Cruise ship tourists reply

As thousands of cruise ship passengers cross Juneau’s docks to connect with tours, I have greeted about a dozen larger ships with a sign asking a religious question: Why Aren’t Christians More Like Jesus? The most common reply was, “Good question,” but several voiced comments that we did not have time to discuss before they went on their way. I was gratified for those who said something and wished there had been more time to explore these responses which merit deeper dialogue to better understand each other. God is both simple and complicated.

“I go to church every Sunday.” Unfortunately, that does not say anything about thoughts, words, or actions the rest of the week. My sign also says, “Jesus needs to be Lord and Master, not just Sunday Savior.” Three have asked to take a photo of that sign. The Barna Group has conducted many surveys over the years indicating that so-called Christians do not vary that much from secular society in many ways, but Jesus said some specific things about behavior. Since the time of creeds, churches seem to emphasize what you need to believe in order to belong to their group, rather than how to behave. Numerous books cite specific research about public perceptions of church-goers, so my concern is widely shared.

“Jesus was born in July.” Biblical sources do not support a Dec. 25 birthdate. Some might be surprised if they read Pagan Christianity by George Barna and Frank Viola. When secular influences were incorporated into sacred settings, it is an example of syncretism. Many church practices can be traced to non-biblical influences that have crept into religious traditions.

“Jesus was Jewish.” While true, that is beside the point of implementing a new covenant built upon the Hebrew Bible, and its two greatest commandments. Ironically, “Christian” anti-Semitism has overlooked that connection. Jesus was targeted by his own religious leaders (all Jewish) because he was a threat to their power.

“Wish they were;” “Would be great if they were.” These comments recognize that if more Christians were more like Jesus, America would be a better place. But organized religion has failed to penetrate our society with church-goers who are serious about trying to become more like Jesus. As a result, “materialism, racism, and narcissism” prevail. Briefly, Jesus taught that people are more important than things, that all ethnic groups are equal in God’s sight, and that self-centeredness has no place in those who voluntarily serve their Creator.

“Because he was perfect, and we’re not.” That biblical thought reflects the unique nature of Jesus, both Son of God and Son of Man, who was sinless though tempted. That means that no believer can equal his standing before God. But, like rabbis would teach their followers to become more like them in ancient times, the goal for any disciple today is to make progress in that direction. The gospels contain several goal-oriented behavioral traits his apostles echoed.

Paul outlines the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-25); Peter lists similar characteristics, I call building blocks, (2 Pet 1:5-7) and explains why in the following two verses: “if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.”

“How could they vote for Trump?” Frances FitzGerald’s 2017 book, "The Evangelicals, The Struggle to Shape America," referred to the “God gap,” how evangelicals tended to vote. Pollsters confirm their ballot box influence, but the Bible only briefly covers what Jesus said about the image of Caesar vs. God (Matt 22:15-22). My book includes chapter 10, "The Seduction of Partisan Politics," which also distinguishes between political liberty and religious freedom.

“Money.” Since Martin Luther raised issues about indulgences, financial scandals have plagued organized Christianity. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John say Christ’s followers should not concern themselves with money. The same thing cannot be said today of some religious celebrities.

“I’m Catholic.” We did not have much time to talk, but I suggested that there were two types of Catholics, the religious kind who depend upon their church to save them, and the spiritual kind who serve God with everything they have. For those who research theology, it is not possible to ignore the written insights of some Catholics whose spiritual depth is rarely equaled elsewhere.

I overheard at one church conference that, “we Protestants are more Catholic than we like to admit.” That includes our tendency to count on our church to save us when the New Testament repeatedly emphasizes individual accountability.

“They don’t follow him.” That summary raises Christianity’s biggest problem; many churchgoers do not try to follow him; they count on their particular church and its salvation protocol to save them. While conversion from unbelief is foundational, what Jesus says at the end of Matthew chapters 7 and 25 emphasizes that relationships matter to God. At the end of time as we know it, an omniscient God will know everything about each of us, nothing will be hidden; but on the other hand, grace and compassion will abound before the ultimate judge.

While it is not fair to credit Roman emperor Constantine the Great for everything that happened starting with his reign, some things are clear. Before him, Christians could be killed for their belief; after him, unbelievers could be killed for failing to convert. That is an unmistakable contrast that shaped the transition of the early church into a religious institution.

Grossly oversimplifying history, before Constantine the apostolic spiritual movement based upon following Jesus concerned itself with daily behavior. After official recognition of Christianity, just going to religious services satisfied standing before church officials. Going to church replaced following Jesus, a practice some continue today, not realizing its ecumenical danger to those who put their faith in a particular church instead of God’s son.

• Mike Clemens has lived in Juneau for over 55 years and has written a book, “Why Aren’t Christians More Like Jesus?” that he often gives away to spread its message. See wacmlj.com