Why I Hesitate to Wear the Christian Label
How labels can promote dangerous divisions, assumptions, and stereotypical boxes
My co-worker was ecstatic. She had just found the car of her dreams from a used car dealer. When I asked if he was trustworthy, she replied with great assurance, “Oh, yes — he’s a Christian!”
At the time, I immediately thought, I wonder if she doesn’t trust me because I’m not. That was twenty years ago.
Ten years later, after my baptism, my atheist sister asked me this poignant question, “How am I supposed to relate to you — now? Now — that you’re a Christian?” I assured her I was still me. However, I may not imbibe in much cussing. And I promised there would be no Bible thumps in her house.
But her question reminded me of an experience I had long ago about the damaging effects of labels.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1983 and learned a lot about the dangers of diagnostic labels. Previously, I hadn’t given it much thought because all of my titles were “good” ones — depending on who you asked. They consisted of descriptors such as — daughter, sister, wife, mother, college graduate, and physical therapist.
And without my permission, I was granted a new tag similar to “leper.” Friends and family now…
