Where are the Good Christians?

Today, Mike Morford, a columnist for the Sf Chronicle, asks "Where are the Good Christians?"

Ironic, isn't it, that a good Christian is "Good" precisely because he/she actually follows the words of Christ humbly and without sanctimony? The "Good" or authentic Christian does not wear their faith on their sleeve, pray on street corners and judge other people. The authentic Christian is deeply concerned about poverty, war and injustice and is quietly, deliberately and constantly engaged in justice work. These days, the "Good Christian" is likely appalled at the public face of Christianity as personified by rigid religous zealotry and labeled by the main stream media. When asked if they are Christian, they might answer "well now, it depends, what type of Christian?"

I have known people to give up their possessions to follow the call of their heart, to work for social change and earth justice, to risk much and ask nothing in return. Some go to jail in non-violent acts of civil disobedience. They do this, not because of blind and naive spirituality, but because somewhere deep in their core they resonate with the mystery of spiritual awakening and a call to protect the weak and voiceless.

The state of our world is awakening new prophetic voices and mystical souls. You will find these awakened people through their art, poetry and you will find them speaking for the poor, the marginalized and the voiceless (both human and non-human). Their presence is a gift, they change lives by who they are not what they preach. You will not find them exploiting others for their own gain. You will not find them carrying a sign that says "God Hates Fags." You will not find them threatening others who do not believe what they do. You will not find them destroying earth to bring about the rapture, for they humbly understand that the message of faith is an internal event, the mountains that are meant to be moved are internal mountains. The problems we face externally can be solved if we address their internal source.

Those who endeavor to understand the depth of the message of Jesus of Nazareth, know and that Jesus' core message was one of Love. Those causing division, poverty and violence on local or epic scale are not Christian, regardless of what they call themselves.

How will you know the Good Christians? "By their fruit you shall know them."


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Afternote:
I highly recommend the book "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners. Sojourners is a prophetic and active organization. "God's Politics" includes sections with titles like "when did Jesus become pro-war?" "When did Jesus become pro-rich?" This book is a call to live an authentic Christianity.