Three years ago, I decided to attend the University of Pennsylvania in search of a superior education and exposure to a diverse student body. However, I was not anticipating an environment that would be hostile towards my Christian faith. I often hear the same comments and questions about my faith, many of which include: "Why don't you drink?" "Why do you shove your belief system down our throats?" "Why are you so intolerant?"
Unfortunately, these questions are entirely indicative of the pervasive misunderstanding of true Christianity within our culture.
Christianity is neither about staying sober and not having pre-marital sex, nor is it simply a series of dos and donts that have been passed down through the ages. The New Testament's focus is not on our sinfulness or the things we can and cannot do, but rather about how we can experience freedom and live our lives to the fullest with a divine relationship with our Creator and those around us. I'm not suggesting that moral law is no longer relevant, but that is not the focus of this story.
Refraining from drinking and pre-marital sex does not make me a better person, nor does it bring me into a relationship with God. But don't feel sorry for me or think that I'm missing out by living my life this way. As one who has experienced both sides, I know that the joy I receive from glorifying the Lord far outweighs temporal pleasures.
Like a loving parent, God cares about us and wants the best for our lives, which sometimes involves passing up on things that seem enjoyable at the time. Granted, this decision is not always an easy one, but it is made with the knowledge that He knows what is best for our lives. Christianity is not a set of rules and regulations but a call to experience God.
Christianity is also commonly attacked for shoving its beliefs down other's throats. Yes, Christians attempt to tell others about Christ. However, this is not because we feel superior or desire to pass judgment, but because we believe that the gospel message can save and radically change everything you know, and we desire to share that which has greatly impacted our life with you, only because we care. When Christians share the gospel message, you are not forced to believe anything. The choice is always yours, and in the end, it is not a message of condemnation, but one of hope and love.
Furthermore, the idea that Christianity is less tolerant than other beliefs is entirely false. It is true that Christianity makes moral claims against various behaviors and lifestyles. For example, Christianity recognizes homosexual behavior as sinful (i.e. against God and should not be practiced) and makes a moral claim against it. However, those who support homosexuality claim that calling homosexual behavior sinful is wrong, or that this intolerance is against what is good for society and should not be practiced.
It is important to recognize that both of these claims are associated with right and wrong, but are based on different worldviews. Neither example displays more tolerance. A Christian's worldview, however, is characterized by the belief that truth is discovered, not created, and that there are moral absolutes determined by God, revealed to us in the Bible. As a result, tolerance to the Christians is characterized by accepting others without always agreeing with their beliefs or lifestyle, and embracing people for who they are, not necessarily for what they say or do. Christians believe that an absolute truth does exist, and from this, their entire worldview takes shape.
Christians are not the ignorant, hateful, and boring people they are often portrayed as in today's everything- goes society. They are people who have a passionate relationship with their God and who want others to experience the joy that they have. Yes, Christians may disagree with some commonly held cultural views, but this is not a manifestation of moral superiority. In fact, all Christians recognize their shortcomings, failures, and mistakes. But despite that we have fallen short, God continues to give those who believe an abundant, exciting, and liberating life.
