Addison Road

(this is a continuation of the thoughts started in Sine Qua Non, pt. 1)

A thick definition of Christian can be a very, very good thing. If we can let it stand for “with-Christ-ness”, “Christ-ocentric”, “Christ-directional”, “Christ’s-Kingdom-oriented” and a hundred other cumbersome but juicy thick phrases, if we let it fill up and spill over with meaning, we do two things. First, we eliminate the illusion that anyone fits fully within the group. Nobody embodies the thick definition but Christ, everybody else is in varying degrees of direction and progress in relationship to him. This ought to cause us to view our relationships with greater humility, and our sense of mission with greater grace.

Secondly, a thick definition is so much more attractive to people seeking real spiritual direction and life-changing narrative. Thin definitions, razor thin and used to separate people into the “in” and “out” pile offer very little in the way of attractive, substantive life-change. By contrast, the rich narrative of thick definition Christianity gives real depth and substantive, attractive motivation for life change. For someone struck with the pervading brokenness of life, a thin definition “sinner’s prayer” sort of Christianity carries no weight. A thick, kingdom oriented, progressing, full-up meaning offers real and substantive hope for an integrated life.

If someone is seeking direction, the worst thing you can say to them is “Look, all you need to do to be a Christian is this one thing, pray this little prayer, or say this little phrase out loud.” They know, intuitively, just as we know if we are honest, that that’s not the case. It has no depth or consequence unless it’s the threshold of an internal revolution. What about this instead: “This is what we’re fighting for, this is who we’re fighting for, this is the sort of world we have been called to work toward, and we do it by the grace and strength and direction provided by this Jesus. Are you ready to be part of it?” That’s thick Christian with a capital Thick.

(coming next: why thin definitions still matter)