What Does it Mean to be a Radical Christian?

It should be wrong to use the term “Radical Christian”. Christianity shouldn’t be radical. It shouldn’t be “radical” to love others. It shouldn’t be “radical” to take care of others. It shouldn’t be “radical” to accept those that don’t look, think or act like us. But, unfortunately, it is.

Jesus was clear about His teachings. We have the greatest commandments: Matthew 22:36-40 Love God, love others. Everything hinges on these two commandments. We have the beatitudes: Matthew 5: 3-11 Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted because of righteousness. Matthew 5:35-36 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” This is how we serve God.

The ten commandments don’t mention homosexuality, but they do mention adultery. The condemnation of gossip and related terms are mentioned dozens of times in the bible. Arrogance is condemned, as is idolatry. Seeking after wealth is condemned. Jesus spent a lot of His time calling out the religious leaders. When we see Him angry that’s where His anger was directed.

Loving others should be the baseline not some radical concept. Obeying God should be sharing love. Christ brought forgiveness and a relationship not condemnation of people. If God accepts us, why wouldn’t we accept others? Why is this radical?

If supporting those who love differently, live differently is radical then I’ll gladly be radical. If welcoming the immigrant, visiting those who are sick or in jail is radical, then I’ll gladly be radical. If condemning those that hate, the religious that speak in terms of “us” and “them”, making enemies instead of embracing brothers and sisters, is radical, then hand me a sign, let me wear my tshirt and loudly exclaim. “I AM RADICAL!”

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Photo by Michael Fenton on Unsplash