Christianity Without Christ

There's much chatter on the web today about the election of Josef Ratzinger to Pope Benedict XVI. The primary storyline being offered by most of the mainstream media is that he will be a "hardline" Pope, "dogmatic" and "uncompromising." Much has been made about Ratzinger's homily offered at the opening of the conclave, in which he used the phrase "dictatorship of relativism" to suggest that -- relativism; the belief that there is no absolute truth -- is the greatest threat to the Church.

The "cornerstones" I've been offering -- and yes, I know I owe another two -- have essentially been a argument against relativism. My position is and has been that Christianity and the notion of relativism are mutually exclusive: if Christ is who he claimed to be, then all other religions are false; if Christ is not who he claimed to be, then discard all of Christianity and keep looking.

These are not popular words or sentiments in today's world. I have seen, firsthand, the effect of relativistic thinking on the heart of a church. The church I attended in Virginia was staffed by a wonderful man, an able teacher, but an ineffectual leader. Others in the church body -- and more than just a few -- held and professed beliefs such as:

• Judiasm, Islam and Christianity are all the same since they all come from Abraham
• There are things God can't do because he is limited
• People have the capacity to be without sin if they try
• "My God" would not do the things spelled out in the Old Testament
• Everyone knows there really isn't an absolute truth

It was an interesting lesson in how to quickly gauge the depth of a church: listen carefully to the words people use. If they cite the name "God" frequently but rarely if ever mention the name of Jesus Christ, beware. The chances are good that the church is adrift without any real understanding of the Christian faith. If they do use the name "Jesus Christ," more often than not it's in the past tense. There is frequently no notion of Christ in the present. Only "God" ... and usually a god that is quite unlike the one revealed in the Bible.

Note: I will grant that at least some of this is due to a lack of understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity, and, shy about that lack of knowledge people opt for "God" rather than run the risk of being exposed as not knowing. I have fallen into that category and still do on many occasions.

When I first started scouting out churches in Tucson, one of the things that drew me to St. Andrews Presbyterian was that the name of Jesus Christ was professed boldly, without reservation or shame. I thought to myself, "Now here's a church that understands that Christianity without Christ is pointless."

So when I hear tell that this new Pope holds firm to fundamental principles of the Faith, I am heartened. I understand full well what he is concerned about.

Here's the question I can't shake from my mind: How does a committed Christian hold firm to basic Truths about Jesus yet still demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit in the face of unrelenting attacks against those Truths? I honestly don't know the answer to this. Can one argue back in a loving and Christ-like way? Does Christ expect us to deny him or remain silent when others around us smear his name? How does one stand strong yet do so in a humble manner?