The Christian Paradox

From this week's readings, I liked The Christian Paradox the best. Since I was old enough to realize what was going on, I've been confused by people around me, and probably myself, who identify themselves as "Christian" but don't seem to follow very "Christian" ethics. Let me say this up front: I am NOT bashing Christianity. What I am doing is talking openly about the difference between the people that use the word "Christian" and those that live the word "Christian." I also understand that there is more than one interpretation of Christian values.

Anyway, this article interested me when it pointed out the differences between the predominently Christian America and the "godless" countries like Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. So, if we really are a Christian country...why are these "godless" countries taking better care of their poor? Why is there less hunger? Less murder? Less war?

Sometimes I feel like Christianity is a label people hide behind, much like having a Range Rover keychain to make people think you own a fancy car. Is Christianity becoming all about appearances and less about actions? I think we as a country, and as Christians, need to remember why we identify ourselves that way.

I know I am a hyprocrite, just like many others. I identify myself as Christian, and do believe in God, but I do very little to help others. I give to GoodWill, food shelves, and charities for medical causes (If you can count $2 here and there as giving) but is that really enough? Am I a true Christian yet?

This article confused me a little when it spoke of how this country has become very self-centered with all our self-help and self-empowerment lifestyles. I am in favor of self-improvement. I feel that God wants me to be the best I can be, though I guess the question lies in does the best me have a profitable job that gets me a flat screen, new truck, and gives generously to charity - or is the best me the person who lives on little pay but gives what I can?

But perhaps, I am being too hard on myself. I love my neighbor, I try to make this world better a little at a time. But there is a small voice in my head saying that is a cop-out. That I am never doing enough, because in reality, I could be doing more. Just look at Greg Mortenson sleeping in his car to save money for Pakistan schools.

I don't know, I'm apologize for this wandering post. I just wonder how this Christian country can have so many problems that "godless" countries seem to handle better and more effectively.

Are You The Problem or The Solution?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7WHzqg-3gg

http://www.kirklandsmith.com/?page_id=4