I Lost Him At "Christian"
A Sparkly Statement
We were raised to boldly talk about Jesus. For good reason, scripture instructs, "Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15)."
However, these days, identifying as Christian or talking about Jesus can just raise barriers and shut conversations down. Unfortunately, people feel misunderstood and judged by Christians.
But we can find common ground and have spiritual conversations. Are readiness "to give a reason for the hope that we have" just sounds different. We have to introduce people to the True Jesus, before using the name Jesus, which has a distorted meaning to our spiritual seeker.
I was having a conversation with a New Ager. We were talking about Buddhism, Taoism, meditation, and the peace it brings. I shared that when I meditate my goal is not to empty myself, but to fill myself with the divine life and creative flow of the Creator.
He shared he was a teacher. I shared that I used to be a teacher. He asked, “A teacher of what?” I said, “Theology.” He said, “How interesting! What kind of Theology?” My mind raced, I knew Christian theology was not the answer that would bear fruit, but I couldn’t come up with a sparkly statement quickly. I said, “Christian!”
I felt the walls come up.
The conversation dissolved and he walked away.
I was at Church the next day and the preacher defined theology as, “the study of the life and love of the Triune God.” Immediately, I knew, “that’s my sparkly statement!”
Now I am prepared to answer the questions with, “I am passionate about the study of the life and love of the Triune God.”
Turning to the Church Fathers and the Sacred Scriptures, can help find titles, attributes, and poetic theology that we can use to attract people to the Good News. We don’t have to convert someone in one conversation. That pressure can leave right now in the name of Jesus. We can slow down, read our ancient, sacred texts, and talk creatively, knowing our person is seeking God, will ask questions, and in time, the entirety of the Good News, the reason for our hope, will be shared.
About the Author
Nova worked inside church walls, evangelizing and building programs for those in the pews, for 12 years. In 2022, she followed Jesus into the nucleus of the New Age people group. She realized they are seeking Jesus and understood His great love for them. She is now developing a ministry to the New Age.
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