OUR SUNDAY’S IN SEPTEMBER 2009

The London Daily Telegraph reported in 2006 that a Methodist Church was charged an “advertising fee” when it applied to put up a cross on its building. It seems that building regulations in Dudley, England, regard a cross as an ad for Christianity. While we regard the cross as a symbol and not as advertising, we could ask how do we “advertise” Christianity? Being a Christian requires far more than showing up at church and reciting the Creed each week!

If we were to advertise that faith in Jesus requires far more of us than simply going to Church we might have some trouble recruiting members. In fact, Christianity is having this very problem. People look at Baptism for example – as a right of passage – especially adult baptism – they don’t understand the commitment! Many Christians today want only “an inspiring service” on Sundays. Christians nowadays are tending to flock to churches which seem to have three things in common: fantastic music, uplifting preaching and no call to service.

We can’t wait passively in a pew for Christ to come again. Faith requires something of us. Jesus tells us that a true follower, a true disciple, someone who is far more than merely an admirer, “ must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Jesus.” Most of us, however, do not want to follow Jesus to Calvary. Too hard. Too much pain. We’d rather sit and wait – big problem!

This is nothing new! The letter of James, a product of the first generation of Christianity, had to address much the same problem. Merely expressing faith is not enough. Early Christianity emphasized sound teaching and responsible moral behavior. Moral behavior is more than avoiding evil.

True conversion to Christ involves an inner transformation. No more gossip, no more sinning, no more lies, envy, etc…Eventually, Peter understood this – his transformation led him to preach the faith and eventually to die for it. The life of Jesus would become more important to Peter than his own life. This is not an act of obedience – this is an act of love.

A deep faith in Christ brings deep love. Deep love brings about service and sacrifice. Faith without works might be a type of faith, but it is not a deep faith. James regards the two as inseparable. So, how do we “advertise” Christianity? Conquest? Large Crosses? Or committed, sacrificial love?

The Most Rev. John P. Walzer, D.D.
Archbishop