Christianity has come a long way from being the hidden religious sect of the early first century of the common era. Now we have megachurches, televangelists, Bible apps, and contemporary Christian music. Christianity is viewed, at least in America, as the common religion. Some of these changes have been amazing, helping many people create lasting and meaningful relationships with Christ. Yet, has it also become one of those things you just do? Like you go to school and work, and you are also a Christian.
There was recently a video in which a YouTuber was concerned about why it is that people are suddenly becoming Christians. To be honest, the vast majority of her video was about how we need to trust God and His plan, with only the first 2 minutes being about her concern about fake spirituality. Yet those two minutes got me thinking. Was that really the case? The trend towards spirituality was also noticed on a (slightly sketchy) website's fan page. After doing a bit more digging, the seeming conversion mania fades away. In fact, as a whole, Christianity in America seems to be declining. Yet the evidence suggests that although it may not be as widespread as it seems at first glance, this pseudo-Christianity seems to have become more and more frequent. Instead of deep insights into the walk of faith, we typically see videos promoting a “love Jesus and love life” mentality. Christianity is just another hashtag you can add at the bottom of your video.
If you take a look at the Christian TikToks, you are struck by how people are attempting to portray Christianity as fun and popular. Do not get me wrong, I enjoy a good Christian joke once in a while, but there seems to be a concern with making Christianity feel and look appealing. The intricacies and beauty of our faith seem to be boiled down to just loving Jesus and having fun. The struggles and joys of a genuine Christian walk are covered up with funny skits and short inspirational videos that all seem to be along the lines of “God is good, this is what He has done for me/helped me through, Amen. Hallelujah!” But is that it? Is that really all Christianity is about? If that is the Christianity that we are portraying to the world, it seems fake. It is true that we need to trust God, but there is so much more to it than that. I am sure many of you have heard about this, like the prosperity gospel or the hip Christian (basically does everything the world does but slightly spiritualized when it is convenient). It makes Christianity seem like just another healthy habit we ought to incorporate, like drinking more water so that we can have a better and more fulfilling life.
Although it may never be stated in exactly those same terms, it does seem as though Christianity is no longer an identity but simply one of many identifiers. How often was it that in your introduction to someone new, you began by saying you are a Christian? We usually begin with our position in life, then our relations that may be common, then move on to personality or hobbies. Seldom does Christianity take the forefront. And it should come as no surprise, since the current culture is one that promotes a “Christian when it's convenient” identity. You can post a Bible verse here or there, but religion no longer seems to dictate every aspect of our lives. So, are you a Christian? Or are you a #loveJesus&pizza type follower? Are you promoting a genuine spirituality, or are you satisfied with a quick like on a religious meme? What ideology are you actually promoting? That of Christ, or that of the world in which Church and faith play a small part?
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.