Relevance of Christianity – Faith in facing the world with opposing ideologies

The in-house Youth Fellowship discussion led by Vivek Cheriyan, brought together young families from the Mar Thoma church. During this gathering, participants actively shared their experiences and explored the complex themes of Christian principles and practical approaches.

Ideologies

As per definition, ideology refers to a set of political beliefs or a set of ideas that characterize a particular culture.

What is the difference between Ideology and Belief?

Belief is personal trust in something or someone whereas Ideology refers to a system of ideas expressed in public spaces. As Christians, our belief is expressed in the Nicene Creed. Some core beliefs of Christianity are believing in the one true God, attaining salvation through Jesus Christ etc. Ideologies can be political, religious, social etc.

As a faith community, while we share beliefs, shouldn’t we all have the same ideology as well?

Ideologies can be based on belief. But since Christians have different interpretations of the Bible, their ideologies can differ too. As Christians, anything that is against the basic principles of Christianity, should not be acceptable to us.

Christian Ideology

Christian ideology has played a major role in shaping Western civilization, laws, and moral frameworks. Even though Christianity is not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, the Founders of the American republic were influenced by Christian ideas in significant ways. Christianity spread to India through the efforts of European colonial powers, including the Portuguese and British, who established churches and sent missionaries. While education was earlier reserved for the upper caste in India, Christian ideology that all humans are created equal had a lot of positive impact. As Psalm 33:12 says Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

“Woke” Ideology

To be “woke” means to be aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues like injustice, inequality etc. Businesses are forced to hire minorities otherwise they’re deemed racist. Schools have to teach children about being accepting etc.

Is all of woke ideology opposed to Christianity?

We live in a day when it seems like everyone wants to be considered a victim. Minorities and others classified as marginalized people feel oppressed, exploited and violated and are made to feel that they are victims, with the promotion of woke culture. This makes them look at others as perpetrators and creates hatred towards others.

Truth is everybody experiences pain in various ways. But that pain should be used for positive changes in our life and not to create division or hatred. The greatest victim in the history of the world is Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life and suffered the most injustice and cruelty in all of human history. But Jesus did not create hatred, instead gave Eternal Life. As Christians, we are called to fight against injustices in a manner that is pleasing to God, by speaking for the oppressed and using our various influences to right the wrong done to others, but without creating hatred.

Today Christians have different views on pro-life and abortion issues. While Christians must be supporting the right-to-life, we must also consider exceptions like saving the life of the mother. Christians must stand firm in their faith, but not rigid. We should be open to compassion for others.

Would Jesus be considered woke if he lived and taught today?

Jesus was compassionate and uplifting the marginalized people, but he never created division or hatred among people. So, in that sense, we cannot consider Jesus as woke.

Misinterpreted Scripture

There have been instances in history when the Bible has been misinterpreted and misconstrued to promote ideologies and practices antithetical to the teachings of Jesus. For example,

  • Religious wars
  • Slavery
  • Patriarchy and Gender Inequality
  • Anti-Semitism

Looking into the war between Israel and Palestine, many Christians are strong supporters of Israel because of the religious connection with the land of Israel. When the Bible says Israelites are God’s chosen people, it means that Israel is chosen to be a blessing to the nations; Salvation is extended to the world through Jews. So regardless of what “side” you come down on in this conflict, as followers of Christ we are called to be beacons of love in the face of fear, beacons of peace in the face of conflict, beacons of neighborly kindness in the face of demonization and division. Remember, every human being is created in God’s image.

Similarly, slavery was practiced in America with Biblical justification. Patriarchy is upheld citing Paul who said women should be silent in churches. The Bible verse “Wives submit yourselves to your husbands” gets misinterpreted as Gender inequality. Jews experience hatred viewing them as people who are responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.

Remember, the Bible wasn’t written to you. But the Bible was written for you. The Bible was written to specific people that lived in a different culture at a different time. To read the Bible in context means understanding the context in which the words were penned. For example, Paul says that women should cover their hair. This is because when these temple prostitutes were converting to Christianity and then coming into the church, they wouldn’t be identified by their bald heads as a former prostitute because all the other women also covered their heads. It was disgraceful to have a shaven head in the time of Paul. The core is There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Opposing Ideologies

Ideologies of today that conflict with Christian principles and teaching :

  • Secularism
  • Consumerism and Materialism
  • Radical Individualism
  • Sexuality, Marriage and Family
  • Gender Ideology
  • Scientific Naturalism

When engaging with people and the society at large that hold these opposing ideologies, let’s keep Colossians 4:5-6 in mind which says Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Being an active member of a secular/multi-faith community

As Christians, we should not condemn others. We need not accept their ideologies but as Romans 12:18 says If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Eventually, our actions might draw others to Christ.

Let us preach the Gospel through our actions. May God help us carry our cross and come to a deeper understanding of God’s word.

Summarized by Tessy Mathew

About Vivek Cheriyan

Member of San Francisco Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam & Young Family Fellowship