The following exchange is from Dialogue Group 9, Thread 4.

1. "Christian" as a self description
Fri, Dec 18, 1998 - 5:48 PM/EST
Jim43

I missed a cultural shift somewhere along the line.

In recent years there seems to be an explosion of the use of the term "Christian" in self-descriptions, as in: "I'm an 34 year old male Christian, interested in the Internet and archery."

In some contexts it seems less of a deeply held confession of religious conviction than a code word, but for what? I know I'm missing the point.

2. "Christian" as a self description
Fri, Dec 18, 1998 - 6:36 PM/EST
Dave Scott

I can't speak for others, but in my case I included such information in my bio because the forum requested to know roughly what it is that 'made' you who you are. Indicating my theological upbringing and my personal interests (archery, etc.) was meant to provide a rough thumbnail sketch. Remember, also, that we were limited to 500 characters. None of this is code for anything.

3. Descriptions
Fri, Dec 18, 1998 - 9:48 PM/EST
RatGirl

I guess I agree with Dave. It wouldn't surprise anyone to hear someone else describe themselves as Jewish, or whatever -- it tells you about someone.

On the other hand, "Christian" is really kind of a wide description -- sort of like calling yourself "white." I was a missionary for four and a half years in a inter-denominational or non-denominational, depending on who you were talking to, organization. There's quite a lot of differences between the different flavors of Christian.

RatGirl

4. what is Christian
Sat, Dec 19, 1998 - 7:08 AM/EST
Eris

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the term "Christian" lately. I always thought Christian meant those who are of a faith that believes in Jesus Christ. However, to some, this is not the true definition, so pains are taken to separate those who have "accepted Jesus as their lord" as opposed to those who are born into a religion, say Catholics, or Methodists or any other. Apparently there is an attempt to insert one notch more( and above) by implying those baptised in a religion are not the true Christians--or "real" Christians. I wouldn't know why anyone would want to insert that in a bio on this forum, but I can understand why some would want to include it in other places where conversation is desired with those of a like persuasion. I read nothing negative into it, however--as long as no one reads nothing negative into the fact that I do not include it in my bio.

Eris

5. Christian; A negitive conotation
Sat, Dec 19, 1998 - 8:32 AM/EST
Schtupp

Gentalpersons,
I seem to react negativily to the Label "Christian". Not that I don't react similerly to Jewish or Budist. But there is the Added connotation of "the Christian coelition". This minority has usurped this label and therefore seem to stain all Christians no matter their views. just a unfortunate filter that I percieve the label with. I wish it weren't so. -----Drew

6. Buzz word
Sat, Dec 19, 1998 - 3:59 PM/EST
A.D.

I think that since the political right has become so zealous, "Christian" has become a buzz word, and that is what we're reacting to.

I come from a town where the highest accolade is to be called a "good Christian Person." I accept that compliment without irony, even tho', as a Unitarian, I don't consider myself a Christian, because i know what it means to the speaker.

Since I think Jesus was a great teacher who was inclusive (forgiveness) rather than exclusive (sin), I wonder what he'd have made of us Americans this year.

8. "Christian" as a self description
Sat, Dec 19, 1998 - 7:38 PM/EST
James Henry

"Christian" as a self description sure is a loaded word these days, bringing to mind abortion clinic bombings, moral majority, holy war, right wing caucus, etc. Why do those thoughts come to mind so readily. I do not use them in my home, but you are right to suggest they are the mental reaction. Could this be a media tag? Here in Utah, the LDS talk about family, but I do not hear tag words, well - "oh my heck" - perhaps. Anyway, nasty things do happen when one group thinks they have the truth that the rest of us have to live by. Ultimately, religion is a personal thing, and church, sect, and affiliated to: are tribal forms of security.

Give me a thinker, one who protects their family, and does the best to not be abused by others and I feel secure enough. Sounds a little like Bamby meets Godzilla, huh? Oh well.

11. Christian as a Self-Description
Sat, Dec 19, 1998 - 9:42 PM/EST
Sharon

Interesting topic. I too find that a white flag goes up when someone identifies themselves as a 'Christian' - this is becoming more and more commonplace. I also used to think that someone who believed in Jesus Christ was Christian - but now it seems to have a much larger meaning - one that I am not at all comfortable with.

Pro-life, family values, etc. etc. come to mind. I (not being a Christian) read much more into that description, and I think I am NOT being too sensitive! I would never describe myself by my religion UNLESS the discussion was about religion - I do not think identifying onself as a Christian is about religion at all - it speaks volumes more about many other subjects. I am not a Christian, but I am not anti-family, as many so-called Christians would label me!

12. but what is the purpose of including a religious faith in a bio?
Sun, Dec 20, 1998 - 7:47 AM/EST
Eris

This has become very interesting. Certainly all have a personal idea of what " Christian" means and some, as I read it, have become a little defensive regarding their beliefs. It all started here with a question. Why would some one include a religious faith in a bio? Most of my personal and face to face contacts with people, even those I meet for the first time, do not say: "How do you do---my name is --------I am a Christian" That certainly would be an absurdity in every day contacts---so now I am beginning to wonder-- Does it matter? If it does matter----why? Tell me --- I may be inclined to lie about my religious convictions should there be an advantage---or disadvantage--- to appending the word Christian to my personal description in a salon such as this.

