with Him. To be slapped in the face by someone who doesn't know what true love looks like, I can accept. The Lost act lost! But when the jabs are coming from those CLAIMING to have a deep understanding of Christ's sacrifical love, it's more than I can take. At least it FEELS like more than I can take. But I know that God's still working on me, so maybe I'll come around and be singing "Kumbaya" again before you know it… One thing I AM thankful for- no matter how crazy "Christians" act (including myself!), God is no less perfect, no less loving, and no less just. And the more we as believers can reflect His glory and His character, the more the rest of the world will see the beauty in the sacrifice.

The Church needs to be evangelized. Too many lost people sitting in the pews.

I liked the thought provoking post (not a Christian? *gasp*). For me, the folks that deck themselves out like a walking, talking billboard for Christ always make me feel a little suspect of their sincerity (right or wrong). Do they just talk the talk, or do they walk the walk as well? I would rather people know who I follow by my actions rather then by self-appointed labels (or catchy pseudo-religious T-shirts).

If we give ourselves another label, we'll screw that one up, too. We being collective Christianity.

Ha! Yikes. I did not foresee a Wayans Bros. reference when I commented earlier, but you make a valid point.

I get your point, but… Two things.

First, imagine we did the same exercise with words like "liberal", or "Muslim"–go somewhere the average person thinks liberals are all freedom-destroying, God-hating, arrogant jerks. Or somewhere people think Muslims are all freedom-hating suicide-bombers in waiting.

A liberal or Muslim in those places could go your route, and say "No, I'm not a liberal", even though their policies are all left-wing, or "No, I'm not a Muslim", even though they follow Muhammad. But wouldn't that seem like a pretty weird way to respond to mixed-up preconceptions and prejudices? I'd expect them to say, "No, that's not what liberals/Muslims are."

But maybe some people would go that route. So… Second thing.

I think you're mixing up description and definition. If you ask people to tell you about Christians, then they'll describe us in all kinds of weird ways that might not apply to you, but if you ask them, "What makes a person a Christian?", don't you think they'll mostly answer something like, "Believing in Jesus" or "following Jesus"? (Though I suppose you'll get some answers where something like "going to church" is thrown in.)

By way of comparison: I might have all kinds of mixed-up notions about quadrupeds, but I still understand that if you've got 4 legs, then you're a quadruped.

That's definition. "What makes something a ____?" And I doubt that the definition of Christian has actually changed.

P.S. If I've got that right, then you shouldn't say "I'm not a Christian"–you are one, even if people's prejudices about Christians don't apply. But I'm not saying you have to volunteer that label for yourself.

The messed-up associations with the word "Christian" might still be a reason to generally call yourself a "follower of Christ" or a "follower of Jesus of Nazareth" or a "disciple of Jesus", just to bypass those associations.

Though that's a bit different from actively denying the label.

rofl! Anti-Satanite. Lovezit!

I like your post.

And agreed, we don't get to decide what the word means. Well…..we kinda do, collectively, by our actions.

And collectively, by our actions, the word Christian has nothing to do with following Jesus. At least in the states.

Great post Tripp.

I have heard those in Antioch did not refer to themselves as "Christians", but they were called that by others and that it was intended as a term of derision, not a compliment. I have no idea if this is true or not, but if so, it appears we have come full circle with the use of this word.

"Christian" is not a label I put on myself. It is a label that others, depending on their definition of that word and their opinion of me, may or may not use to describe me. Hopefully, when other people label me (as they inevitably will), whatever word they choose to use will be based on the fact that they see Christ's character reflected in my own.

This reminds me of the movie Love, Actually where she calls him a Christian because he says "Praise the Lord." I'm pretty sure that was the British making fun of us.

I think of the word "Christian" in the South as similar to the word "Jewish". All it means is that you grew up in the church and haven't committed to Atheism, yet. (Kind of like someone who is Jewish was born that way, but doesn't necessarily practice now).

Well. . . Christian is there, but Christian just means "Little Christs"- it's in response to the fact that while we are called to be like him, we can NEVER be him.

That may be the worst theological statement I have ever read!

I get your point. I taught in the Middle East and was careful to never use the word 'christian' mostly because they associate the word christian to the western world, and the only things they know about the western world come from what they see on TV. There were 2 English channels, so most nights my choice of entertainment was either Desperate Housewives or Grey's Anatomy. Seriously. So if I were to say I was a christian they would seriously think I was well, like those people. When my muslim friends got to know me, they would say things like, 'You're not like the people on TV'. No I'm not! That's because I'm a Follower of Jesus and would talk about that. I would also say that I'm a Believer which would open the door to explain what I believe and why. Now that I'm back in Alabama, I still use those terms although I wouldn't say that I'm not a Christian because to me I would feel like I'd be denying what Jesus has done for me. (I know that's not what you're saying!) I definitely get your point.

