The Label "Christian" and Expiration Dates

In his book Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell makes the following excellent point:

Something can be labeled "Christian" and not be true or good. . . It is possible for music to be labeled Christian and be terrible music. It could lack creativity and inspiration. The lyrics could be recycled cliches. That "Christian" band could actually be giving Jesus a bad name because they aren't a great band. It is possible for a movie to be a "Christian" movie and to be a terrible movie. It may actually desecrate the art form in its quality and storytelling and craft. Just because it is a Christian book by a Christian author and it was purchased in a Christian bookstore doesn't mean it is all true or good or beautiful. A Christian political group puts me in an awkward position: What if I disagree with them? Am I less of a Christian? What if I'm convinced the "Christian" thing to do is to vote the exact opposite?

Christian is a great noun and a poor adjective.

He has more to say about this and I won't restate it all here, but the more I read and thought about what he is saying, it occurred to me that we often view the term "Christian" like we view an expiration date.

If the expiration date is still good, then the product is good. Likewise, if a product has the word Christian then it is good. If not, then it is bad or should be viewed with extreme caution. If having the adjective "Christian" proceed a product or event makes it best, or "ordained", or OK, then I have some questions.

• The Left Behind movies are better and more important than Schindler's List?
• An unskilled "Christian" doctor is best for the operation?
• Only cheer for "Christian" players?
• Only buy Christian books at a "Christian book store?
• Fake & crappy "Christian" music is better than thought provoking, honest about life "secular" tunes.
• What does a "Christian" car look like?
• "Christian" tattoos are good, all others are bad?
• "Christian" food good, "Kosher" food bad?
• Devils food cake bad. Angel food cake good?
• "Christian wear" is better than Levi wear?
• The practicing Buddhist helping those with AIDS is bad?

Maybe I have become a bit too cynical, but it seems to me that many people attach the word "Christian" to something so that they can make a buck. I read the other day that Jesus Junk combined with more legitimate "Christian" items is a 3 billion dollar industry in the U.S. alone. Yikes and God please forgive us!

I say we only use Christian as a noun or adverb (how someone does something, i.e. Christianly).

Comments

[optionalg]

i LOVE the nooma video series... and marshill is a church i would love to visit some time.... becuase rob bell is such a cool guy.

my favorite nooma vids are rain and bullhorn guy... silence is kind of awkward.. ut very good.

[Chris]

I'm glad you're reading this book! I found it very thought provoking. His video series is pretty cool. Can't wait to hear more, especially the chapter titled "New". Talk to ya soon!

[Joel Frederick]

Great comments and pretty thought provoking! Looks like another I'll have to read.

[Jim]

I'll have to read this book the next time my ears itch and i want to hear lies written by a false teacher...

Seriously, dude pick up some Leonard Ravenhill or AW Tozer to read along side your bible.