Redefine Christianity

Conveying Jesus to a skeptical world

by Zach Smith 

Back in August 2008, I was anxious to see the volume of people coming into Denver for the Democratic National Convention. But nothing could have prepared me for what I saw as we walked the downtown streets.

“Ask me why YOU deserve HELL !” My heart dropped as I approached the banner waving these poisonous words. Riot police surrounded the group of christians (emphasis on the little “c”), protecting them from the ever-growing crowd of enraged pedestrians. Other signs littered the street corner and held up traffic for blocks:

“Homo sex is a threat to national security,” “Looking for change? Then do what Christ said and repent,” “WARNING : Baby Killing Women, Party Animals, Rebellious Women, So Called Christians, Liberals, Jesus Mockers, Porno Freaks, Muslims, Drunks, Homosexuals, Sex Addicts, Mormons . . . GOD WILL JUDGE YOU !”

We watched in disbelief as insults were hurled into the crowd from the christians, with unbridled anger and self-righteousness. I was sick to my stomach. I looked helplessly at the throngs of people passing by and felt a heavy sadness: Jesus, for many of these people, was now associated with threatening language and hatred. I felt anger and even shame because, as a Christian myself, I was involuntarily associated with this hate rally.

Above all the emotions, however, I was more than ever convinced of my job, and your job: to love.

Thousands of people, after that week in Denver, see Christians as people who hate. We must re-define Christianity to a watching world.

What if we became known, instead, for the way we love homosexuals and come alongside those struggling with addictions? What if we became known for the way we embrace people of other religions and backgrounds, as well as the way we love women who have had, or are thinking about having, abortions?

We passed other protests and continued walking toward Civic Center Park. Anti-war booths and anarchist gatherings dotted the lawn. Tattooed, dread-locked hippies relaxed in the sunshine. Droves of police, outfitted in full riot gear, stood nearby.

We walked up to the eclectic gathering and saw a sign that read, “Doc’s Place,” which was a volunteer-run, free medical clinic. Under another sign, “Food not Bombs,” people were preparing food for anyone who was hungry.

Being hungry ourselves, we hopped in line. I was served by a girl who had obviously not showered in several days and was adorned with a variety of tattoos and piercings. She smiled and asked how I was doing. I said I was doing great and thanked her for the food. In the “kitchen” was a collection of mostly young adults who seemed to draw energy from each other and the people they were serving. Everyone was accepted. It was one of the best meals I have ever shared with anyone.

Friends, I witnessed two very different groups of people that week. One group was insulting, abrasive and judgmental. The other simply wanted to serve. The way I see it, only one group acted like Jesus. I challenge you and myself to take back Jesus’ name and represent Him accurately—with love and compassion. Change will not happen overnight. But I am convinced that when we love like Jesus, we are slowly but surely helping to prepare someone’s heart for God to do His work. Love well, brothers and sisters. Re-define Christ for the people in your lives and see what happens.

Zach Smith works with Dry Bones, an inner-city ministry in Denver, and is a member of Bethany EFC in Littleton, Colo. Visit the Web to read the full-length version of this and other “stories from the streets” (drybonesdenver.org, under the “stories” tab).