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I was flicking through the 2000 cable and streaming networks we have one night a few weeks ago and came upon the 1991 movie, “The Rocketeer” I remember taking my boys to see it when they were 6. Great movie! There are explosions, a love story, more explosions, a guy that flies, a henchman… well, you get the idea. And since the movie was set in the year 1938, it also had a patriotic feel. There was this one scene between Cliff Secord and his girlfriend, Jenny, when at this point in the movie, he decides to reveal to Jenny that he is the Rocketeer. He says, "I'm the Rocketeer." Her response: "The Rocket who?"
I remember laughing out loud at this part, partially because I could see that happening to me when I share with people that I am a Christian. I am aware that I may assume someone would know what I am talking about when I say I am a Christian but, many do not. With all the different Denominations and Associations and Independent branches and differing beliefs within the practice of Christianity, it’s no wonder some people are confused. When I share that I am a member of the United Church of Christ and come from the Congregational tradition, some eyes glaze over with non-understanding of the roots of my faith.
I know some people love to assume what I am or what my friends are, and I find myself on both sides of the fence having to explain who I am time and time again. I will occasionally look at someone funny and say, “the Christian who?”, trying not to be judgmental, but there are some things I hear people say, and I cannot believe I am talking to a “Christian”. It sometimes just floors me how people can act in ways that hurt and degrades other people, the ones who feel they are the best in everything which is so far from the truth. Those who think they have all the answers most likely do not, or they will make it up to fit their shortcomings or their own agenda.
Now in saying all this, if we take the words above and rearrange them to be “Who, the Christian?” this then puts on more of a light. It almost makes it sound as if it were a surprise. “Who said that, oh, the Christian did?” I feel sometimes we need to surprise people with who we are as Christians, because again, people may have their own mindset as to what a Christian is and what we should be thinking or loving.
I once helped someone who was not a Christian, and when I shared my experience, one other Christian said to me, “Oh, you are one of those crazy liberals.” I kind of looked at him dumbfounded and responded, “Oh, I didn’t realize there were different definitions, but if you mean by loving my fellow person no matter what, then yes, that must make me a “crazy liberal“. If you mean that I think people of color should have equal rights, then yes, I must be a “crazy liberal.” If you mean that I affirm the value and worth of all Genders, races, ages, physically and mental challenged people and more, than I must be that “crazy liberal”. At first, he just stood there, then walked away. I was in shock because in my head I was saying, “the Christian, who?” His distorted idea of what being a Christian meant was just astounding.
We need to continue to ask ourselves how we are doing as Christians. The 4th of July affirms our liberty in expressing who we are, and our faith allows us the freedom to act as our Lord instructs us to act. And if other people have a doubt about who we are, we show them who we really are in our compassion and caring. People who are loving and caring show who Christ really is, and the world will be better for it!
Happy 4th!
RB
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