Please do not call me a Christian.
Although the teachings of Jesus have shaped me into the person I am today, that statement might seem shocking for many of my friends.
From the writings of the New Testament to learning the noble qualities of my mentors, including my mother, I have learned how to love and how to forgive. I have also been moved from the teachings of Jesus, who I believe was a historical person. He may have been one of the most influential men in history.
I use the word God often in conversation, but it is most always synonymous with the universe itself. Before I fall asleep I often find a moment to find my place in the universe through prayer or meditation, whichever word you feel comfortable using. With eyes closed, I do not relate to an entity who cares about me personally, forgives me of my wrongdoings, or who is preparing an eternal residence for me after I die. My god is the exalting mystery and beauty of the universe itself, which arduously reveals itself to us one morsel at a time.
So it would be hypocritical of me to say I am a Christian. That designation contains too many implications. If I said that, you might assume I believe Jesus was born from a virgin, is the only son of God, was resurrected from the dead, will return to judge us, and is the only path to salvation. If I told you I do not believe these attributes, you will say I am not a Christian.
We sometimes assume that when someone proclaims themselves as Christian, it means they must be good persons. I find it more honorable to be judged for not what we believe, but for how we conduct our lives and how we interact with others.
I do believe in miracles, a favorite word I use to mean amazing wonder. Miracle is much more poetic than saying a natural phenomenon that can be scientifically explained. The fact that I can see these letters as I type them is a miracle. That I can embrace a warm cup of coffee in my hand as I behold the sun rising in the morning is a miracle. That we can peer at a star on a deep night and realize we are looking back in time is a miracle. Miracles are everywhere and one never has to struggle to find them.
However, I do not believe Jesus walked on the sea, turned water into wine, or raised Lazarus from the dead. And even if he did these things would that prove he was a man who came to earth as God himself? Would it prove that his death unlocked an opportunity for us to be forgiven so that we may have the chance to live in everasting paradise?
I don’t think the universe works that way.
In fact, for those who are anxiously awaiting a greater paradise than has been bestowed upon us, I ask you to savor the very real moment of hugging someone you love or being kind to another right now.
Whether any or none of the biblical stories of Jesus are correct, I have been immensely touched by these ancient writings. However, considering the general beliefs necessary to be considered a person of the Christian faith, I am not a member.
I do believe in the universal human element of love. I believe in the power of forgiveness. You are welcome to call me a follower of Jesus, but I am also a follower of many who teach kindness, generosity, and thankfulness. To be someone’s follower, it doesn’t matter what happened before they were born, how they were born, or what happened after they died.
The real miracle of Jesus was not when he walked on the water- it was when he walked on the earth.