Christianity, a religion with over 2,000 years of history and millions of followers, centers on Jesus Christ, his sacrifice, and forgiveness. However, recently, the focus has shifted from these core beliefs to the moral values associated with Christianity. This “moralism” emphasizes good deeds as the ultimate goal, which can overshadow the true essence of the faith.
As a Christian, I often encounter appreciation for the kindness, love, and integrity our faith promotes. While these are admirable qualities, Christianity isn’t primarily about moral codes. Here’s why:
- Morality vs. Our Nature: Our natural tendencies often contradict moral behavior. It’s hard to believe we, as humans, invented a system we frequently violate. This suggests a higher source for morality, perhaps something divine.
- Moral Limitations: We might cling to moralism to feel worthy, evident in social justice movements and “cancel culture.” However, achieving absolute morality is impossible, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-created moral standards (“relativism”). This ultimately creates despair, as we fall short of our own expectations.
- Moral Absolutes and Christianity: Here’s where Christianity steps in. Moralism, in its function within Christianity, reveals our inability to attain divinity. This reflects the story of Adam and Eve, desiring to “be like God.”
Moral principles, then, serve as a tool. They show us we’re not divine but accountable to God, the author of morality. Recognizing this allows God to be God – exercising justice, mercy, and love in the face of our shortcomings.
We are created for salvation by God, not by attaining a self-made moral perfection. This is why God sent Jesus, the only one with the moral standing to face God’s punishment for our failings.
Morality: The Fruit, Not the Root
Morality is undeniably important for society, and Christians often play a vital role in upholding it. However, it’s not the core of the Christian message. It’s the fruit – the result of a life transformed by faith. The core message is the realization of our need for a savior, leading us to place our faith in Jesus Christ.
This message isn’t new, but it’s important to remember it. Romans 7 delves deeper into this concept. Understanding it helps us avoid seeing Christianity as a rulebook and instead, a faith based on love for Christ.
Sharing this message is a way for me to stay active in my faith and remember why I believe. It’s a reminder of God’s grace and the importance of faith.
Note: This is a streamlined version of the original article. I used Gemini (Google’s AI chatbot) for editing (and some rewriting) just to save me some time. I think this is an important discussion and so I want it to come across well and clearly at that. It’s still says what I want to say (and how I want to say it). I hope this version is more engaging and easier to read.