Orthodoxy vs. Orthopraxy
Christianity isn’t what you believe
According to Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers, “Christianity is not what you believe, it’s what you do.”
Modern American Christians have emphasized orthodoxy, or beliefs.
“Good” or “real” Christians hold correct beliefs. They stand up against challenges to those beliefs and evangelize by telling people what they must believe.
If that sounds familiar, then we agree that American Christianity emphasizes the importance of believing certain things and not believing other things.
Meyers reminds us that Christianity is not only believing — mentally agreeing with — a set of ideas and doctrines.
Christianity is also orthopraxy, or how we practice our faith. Christians are called to live differently, to navigate the world a certain way.
If American Christians focused more on orthopraxy, how might American Christianity change?
More American Christians would pursue social justice
The Bible contains thousands of references to caring for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed.
The Old Testament consistently emphasizes “justice.” The Hebrew word can also be translated as “righteousness.”
