Two Christianities (at least). Both use the name Christ

There are (at least) two versions of Christianity. I’m not talking about denominations, theologies, creeds, or anything like that. I’m talking about something different. I don’t have the words to pin on it, so let me describe it.

There’s a version of Christianity that seems most concerned with figuring out how to follow Jesus in terms of trying to follow what he told disciples to be and do. Basic stuff, that is not easy. It usually comes down to love your neighbor. Why? Because in loving your neighbor, you are loving God since your neighbor is made in the image of God. And who is your neighbor? Everyone — friend, enemy, etc. This is the essence of what the kingdom of God, or shalom, is really about. It’s about being in right relationship. It’s invitational. It is a way of living as an individual disciple, but more than that. It is about living in community with others, with creation, and with God. At its core, it’s pretty simple in concept, yet not easy to live into. Which is why we need others who are attempting to practice the way of Jesus — because we really can’t do this journey alone. This version of Christianity recognizes that it is not about being in control, but rather empowering people to thrive and be fully who God calls them to be. It’s about restoration and about moving towards a better and hope-filled future is more in alignment with what God intended. It is about moving towards justice — which is really about communal right relationship and consists in ending cruelty, repairing damage, and moving…