One of the comments I get most often from those who consider themselves Christians is that they “follow Christ”, not “the Bible”. The focus is to “love thy neighbor” as primary, if not their singular, stated, but not always practiced, life goal. This desire does not require much in the way of church attendance, nor does it need to include the reading of God’s Word. It does not have to reconcile Scriptural discrepancies and, perhaps most convenient, it allows the “Christian” to ignore all passages which might conflict with their ability to meld with changing social norms. This includes pesky issues like pro-life, gay lifestyles, multiple paths to Heaven, Biblical inerrancy, etc. Further, one can choose when to call themselves a Christian when “fellowshipping” with other “believers”. But, can keep silent when it is more practical to hide that religious designation in the interest of “loving the lost”. Their theology still encompasses all the positive aspects of their faith, such as going to Heaven, God’s love is the source of their love for others, and that the Holy Spirit is their guide to life’s challenges.