13. Christianity
Sun, Dec 20, 1998 - 8:26 AM/EST
MaryL

Well, yes, the Christian Right has certainly adopted the term 'Christian' to mean a fundamentalist, right-leaning evangelical sort of Christian. I''ve been a member of the Catholic Church and had my kids in a "Christian' School (Re: the above definition) where they sometimes got the idea that being Cathloic meant not being Christian! Funny how the language can be used in such a way as to totally distort its original meaning.

But getting back to the topic at hand, I think that if one's religion is important in one's life, then it does have a place in a bio. My opinions will certainly be influenced by whether I am Jewish, Southern Baptist, fundamentalist Muslim, or Episcopalian. It may not be something I bring up immediately, but that same thing can be said about my family, my education, my work history, etc.

14. Flags of color
Sun, Dec 20, 1998 - 8:40 AM/EST
Jim43

Red flag? White is an unexpected choice, but, it does produce a smile.

It was when I was a young adult in the Midwest that I first noticed the insertion of the adjective "Christian", as if a flag, being included prominently in introductory conversations at times. And I started wondering what this person wanted me to understand about them. It seemed to me that they were trying to stake a claim to the high moral ground or something akin to it, and just as unwarranted, but I didn't worry about it. Now, seeing what is going on in politics, the extreme judgmentalism and who it is who's doing it, I worry.

15. The flag analogy again
Sun, Dec 20, 1998 - 8:20 PM/EST
George

Yes, I think the analogy of a flag, as symbol, is appropriate in regard to this topic. I displayed my Christianity in my bio for several reasons.

First, my wife reacts to "Christian" in a definite "red flag" way, despite my repeated protestations. She definitely has come to identify the term with the right wing, fundamentalist, evangelical extreme. It is not a pleasant connotation for her, and I wish to regain the terminology for those who, like myself, regard themselves as Christians in the loving, respectful, sense of the word. I am actively resisting the usurpation of the term by people I often regard as least deserving of it.

Second, in a forum in which we cannot see our correspondents, it seems helpful to know the specifics of one's background. It is useful, I think, for people to know that I am white. The obvious relevance of such a fact would not be questioned if bigotry were the topic, which is certainly a possibility, but it would probably be an awkward time to bring it up. Similarly for religious rearing, if not active participation.

Third, I wish to counter some of the assumptions people make when they hear me talk. I like to show people that not all Christians are vehemently against homosexuals, for example, or think that the worst crimes in the current crisis have to do with traditional "morals." For much the same reason, I let my hair grow in the sixties, while serving as the director of an important (we thought) education program in Davis: I felt it important to raise counter images to the common "hippy" stereotype everyone seemed to have. I may, today, be the only longhair Kiwanian in the country. Which stereotype that counters depends on which you have.

Life is infinitely complex. So are people. So is the issue of impeachment. That doesn't mean that decisions can't be made about any of those three ( I am already on the virge of skipping postings by one of our members, for example), but I hope subscribing to the label of "Christian" doesn't automatically bias some members to the point that they think it sums up everything there is to know about me. I assure you, it doesn't.

George

17. Gay Christian
Tue, Dec 22, 1998 - 11:27 AM/EST
Ringo

I did not include Christian as a part of my bio because I am also gay. I have been very active in my church for years and went through the "born again" experience in college. My Christianity is central to my life and has been my foundation since I was a child. I didn't include in as a part of my bio because I didn't want to get into another, "You're gay, you can't really be Christian," argument that I have had with fundamentalist in the past. I am gay and I am Christian. My relationship with God and Jesus are very personal and I hope you can see it reflected in my life. Christian is just too broad of a work in our media controlled life. It's like saying all Southerners are the same. It just doesn't make sense anymore.

18. Christian label
Tue, Dec 22, 1998 - 12:34 PM/EST
owl kathy

I echo your sentiments, Ringo. I, too, am gay. I am Christian, but what does that mean anymore? I left it out of my bio because I wanted to avoid anyone's assuming they knew more about me based on that one particular label. I am Catholic (converted from Methodist at age 40!), but most Catholics wouldn't agree. (Don't believe in transubstatiation or the generally agreed upon meaning of the crucifixion or, of course, their notion on homosexuality, and scores of other tenets.) Actually, that confession would eliminate me from most any Christian circle, wouldn't it?!

I have to go back to the words of the rabbi from whom Christianity takes its name. He said the two rules were to love God and to love our fellow human beings--our neighbors. Even had to tell a story to inform us who our neighbor is. Turns out to be pretty much anyone, especially those in need, especially those who we don't especially like (Samaritans and Jews weren'treally very friendly!).

Beyond that it's all pretty much commentary as far as I can tell. I really regret that those with lots of commentary have appropriated so completely something very important to me and have caused me to be reluctant to still wear the label--to share it ,if you will, with them. But, I think that is part of the point of the rabbi's story, too.

So, I am Christian, too, even if many wouldn't think so. Not because I always keep those two "rules," you understand. But because I want to, try to, and use them to shed light on my path.

Shalom!