This question came to me on a recent trip to India. Starting in Amritsar, we visited Sikh, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist places of worship, within the first 2 or 3 days. These religions all have aspects that I greatly admire, why then, Christianity? Of course, this is the religion I have been involved in since the age of 5, but surely there is something more than habit and familiarity involved here.
I see Christianity as a religion, not so much of The Book, as of a person, Jesus Christ. In my life, I have engaged with people in all sorts of problem situations. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to be part of the solution but mostly, any value I have added has come from being with the sufferer. Similarly in my darkest times, people have rarely been able to solve my troubles but they have enabled me to “come through,” by being with me.
Christianity is a religion which seeks God on the edge. In “The last Week”, Borg and Crossan point out that 2 processions entered Jerusalem on a spring day in the year 30CE. One was a peasant procession, led by an eccentric, nomadic teacher, riding a donkey and waving palm leaves. The second was led by Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, demonstrating Roman Imperial power and Roman Imperial theology. I have always wanted to be on the side of vulnerability, because I have always found that is where the most profound insights come.
I wonder why you are a Christian? I am sure there will be many different answers. Whatever they are let us join, on this Pentecost Sunday, in celebrating the birthday of Christianity and wondering at the strength that came from the diversity of that first occasion.
Wendy Quill