Also, I always call myself a Christian, but find when I do I have to clarify that I'm not a crazy "use the Harry Potter books as a pyre to burn the abortionist and homosexual witches to the ground" kind of Christian.

By the way, you and Tyler are hilarious! I found your stuff through stuffchristianslike. Maybe Jon should rethink that name.

LOL I knew I'd get at least one bite. Exclamation point really? That's the most impassioned response I've ever read! As a theological statement I agree, but it's more of a over-simplified synopsis of the story. My point is vanity is what drives us to say "those people" are screwing everything up, and making christians look like asses! I can't say that I totally disagree. I'm in church ministry I know the deceit that goes on and the "fakeness", and to some degree I'm disappointed to acknowledge what it means to a majority of non-believers to be a christian.
But I have to resolve that there are two things here: 1. you can't point at your brother or sister and say you're acting like a fool I'm going to go make my own family. That's why we have thousands of different sects of Christianity. Different people from different perspectives, who strive to follow Christ. We all fail him at some point. Even Peter denied Christ 3 times. 2. Religion is a good thing. It's the people involved in it that make a mess of things. We all make a fool of our own beliefs. It's the battle with the self. We're trying to follow Christ, but we are hindered by our own struggles. That's what grace is for. Instead of pointing the finger we should be part of the solution.

That having been said… I can't disagree with the fact that "Christian" in todays language means condemning, disgruntled, reactionary, close minded, back stabbing, pushy, non-forgiving, leave you to fend for yourself person. But aren't we all capable of that?

That was a wonderful post,Maybe I might sign up to your rss.

Okay, I don't disagree with your second post, but I do disagree with your first (and stand behind my exclamation point as well!). Your second post, in my opinion didn't fix address the first. You stated that half of the bible is spent establishing a religious system (Jewish) and the other half (Christian) is screwing it up.

The point of the "system" was to show that it was screwed up. That's what it's purpose was. Nothing else. Was it the 'fault' of people, sort of, but also it's the way God designed it, otherwise there would be no reason for Christ.

But to say that half the bible was establishing a religious system and the other half was people screwing it up is not an over-simplified synopsis of the story, it's not the story at all.

I think Christians have far more in common than they think. Let's see here Chrisitian affirm that Jesus Christ lived, died, and was raised on the third day. That's a pretty big deal!

Seriously, why not call yourself a Christian if you fit within the dogma of the Church that claims to be Christian?

36 comments and a blog post and no one mentions one piece of dogma they feel like the Church disagrees with. Thus, the argument is purely one of methodology (obviously pretty important as well) not doctrine.

Let's build bridges not tear them down.

We must disagree a bit here. I think I see where you're coming from. My perspective is a bit different. I'm not discounting your perspective. I just see it a little differently. The point of the new testament is for Christ to show us that apart from right relationship with God religion is meaningless. Not that religion is just pointless.

Actually, this concept is addressed in the old testament as well, but the message didn't make it through. Many times the old testament addresses being in right relationship with God. King David for one example. Did horrible things against the "Law" even and yet God called him a man after God's own heart (ie David's repentance = good thing). It's not just a list of regulations and things you have to do, as we sometimes think of religion. Christ is the "word of God made flesh". In sending Christ God says "I said it. Now I will show you what I mean". Interestingly Christ didn't tell the teachers of the law to stop teaching it. He told them to stop being hypocrites.

I think the system was one way to help us understand our relationship to God. Christ came and completed that understanding. For God to say "I establish my covenant with my people", and then send Christ to say "oh wait sorry that was all rubbish". No Christ came to free us from bondage so that we could be in right relationship once and for all, not to tell us that religion is stupid. That would make no sense IMO. Perhaps I miss read your meaning? If you disagree with my interpretation, now you may do so understanding it bit better. let the exclamation points fly

At any rate that's not the point of my post, but it is good conversation My point, as I tried to reiterate, is let's not start creating more divisions in the body of Christ where they are not needed. Judging by your posting name you agree?

I saw the title of your blog and I thought to myself, I am so confused, I just saw him at cat west? Then I actually read the post and it all made sense.

