I am Not A Christian

Identity in Christ is important.  But does one have to call themselves a Christian to be in Christ?

In a 2013 article in the International Society for Frontier Missiology the issue of identity was presented. Can one be a Hindu/Christian, a Muslim/Christian?

Awal, a Middle Eastern man made this statement,

A while ago my daughter asked me, “Dad, what am I really?  Am I a Muslim or a Christian?”  I said, “You’re a Muslim that follows Christ.  Our Muslim identity is written on our identity cards, it’s our extended family our heritage, our people—but we follow Christ.“

We are not Christians.  We are Muslims.  I no longer care what Christians think.  I care what Muslims think.  However, even if our president asked me, “What is Christ to you?  I would tell him my faith.  I will not compromise Christ—ever, but I am not a Christian.

The ending “-ian” means “belonging to the party of”; thus “Christians” were those of Jesus’ party.  For over two thousand years people of faith have referred to themselves as belonging to the party of Jesus.  Agrippa asked Paul if he was trying to convert him to the Jesus party (Ac. 26:28)?  Identifying oneself as a Christian is not necessarily wrong, in the right context.  In fact, being a Christian has served the cause of Christ well in many parts of the world.  But in the wrong context being a Christian is an obstacle.

In discussing religion with my Hindu landlord years ago he said, “You were born a Christian, I was born a Hindu.”  I quickly corrected him and replied, “I was not born a Christian.  I became a follower of Christ.” 

In another situation I was walking in a Muslim district in New Delhi.  A man who couldn’t figure out why I was in that area (actually I was there to get a haircut) asked me straight up, “Are you Muslim.”  My answer both was both unsatisfactory and confusing when I replied, “I am a follower of Isa.”

To those of us who serve are followers of Christ, whether it be to the Muslim in Detroit or Dakar, to the Hindu in Nepal Kansas City or Kathmandu, recognize that the words we use can be a bridge or an obstacle for those we talk to.  Indeed, in some context’s it’s okay to say, I am not a Christian.

Learning To Communicate

I only had a few hours before my flight back to the states, so I decided to go one of my regular hangouts, a basti (village) called Nizamuddin.  Nizamuddin is a Muslim colony where the famous saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin is buried.  Muslims from all over the world come Nizamuddin as there is a madrassa or school there to instruct Muslims on how they can be better Muslims.

In spite of the 105 degree heat and incredibly crowded narrow streets, I went to my favorite barber.  I love going to this shop as the brothers there know their craft.  When I get a haircut in the states I tell the cutters how I want it and in the end they cut it as they want and charge me $12.  These guys handle scissors and combs with precision, knowing exactly how to cut my thinning grey hair.  There is no joking, no conversation.  They smile at me when I come in, sometimes bring me tea in-between cuts.  The end of the trimming is near when I get a good neck and head massage.  Though the standard price is just $0.50 I give $1.00 and we all part company happy.

I wanted to buy a cotton kurta (long shirt) while in the busti and found a guy who was willing to deal and spoke good English.  While I was talking with the proprietor, two other guys came up to his stall.  They greeted me, “Salam Alakum,” which I replied, “Aalkum Salam.”

“These guys are from Kyrsgystan,” the shop owner informed me.

“Really,” I said with interest.  “I have visited Bishket.  Nice place.  What brings you to India?”

“We have joined the madassa for thee weeks.  In our country, though we are Muslims, we need more studies in our faith.  Are you a Muslim,” he asked?

Before I could answer he said, “Maybe not yet.  Later, Isha Alla (if God wills).

“No, I am a follower if Isa.” 

They were nice guys and they even invited me for a cool mango drink outside, which I would have gladly done if I had time.

Later I was with my Christian friend who lives in Nizamuddin and told him of my exchange.  An expert in talking with Muslims he said, “When they asked if you were a Muslim you should have said, ‘Do you mean do I worship the One true living God?  Yes, I do worship that Only God.’”

Every encounter with other people of other faiths is a cross-cultural communication moment.  Next time I get my head clipped in Nizamuddin maybe my conversation will give me a chance to affirm my submission to the One and only God and I can explain why I believe Isa is more than a prophet.