In seekers and skeptics posts, I write specifically for those outside of the Christian faith. I know some will be considering the faith, some will be exploring spiritually, and some will come to any consideration of Christian claims with considerable suspicion. If this describes you at all, I’m glad you’re here. Welcome!
Exploring Christianity is a search for illumination, meaning, and truth. Christianity is a way of understanding the world. A way of understanding what life’s journey is all about. How best to make it and where to find the traps and the treasures.
When exploring Christianity, whether you are new or are returning to the faith, it is important to understand that Christianity, like most world religions, is about more than beliefs. The Anglican scholar, Dr. Alister McGrath, writes in one of his books:
“Christianity has three main elements. 1. A set of beliefs. 2. A set of values. 3. A way of life.”
– Christian Spirituality
If you are exploring Christianity seriously you will need to investigate all three elements. Some Christians do not like the word religion. They prefer to describe Christianity as a relationship, a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Other Christians are comfortable with the word religion because they understand religion to be in service to and enhancing of ones’ relationship with God and others.
In other words, spirituality and religion go together. Christianity is not a private exploratory quest – though it begins this way for many – but a quest that brings one into a fellowship with others.
Four Essentials for Exploring Christianity
Essential #1: Check Your Stereotypes
There are many stereotypes about Christians. Sure, you can probably find people who fit these stereotypes but this sort of thinking will be an obstacle to a fair and sincere exploration. For example, statements like, “all Christianity is anti-science,” fail on the face of the facts on the ground.
The scientist who led the human genome project is a Christian. There are large numbers of scientists and science practitioners who are devout Christians. Obviously, they are well educated scientifically, and some are also so religiously, and they find no conflict between the two. Many churches allow for a theistic evolutionary approach, some do not.
Honestly: Christianity is complex.
Whatever assumptions you bring about Christianity, check them against the facts on the ground. Local churches as well as denominations vary significantly on many points. You’ll be surprised how much in some cases.
Essential #2: Check Out a Local Congregation
If you are going to follow, be guided by, or look for inspiration from the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth; then, from a Christian point of view, you need to connect with the people of Jesus.
There are some religions and spiritualities that advocate a solitary, do it on your own approach, but Christianity, while offering spacious room for individual conscience and practice, advocates a faith lived in community with others.
Yes. This can be hard! It also can be immensely rewarding and life transforming. Check out a variety of churches. Maybe a family member or friend is involved in a congregation. Start there. But, please, do not stop there.
Honestly: Congregations vary immensely!
Try out several churches. This will give you an appreciation for the wide variety of service styles, variations of beliefs, and cultural expressions of the faith. You might start with churches that share some of your current values and beliefs.
Essential #3: Acknowledge the Worst, but also the Best
Christianity is over 2000 years old. History has many examples of Christians misbehaving, of individuals using the Church for their own purposes, and of high-profile leaders acting in ways heinously contrary to Jesus’ two greatest commandments:
“Love God” and “Love Neighbor”
– Matthew 22:36-40
When judging any world religion or ideology it is only fair to judge it by its greatest exemplars and its worst offenders. So, sure, look at our dark history, but also look at all the good people of Christian faith have done over the last 2000 years and are still doing around the world today.
Honestly: I am so sorry if you have been hurt by the Church.
It breaks my heart when people tell me their negative experiences with Christians. Do I also hear wonderful stories of welcome and transformation? Often! Yet, every serious Christian is pained to hear the stories of those hurt or failed by the Church.
Essential #4: Consider the Claims of Jesus
Christianity’s understanding of God and human existence is rooted in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ life and teachings have influenced countless individuals over the centuries. I believe that Jesus Christ has something to offer every single human being on the planet.
This includes human beings who for whatever reason choose not to become Christian. A first step to learning about Jesus is reading the Gospel of Mark. It is the shortest and simplest of the four books about Jesus’ life from the Bible. A second step to learning about Jesus is asking several Christians about their view of and relationship with Christ.
Honestly: The teachings of Jesus are challenging.
To put them into practice can be uncomfortable. Jesus’ high calling for humans to love, serve, and forgive each other sacrificially are things we Christians believe we can only do consistently with God’s help.
When exploring Christianity understand that doubts are ok, but always put as much effort toward faith as you do toward doubt. Go ahead and read the arguments against faith and following Christ. Then make sure to read the best of the Christian responses to those arguments.
Explore the faith through music and art, as well through books and sermons. Find Christians and others to discuss the great questions of life with. Do not be afraid to ask questions, even controversial ones, just ask them respectfully.
One Final Suggestion for Exploring Christianity
Finally, in your exploration of the Christian faith I encourage you to pray. Even if you are not sure how to pray or what to say, begin somewhere. Invite God into your life. For some the exploration of faith is intellectual, for others emotional, for others relational, and for most people, a mixture of all these things and more.
I share this prayer, sometimes attributed to St. Teresa of Avila from the 16th century, (but probably from a later time) as a blessing over you in your search:
“May today there be peace within. May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”
May you journey well, may your explorations lead to truth, beauty, and goodness. May you find light for dark days, laughter for bright days, and always, peace.
Visit the Welcome Page or Read Others Posts for Seekers and Skeptics
I love this. Thank you for posting. I like the approach of Christianity being a mixture of religion and relationship. When you think of it Jesus was “religious”–he grew up in a Jewish home and practiced the Jewish faith. I pray that our Christian communities will continue to work towards building each other up with God’s help and to grow spiritually by loving God and loving people. His mercies are new every morning.
The idea of Christianity being a mixture of religion and relationship makes sense on several levels. Christians who do not like the term religion are often stressing the centrality of Jesus and that religion does not always lead to a relationship with God, it may only lead to rules and regulations about God.
Christians who find the term religion applicable to Christianity see religion as providing a form and a structure for the relationship to take place. For example, while it would be possible to have a relationship with someone which involved no special days or celebrations (e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, etc.), no regular times together (e.g. meals, dates, vacations, going to the movies, shared activities), or “rules” (e.g. I’m there for you even when I don’t feel like it, I speak sometimes, others I listen), it would probably a peculiar one.
The limitations or disappointments of religion are often a matter of religion gone astray rather than an inherent issue with religion in all its forms. Thank you, Lisa, for your comments and indeed Jesus grew up in the Jewish religion and that influence is pervasive throughout His life and the faith that bears His name.
Thanks. I’ve been a Christian all my life. The Lord helped me do some good things.
Hi Sally. Thanks for commenting and I’m grateful for your lifelong journey with Christ.
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