August 26, 2006

“Are You Normal or Peculiar?”

Among those who take seriously the Great Commission and taking the Gospel to all the world, there is quite a discussion about what name to use for those who are not Christian and not in the church. There is a desire to avoid labels which seem pejorative or unfair. So, should we refer to such persons as “unchurched” or “dechurched” or “seekers” or by some other name?

Leonard Sweet has made the provocative suggestion that we refer to such persons as “normal.” His point is that being a Christian is not “normal” – it is a “peculiar” calling and a whole new identity. II Corinthians 5:16 reminds us “If anyone is in Christ, there is a whole new creation. The old is gone and the new has come.” In Paul’s letter to Titus, he reminds us that Christ came and gave himself for us, in order to make us into a “peculiar” people: “He gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds.” (Titus 2:14 - Amplified Bible)

To be a Christian is not a normal thing for human beings. To be a Christian is to be transformed by the Spirit of God into a new person, with new values, new habits, new understanding, and a whole new life. Need some examples? It is normal for human beings to be selfish and focused upon their own needs; Christians are called to be generous and giving to others. It is normal for people to believe that they are in charge of their own lives, including the great American myth of the “self-made” person; Christians know that God is the Source and Guide of our lives. It is normal to fear death and to deny its reality; Christians believe and trust that our life in faith is eternal and that death is just another step in that process. It is normal to be prejudiced against those who are different; Christians are called to love and accept all persons as children of God. It is normal to hate our enemies; Christians follow the teaching of Jesus to love our enemies. It is normal to seek revenge and to use any violence necessary; Christians are called to forgive those who harm us and to live in peace.

Being a Christian is not a “normal” thing, it is a “peculiar” way to live as the people of God. So maybe Leonard Sweet is right. Maybe the best and least offensive name for those outside of the church and the faith is to call them “normal.” But that raises the question for all of us to consider: are we normal or are we peculiar?

from Bishop Michael J. Coyner

Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church
"Making a Difference ... in Indiana
and around the world"

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