When you think of the word “radicalism”, you often think of terrorism from Islamic radicals. The reason we associate the two concepts is that these radicals often take a literal reading of the Koran and take action on words like “Jihad”. They apply these literal concepts to their literal lives. Radicalism for them is about taking their holy texts seriously and doing something about them.
First thing’s first. I’m not espousing terrorism. In fact, radicalism is one of the things that’s causing people to reject Islam.
But I see it sort of the opposite way with Christianity. It’s not radical Christianity that’s pushing people away from Jesus. It’s the weak kind. It’s the “yes, I read the Bible but I’m not willing to build my life around it” kind of Christianity that makes people sick.
Because here are three things that would look different if Christians started taking Scriptures seriously and applying it to their lives—like religious radicals.
1. There would be no need for social systems.
If Christians stepped up to the plate with generosity like the Scriptures command, things like welfare wouldn’t need to exist. Jesus talked about giving to the poor as if we were giving to Jesus himself. (Matthew 25:35-40)
But obviously we haven’t been doing what we’re supposed to do. In fact, we often get upset when the government tries to step in and do it for us. We don’t want to do it, but we also don’t want someone else to do it. That’s not exactly radical Christianity.
Imagine if the Church began to take the lead and provide for the poor. I’m not talking about religious corporations… I’m talking about you and me. Imagine what radical things would happen in our world.
2. We’d give up our rights so others could know Jesus.
Early Christianity—radical Christianity—involved massive religious persecution. And not the “you can’t pray before a football game” type. I’m talking Christians getting thrown into arenas to be ripped apart by wild beasts in front of cheering crowds.
And that wasn’t something Christians were rallying the government to stop. In fact, that was considered the ultimate witness. Giving up your rights—even your very life—so others could know Jesus. Martyrdom was welcomed.
Jesus even commanded us to love our enemies and bless those who persecute us. (Matthews 5:44)
I’m convinced if Christians became radical Christians, there would be less political lobbying and more laying down our lives so others could know the savior.
3. There would be less condemnation.
I think so many Christians are afraid of being “easy on sin”, because they’re worried if they don’t point it out that the world won’t realize it. But the whole job of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin. He does the job pretty well. The world feels its guilt without us having to point it out.
In fact, we aren’t called to be like the Holy Spirit. We’re called to be like Jesus, who didn’t come to the world to condemn it—rather to save it. (John 3:17)
I believe the kindness of Jesus—expressed through His followers—would lead people to repentance. We’d be magnetic, and people would be drawn to God.
You notice how these three things would change the world? They’d bring physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness to a hurting and dying world.
Religious radicalism could save the world. But Christians have to be willing to take their Bible seriously. That’s my goal. How about you?