5 Things You Might Not Know About Christians
The Misconceptions and the Truth
When people think of Christians, certain stereotypes often come to mind. I will admit that a good part of this is due to some hypocrisy of the church. We have frequently allowed minor issues to become major issues, responded more critically than we ought, and not loved well when sharing our differences. We have much work to do in our tribe as the body of Christ; however, I do believe the church has often been misunderstood. We are a people who believe in the long-held conviction of Absolute Truth that has been given and revealed by a Loving Creator. At times, our commitment and conviction sets us against cultural trends and norms. This is not new as the Gospel has faced opposition from the very beginning of the church with the first disciples. The Gospel means “good news,” and Christians are a part of bringing that good news to the world. And despite our blemishes, the people who name Jesus have brought far more good into the world than most people can imagine (but that is for another article). I want to clear up a few ideas out there about Christians that are far from the reality of what it means to follow Jesus. This article sheds light on some lesser-known truths about Christians that might surprise you.
1. Christians Know They’re Not Perfect
We really do! There’s a common idea that Christians believe they have life all figured out or that we think we are better than everyone else. While we do embrace the values and morals of biblical teaching, the essence of Christianity is about acknowledging personal flaws and the need for forgiveness. True Christians are keenly aware of their shortcomings and understand that perfection is beyond human reach. Instead of claiming to be better than others, they focus on the grace they’ve received and strive to grow each day. This mindset doesn’t lead to pride but calls us to humility.
To truly embrace the Christian faith, one must first embrace humility. The Gospel message is clear: there is nothing we can do to earn or merit God’s favor. Self-righteousness and human effort must be set aside in order to embrace God’s grace and redeeming love fully. True grace is the most beautiful gift in the world — a God who loves you, receives you just as you are, and cleanses and forgives you for sin — past, present, and future. Christians aren’t claiming to be models of perfect behavior; instead, they point to the One who forgives and guides them through their imperfections.
2. Faith and Science Go Hand in Hand
There’s a misconception that Christians turn their backs on science, favoring blind faith over evidence. The truth is that many believers see science as a valuable tool for understanding the universe. From the stars in the sky to the cells in our bodies, science offers insights that can deepen a Christian’s appreciation for the world. The scientific method comes from a Christian worldview that believes God has created an order in the universe that allows us to discover observable traits and patterns.
Many influential Christians have been at the forefront of scientific discovery. Isaac Newton, one of the most outstanding scientists of all time, was deeply religious and believed his work in physics and mathematics revealed the orderliness of God’s creation. Johannes Kepler, known for his laws of planetary motion, saw his work as a way to “think God’s thoughts after Him.” Blaise Pascal, a pioneer in mathematics and probability theory, was also a devout Christian who wrote extensively about faith. These men, and others like them, saw no conflict between their faith and their scientific pursuits. They believed that studying the natural world was a way to honor God. Faith and science, rather than being at odds, are often seen as partners in the search for truth.
3. It’s About a Relationship, Not Just Rules
Many think Christianity is all about following a strict set of rules, but at its heart, it’s about something much deeper. As Christ-followers, we believe that our faith is centered on a personal with Jesus Christ. The Gospel is an invitation into intimacy with the Creator. This relationship is built on trust, love, and communication, much like any meaningful connection in life. The rules and guidelines in Christianity are not there to burden believers but are the intent of our Creator and Redeemer to lead us into fruitfulness.
The Incarnation of Jesus Christ — His coming to earth in the form of a man — encompasses many theological truths. These include His substitutionary sacrifice, His sinless nature as God’s Son, and much more. At the heart of it all, the Lord desired to bring humanity back to God, to Himself. As 1 Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Our sin had separated us from God, breaking our fellowship with Him. In our sinful state, we could no longer find a home in His presence, but Jesus changed all of that. He died for our sins and rose again, now serving as the mediator who restores us to God. Because of Jesus, we can walk with God in genuine, loving affection once again. Jesus Christ welcomes us back into the presence of a holy and loving God.
4. Generosity Is Central to Christian Living
Generosity is often seen as an optional virtue, but for Christians, it’s a core part of our faith. We believe that everything we have is a gift from God and are called to share those blessings with others. This spirit of giving isn’t limited to financial contributions; it extends to time, talents, and love.
Year after year, studies show that Christians are more generous financially than others. When major disasters occur, it is often the church that is mobilized as much, if not more, than other organizations to bring resources and care. The generosity of Christians has brought great good to the world: the establishment of hospitals, public education systems, orphanages, and countless charities. All of these and more were birthed out of the Christian virtue of charity. This generosity reflects our understanding of God’s grace — freely given and meant to be shared. It’s a way of life that goes beyond just attending church; it’s about making a positive impact on the world around them.
5. The Church Is Wonderfully Diverse
Did you know that the worldwide body of Christ, the Church, is a beautiful group of men and women from many tribes, tongues, and nations? The Christian faith is not uniquely American and not a “white man’s religion,” as some have insisted. Yes, there are some things that can be culturally inherited as an American Christian in the West, but Christianity was an Eastern faith beginning in Israel and spreading through the ancient Near Eastern world. American Christianity was impacted by many African thinkers and theologians from the 3rd and 4th Centuries, such as Origen, Augustine, Tertullian, and more.
The Christian church is a global community rich with diversity. From the bustling cities of Africa to the quiet villages of Asia, from the mountains of South America to the suburbs of Europe, Christianity thrives in every corner of the world. There is a beauty in the Gospel and the Christian faith that makes it relevant to every world culture. While it’s true that sometimes the church has muddied the message with cultural baggage, the essence of the Gospel message and biblical truth has impacted almost every culture for thousands of years. The Christian faith offers love, forgiveness, and purpose — needs that transcend culture and time. As long as people need these things, the name of Jesus Christ will never become outdated. No one meets these needs like Him.
Closing Thoughts:
When considering what it means to follow Jesus, it’s essential to look beyond the stereotypes. We are much more than “a people” who go to church and watch Fox News or whatever perception you may have. We are a people who seek to live out our faith in everyday life, believing that Christ is called to be at the Center of all things. Our lives are meant to be marked by love and faith, and we are here to bring good to the world. We may disagree with the culture at times on what the definition of ‘good’ might be in a given situation, but our overall heart is never to curse but always to bless — and hopefully lead lives that point to the grace of Jesus!
Thanks for reading. God bless.
