OpinionMartin Thielen | February 18, 2025
Many years ago, when I served as a youth minister at a Baptist church during college, I took my youth group to a week of summer camp. Near the end of the week, during the evening worship service, the preacher was preaching an extremely long sermon. About 45 minutes into his message, he said: “I had not planned to preach this sermon tonight. I got it together this afternoon as I walked around the campground.” The layperson next to me whispered in my ear, “I wish he had not taken such a long walk!”
For this column, I decided to take a short walk. I’d like to share with you a brief summary of my understanding of the Christian faith. All in less than 600 words.
Martin Thielen
If I had to summarize everything I’ve learned (so far) about Christianity into two sentences, this is what I would say: The Christian faith is not primarily about a book, a creed, an institution or even a religion. Instead, it’s primarily about living a life of love.
Christianity is not primarily about a book. The Bible offers guidance and inspiration to many people, including me. But it’s not the heart of Christian faith. For example, the early church thrived for hundreds of years without having what we call the New Testament. Plus, the Bible is an ancient (and very human) document that includes large numbers of problematic passages (like slavery, genocide and women’s subordination) that need to be understood in historical context and carefully interpreted.
“In many ways, doctrinal beliefs, including the historic creeds, have done more damage than good.”
Christianity is not primarily about a creed. The church went for centuries without any official doctrinal statements, including the Apostles’ Creed. And sadly, that creed doesn’t even mention the life, example or teachings of Jesus. Instead, it jumps from his birth directly to his death. In many ways, doctrinal beliefs, including the historic creeds, have done more damage than good, reducing Christianity to theological propositions rather than a way of life.
Christianity is not primarily about an institution. It’s unlikely Jesus intended to create a new religious institution. Especially one that consistently fails to follow his example and teachings. Of course, the church also has done a lot of good things. But the church is not the heartbeat of Jesus’ life and mission, which was about advancing the kingdom of God, not maintaining an institution.
Christianity is not primarily about a religion. It’s pretty clear Jesus did not come to start a new religion. Jesus was a Jew, not a Christian. He wanted to reform Judaism, not replace it. It would surprise Jesus greatly that his followers created, in his name, the largest religion in the world. He invited people to follow him in living a life of love. He did not call them to create a new religious order.
Of course, it’s important to note the Bible, doctrinal beliefs, the church and the Christian religion all can help people as they seek to follow Jesus. I’m not saying these things are unimportant. But they are not the main thing.
Instead, Christianity is primarily about living a life of love. That love can be expressed in many ways, including compassion, practical service, following the Golden Rule and seeking justice. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he said, “Love God and love your neighbor.”
The second most influential person in Christian history, the Apostle Paul, once said, “The greatest of these is love.” In short, the core of authentic Christianity is living a life of love. Nothing else even comes close.
Martin Thielen, a retired minister (SBC and UMC), ex-megachurch pastor, and best-selling author, is the creator and author of www.DoubtersParish.com.
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