Christian...? Can we quit judging - Reader comments at The New York Sun

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Christian Leader: Romney's Mormon Faith Could Hinder Presidential Bid

Submitted by Jeff Smith, Oct 22, 2007 14:53

Christian…? Can We Quit Judging?

I'm an advertising guy by trade. I've spent most of 40 years trying to make my clients products household words. Branding, taken to its common denominator, is simply the transformation of a word from its common meaning to "my" meaning. Apple doesn't mean a round red (or green) fruit any more; it refers to the computer I'm writing this on. When branding is done well, it is worth millions, and costs millions.

"Christian" has become one of those words. The Oxford English Dictionary (the 20 volume set that weighs down my book shelf) defines it as, "Of persons and communities: Believing, professing, or belonging to the religion of Christ."

But some very good branding people have taken the word "Christian" and changed it into, "Of persons and communities: Believing, professing or belonging to MY religion of Christ." Thus if you, "Don't believe the way I do, then you can't be a Christian.

We also see this in the word "Choice." It is a wonderful word, full of meaning on agency, freedom, selection and opportunity. To Choose is one of our most blessed traditions. We choose to, and choose not to. But some, very effective branding folks have changed it so that we can not say the word "choice" without thinking of abortion and the killing of the innocent babes who through no fault of their own have become an inconvenience to the folks who wish to make the "Choice."

We see it in the word "Gay" where our parents would have immediately have thought of "Happy" "Joyous" even "Light Hearted." But those who brand… who co-op or take control of a word have made it to have a very different meaning. One that invokes opinions on all sides. None of those opinions bring to mind the original meaning of the word.

So with "Christian." We have allowed some effective marketing types. Those who brand for profit. To turn the word Christian into something I own. It's my word. If you don't belong to MY church, you cannot be a "Christian." If you don't believe how I teach of Christ, you are not a "Christian."

What arrogance. What judgment. In the Book of Luke 6:37 Jesus Christ teaches: "Judge not, and he shall not be judged: Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:" A simple teaching on its surface, but a commandment to anyone who calls themselves "Christian."

To judge another's faith seems the antitheses of anyone who sincerely and passionately believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. Who holds him as an example, and attempts to pattern their lives after His.

I find myself admiring anyone who has faith. I value their contribution to making my community a better place to live. I welcome their full parking lot on a Sunday (or Friday or Saturday) morning. If they have enough faith to believe, who am I to judge them as anything but an individual who is trying to be a better citizen, neighbor, father, mother, brother, professional, and child of God?

We like to co-op words to our own meanings. Let's be careful that when we do so, we are not betraying the very Lord we worship.

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Christian Leader: Romney's Mormon Faith Could Hinder Presidential Bid