Radical Christianity

Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ!

In world news over the past two weeks, the world has watched as the protesters in Egypt have taken to the streets to demand a change in their government and to take a stand for the country they desire to see in the future. What that is going to look like and how everything will unfold is unknown to any of us. I will not get political about this issue in this setting, partly because even the brightest of politicians on all sides really have no idea how the situation in Egypt will all play out. At this point, everything is conjecture.

In the midst of all of the turmoil, there are some that are afraid that the uprisings will be a window of opportunity for radical religious groups to take over the government. While all of that remains to be seen, last week the world got a peek at the good that a radical religious group could do in such challenging situations.

A picture was taken by a photojournalist that depicted a radical group of Christians forming a human wall to protect Muslims as they prayed. Here is that picture:

I got this picture from:
http://www.myweku.com/2011/02/photo-of-the-week-christians-protecting-muslims-during-their-prayers-in-egypt/

Without getting into all of the theological differences between Christians and Muslims, I believe that this picture depicts the kind of Christianity we are called to live by Jesus. Our opinions of other faiths or other people should not keep us from extending the love and grace that Jesus Christ has extended to us.

Our current culture has a negative stereotype of radicalism. Don't get me wrong, some of the negativism is warranted as radicals have a way of creating havoc, fear, and disharmony in a multitude of different ways. The radical lives we are called to live have an opposite affect on the world around us.

The word radical is defined in three ways.

1. Departing markedly from the usual or customary; extreme

2. Favoring or effecting fundamental or revolutionary changes in current practices, conditions, or institutions

3. Arising from or going to a root or source; basic

The first two definitions are the ones we normally think of when we hear the word "radical". We think of extremists and those who seek to change the world in which we live. But, how often do we define "radical" with the third definition?

When we think of what it means to be radical Christians, it is important that we understand that in which our faith is rooted...Christ. We remember the basics of the faith we possess. We remember that our faith grows from a relationship with our Creator.

"Jesus preached love amidst hatred; unity amidst divisiveness; faith amidst the legalistic religious leaders of His day...wholeness amidst the brokenhearted; freedom amidst those held in yokes of bondage...Jesus spoke truth to power, and we, as Christians, are to do no less!" (Rev. Jerry Maneker)

I pray for the kind of faith found in those Egyptian Christians. A faith that reflects the radical nature of the One I serve. A faith that is willing to sacrifice for those who disagree with me. A faith that honors the dignity of each human being. A faith that is willing to step out in radical love because Jesus did the same for me.

This kind of radical Christianity is extreme and life changing. It's the only way this world can be radically changed and transformed for the better.

Radical God, Your love is extreme and Your grace is revolutionary. Forgive me when I have made my faith about me and what I believe, instead of about You and what You want to do in me. Give me strength to radically live my life for You...to stay rooted in Your Son, Jesus, and to stand for the Truth for which He died for me. I want to be a radical Christian that makes an eternal difference in this world for You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.