The Radical Christian

No. 1

I’m happy to be back in Florida, this time for good! I learned a whole lot living in Vermont for three years, some of which I’ll reflect on along the way. And I’m happy to be writing in Dunedin Patch again. I hope this periodic column will be helpful and illuminating along your spiritual journey.

But first and foremost, you deserve an explanation of “radical Christianity.” The two words are rarely seen next to each other; furthermore, both are used far too thoughtlessly in the modern day. First, “Christianity.” With more than 40,000 denominations in the world calling themselves “Christian,” we might well expect not only major differences in explanations of the word, but even more nuanced versions that might often seem like ‘how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.” But, especially in law and religion, words are important. So we might begin, and I say “begin,” by considering as “Christian” any person or institution which accepts Jesus of Nazareth as its faith-object. Beyond that, there are 40,000 or more splinters. Yet even that one short phrase is not all encompassing since it omits “Christ.”

We’re already in the quicksand! As long as we’re already in deep trouble, might as well dig deeper. The dictionary gives us three primary definitions of “radical:” 1) of or going to the root or origin; fundamental; 2) thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms; and 3) favoring drastic political, economic, or social reforms. All three are wrapped into my understanding of the word as I use it. There are twelve more definitions, so we aren’t having much better luck than we did with “Christian!” It can be used to describe BOTH highly progressive Christianity AND fundamentalist Christianity! In a tragic corruption of its meaning, it is also used today to describe some terrorists, who are more rightly described as psychopaths. All religions have psychopaths among them, and there’s nothing radical about them.

“Radical” derives from a medieval Latin term meaning “having roots.” The example I like to use is “radish;” obviously it comes from the same lingual root (no pun intended) and describes a root vegetable. To live one’s life according to Christian roots is to seek the original or deepest meanings and to follow the example and meaning of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. He was the original “Radical Christian,” even though he was Jewish. Isn’t language wonderful?

Religion has always been about forcing people to believe one thing or another; all others are declared heretics. It’s about aligning your beliefs, or at least your practice, with the stated beliefs of the sect. With 40,000 denominations (i.e., belief systems), each one thinks it’s right and the other 39,999 are heretical! By setting aside the dictates of religious systems and joining together in a spiritual journey, much “junk” is left by the wayside and we are freed to seek the Truth that is calling us.

We’ll explore Radical Christianity more next time. Meanwhile, be sure to leave your comments for all to see and share!