Churchianity

It’s almost 145 years since Christianity has touched this land. The statistic shows that 90.02% are professing Christians which in term of religious influence is far reached. But the inward reality of this outward percentage might be totally poles apart. One Naga theological teacher assessed that the genuine Christians may not even come up to 30% (which is quite critical in opinion but there may be some hint of truth in that). Our Christianity appears to be more like Churchianity. It’s the religion but the absence of real repentance. John 3:16, we know and believe it. Praise God! I’m a Christian! What more? I’m not a legalist, you know! I’m neither a Pharisee, I pay my tithe regularly and of course, what more evidence does a person have to demonstrate to show that he/she is a genuine Christian? What demonstrations are we conversing here? Nothing but Churchianity! We’re good at putting on shows and outfits. Am I not a Christian? I don’t drink or smoke.I’m a nice, religious fellow. I’m rich and healthy! No sickness has touched my body; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. We’re dignified people and well-educated. Don’t you see the signs of God’s providence in our huge mansions, cars, and branded apparels? Is this not the real Christianity the Western prosperity preachers preach about? But hey! Really, does that not sound more like Churchianity? No, we’re comfortable and satisfied while God is tired of our religion without hands reaching out. Frankly, our cry is for real Christianity not institutional big-mouthed Churchianity. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost the bearing of Christianity. Lukewarm-ness in the midst of a dying world marks our Churchy politics. Having a form of godliness but denying its power would be a better term here. “O, don’t voice about it. You’re equally guilty in here,” says a Christian.“Be silent, brother! Because the problem with us is not in the absence of knowing but that we’re unwilling to pay the price for what we know” says another. O! But to remain a mute spectator makes me feel equally guilty and sad. GK Chesterton satirically points out; “the only good argument against Christianity are Christians.” Or as E.M. Forster scornfully dismisses it, “poor talkative little Christianity,” will only be an epitaph of our Christian believers if these outer paintings personify our faith. Now, don’t take me wrong, we’re all on the same page. And the cynics would cry out, “aha! You’re right! That’s the reason why I hate Christians! They’re hypocrites, liars and a bunch of religious crooks!” They would also quote Gandhi, “I like Christ, but not you, Christians,” But wait! Not so fast! You see, Gandhi’s statement was purely a hypocritical one because if Gandhi truly loves Christ, he would love Christians too. Respectfully let me say that Gandhi was not a true seeker of Christ. If indeed, he would look to Christand not the Christians. But let’s not argue about that here now. It’s not startling at all to know that atheism, agnosticism and other secular worldviews are influencing our budding educated youth to a great extent. Maybe our Churchianity has not impressed the younger generation from following the Way. The pointer in the Church to Christ is too blurred by all outward traditions and the Biblical teachings are too hard for them to swallow. The Bible has becometo them just another set of religious ancient text that doesn’t make sense. There may arise some exceptions to the rule for which I do acknowledge.But you see truth that is not undergirded by love makes the truth obnoxious and the possessor of it repulsive, quoting Dr. Ravi Zacharias.Our young people supposedly know better than others in the field of philosophy, science and technology and so set themselves free from the clutches of religious duties and obligations. But they’re not free from the worldly pleasures and indulgence, are they? They loved not the truth of God’s word. Although they know God’s righteous decree, they not only continue to practice all these evil deeds but also approve of those who practice them.Now, the practices of unrestraint promiscuity, addictions, abuses etc., are a direct emanation of suppressing the truth of God’s word and they ought to take this to heart. For that reason, Christians should take God’s word soberly and obey it dearly. Being a Christian is more than our formal attires or outward requirements or hearing a well preparedsermon. It is more than organizing a show. Those are important and I do not understate them but the more important factors that define our Christianity are more profound. It is this. It is in touching the hurting with the love of Christ. It is in reaching the downcast with the message of joy and the prisoners with the message of freedom. It is in the emptying of one’s position, status and degrees to serve the undeserved. It is in proclaiming the truth and living by its principles. It is in loving the unloved and setting forth a clear picture of Christ’s beauty and truth. Only then and then, will the fire of Christ’s passion light up the dead and bring life to dry bones in our land! Vebu Khamo Kohima Bible College.