Props, way to go against the status quo.
I studied different religions in college and the one thing that always shocked me was that every religion, muslim, jewish, hindu, etc. Was very committed to there practices. Then we come to christianity and we are so confused. Throwing the name around like it means nothing, walking around claiming the name of christ and and being totally fake. Judging people, instead of loving them.
I don’t agree with those other religions but what I do like is that they know what they believe. Something so frustrating for me is that christians make christianity complicated.
Its not.
People are complicated.
And we weren’t designed to try to figure god out. We can’t.
So stop.
And maybe actually try to live out the two commands he gave to us: love him, and love others.
He even made it simple. And I’m pretty sure we suck at both of those.
If we actually tried to make those priority we probably wouldn’t have the issue with what a christian is.

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Someone one has already pointed it out, but Acts 11:26 is where Christ followers are called Christians. However, I would like to point out that Christ followers were called Christians by others. "Christian" is not a self given name. My point being, even if you push the labels aside: Can someone look at your life and ID you as a follower of Jesus? Because honestly, if people who follow Christ have to tell people who they are, they are probably doing something wrong. Your life is suppose to be what tells people who your God is, not your words.

-The Girl In Iowa w/a Crush

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Interesting.

I think that people ought to stand up and reclaim the word "Christian". True, there are plenty of people out there who do obnoxious, hateful, heinous things and try to attach Christ's name to their actions. And then there are those of us who know better.

Did I sound snobby in that last sentence? I don't mean to. I'm just speaking my mind.

Can't wait for your next post…."Then What Am I?" It seems we are constantly asked to label our selves….though no one likes to be labeled. My most frequently used term to substitute for the label "Christian" (which has always had accurate meaning to me) is now BELIEVER and FOLLOWER OF JESUS. Jesus is the key. So our label must connect to Him, not a culture or historical term. Yes, to many of my close friends Christian has the RIGHT meaning, but to the many I have yet to meet, follower of JESUS will more likely lead them to the ONE who holds the keys to the KINGDOM because HE is the KING

[...] Which is why I refer to myself as a Christ Follower, and completely understand where Anne Rice and Tripp Crosby are coming from because I’ve been cautious about saying it for years due to all the negative [...]

[...] are you bringing to Christian and Christianity? That is why we have stories like Anne Rice and Tripp Crosby who have quit Christians. They would not want to be associated with a group that preaches one [...]

I like Ones New style man

If we just focused on shining for Jesus no need to label yourself! God would take care of the rest by revealing truth and the real definition of what a Christ-follower truly is…

Hmmm…I would rather be known as a Christian than a baptist, pentecostal, Catholic or any other tag someone wishes to call themselves. Kinda covers it all. Christ follower. Acts 11. Pretty good thing to be called…

Wouldn’t it be great if more people knew Acts 11?

Unfortunately they don’t, so that’s not the definition the carry for the word “christian”

[...] Remember a long time ago when I announced that I no longer like referring to myself as a “christian”? [...]

Dude, I hate people, too. Like, especially Christians (most people I know are Christians so when I hate people, chances are they’re Christians). BUT FUCK giving up the title “Christian.” That’s like denying Christ. That’s throwing out the Christ/messiah/history-of-our-faith out with the bathwater. 

You’re an American. Lots of people don’t have good opinions of you. You’re not going to deny what you are, even though, when it comes to first impressions, you’ve got a lot stacked against you. 

You’re trying to make your life easier, possibly be a conversation starter, but saying you’re not a Christian cuz you don’t like most of us is like, cowardly. You define culture, in your miniscule way. Enough good Christians out there can change the cultural definition of the word to mean something good, right? 

Language is tricky. But make it your slave, don’t be its.

you mad bro?

A lot of the time a person’s faith is what brings them the most happiness in life and who am I to judge that? Even if I don’t neccesarily agree with it. I don’t like to ask a person what their religion is because there is so many preconcieved notions of certain, if not all religions, I don’t want to get the wrong idea, or view it as a negative thing so I ask “What do YOU believe?” I find that starts an open and understanding conversation from both people. Tolerance is key.
Now it’s peoples political views I find the most difficult to swallow sometimes, unfortunately.

geeze….

Christian. Sounds like what it means, follower of Christ. I saw you at BigStuf and believed you were a christian. I totally respect that you aren’t. Mainly because you sound lost. Much like I was. I’m just now starting to understand what it really means to be one. Go read Forgotten God by Francis Chan, since honestly to me it sounds like you have the desire to be a Christian. You have the respect and potential to influence others like no other.