Christianity is a choice. This choice has rules. These rules require adherence to a lifestyle. If you don’t adhere you will burn in Hell forever. If you do you’ll be welcomed into Heaven forever.

Most ‘lifestyle choices’ have similar attributes. Be good to yourself and others. Be kind. Share the love. Nice ideas but they’re nothing without Jesus. He’s the difference. Surveys continue to show that a lot of people don’t trust ‘the church’ but they think that Jesus was a pretty cool guy. He taught good things and helped people. The challenge is to help people see that he was and is more than just a good guy. If, as the previous poster suggested, Christianity is simply a ticket out of hell, a choice with rules which require an adherance to a particular lifestyle, I’m not interested. I see it more about following and growing closer to Jesus. Yes, that means I’ll spend eternity with him but that’s only part of the picture.

My judgements are based on three factors–Jesus, the Christian Community, and (most importantly ) an inner compass sometines known as a conscience. I understand that conscience to be God’s Holy Spirit guiding me. As a Christian, I cannot be the center of the universe. I have to admit every day that I am utterly dependent on a Creator, a Savior, and a source of energy outside myself. All that shoves me in the direction of community, of a humble assessment of who I am and what I do, of prayer, as well as toward kindness, generosity, and service to others.

Life style choices may determine the clothes I wear or the car I drive, but Christianity determines who I am and what I decide. I am faithful to both promises received and promises given. I have a hope in a life that changes but is never taken away and in love that lasts for all enduring time and beyond.

Cullen Schippe
Mendham, NJ

Love.

True, unconditional, persevering, stay-up-all–night-with-a-friend, kind of love

Don’t just love when it’s convenient.
Don’t just love to get something.
Don’t just love because you have to.

This is how Christianity will rise above “just another lifestyle choice”.

One of the simplest ways Christians can set their “lifestyle choice” apart from the crowd is to simply tell out story. But we have to do so in very real, compelling terms. The person listening on the other end shouldn’t have to cut through thick, unfamiliar language to get to the point. REAL christian testimonies are unbelievably compelling. Many times they don’t even require an “altar call” at the end. The person on the receiving end of the testimony will likely ask the question that prompts the action point (providing they understand the testimony).

I think the gay community has done a fantastic job of telling their story, especially through media and entertainment. We all get turned off by gay pride parades and overly vocal (often obnoxious) activists. But take a look at the church. We are pretty good at the same. We lag in telling our story with relevance and even a bit of entertainment (gasp!!!!).

Choices ARE equal in that we all have completely free and open access to make whatever choice we want. Our challenge as christians is to be as transparent as possible in presenting Christianity. I can’t use the word “real” enough here. It is the best attribute Christianity has to offer.

When I was in high school I was in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. There is a scene in the stage show where Judas returns…modern day…and poses the question “why wouldn’t Jesus have wanted to make his case TODAY…with mass media, etc.”. The question never really gets answered in the show…but the answer is obvious.

Hype is unneccessasry and usually poorly received (especially long term). Get rid of the hype and TELL OUR STORIES. MILLIONS OF THEM ARE AVAILABLE! The results of Jesus in people speak for themselves. What does FOX say? “We report, you decide”…and oh yeah…can’t we have some fun doing it?

Marketing, The Church has the most valuable resource, 1 Billion People! There is no other tool that you need other than that 1 billion getting a clue.