Christianity Does Not Exist

I did not come to you with superior speech or wisdom. I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. – 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (adapted) 

Christianity does not exist. We’ve never had a Christianity. We have always had christianities. At no point was Christianity singular, unified and monolithic. Even Jesus’ disciples couldn’t agree on very much.  

Today, different christianities come with very different—and often very divergent—theologies, values, vernaculars, and practices. Progressive Christians appear to be practicing a different religion than evangelicals who are different from Pentecostals who are distinct from Orthodox Christians who are unlike Catholics who are a far cry from Mormons. Further, there might be as many christianities as there are Christians. 

Thinking one’s own beliefs or tradition superior to others is a common tribalist trap that I have fallen into. I mean, it’s hard to walk humbly when you are part of the greatest denomination on earth.  

What is the common core for all Christians and christianities? I think Paul nailed it when he said, “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Resurrection, soteriology, ecclesiology, etc. did not make the cut.  

We won’t agree on what the cross means or what happened next, but the foot of the cross is our common ground. There, no one will boast, use superior speech, or argue about the “right” way as he hangs above us, asking why God has abandoned him and for God to forgive us.      

Prayer
In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity. May it be so.

About the Author
Matt Laney is co-Pastor of Virginia Highland Church UCC in Atlanta, GA and the author of Pride Wars, a fantasy series published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers. The first two books, The Spinner Prince and The Four Guardians are available now.