“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Those words were written around 1594 by William Shakespeare in his play, Romeo and Juliet. We might say that Shakespeare’s point is that one’s character and essence are not determined by the name one is called.
Around A.D. 64, the Apostle Peter wrote these words: “But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name.” (1 Peter 4:16, Amplified Bible)
This is one of only 3 times the word “Christian” is used in the New Testament. Christ-followers did not originate or use the term. It was a term of contempt, as if to say, “Oh, you are one of THOSE.” Those “little Christ’s” … Those followers of that strange new religion started by that crazy teacher from Nazareth …
The term “Christian” in our culture may be a term of contempt by those who are antagonistic toward our faith. It may also be more of an indicator of a person’s worldview of choice more than their actual faith commitment (Christian as opposed to Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc). It may also be an indicator of a kind of faith that I recently heard William Lane Craig describe as “moralistic therapeutic Deism” (My faith in God makes me feel good about being nice and caring for my fellow man, but don’t ask me to stand firm on a costly commitment to Jesus Christ).
Here’s a hard truth: What we are called is not nearly as important as whose name and character we reveal. Call yourself “Christian,” “Christ-follower,” “Disciple,” or make up something new; one who reveals the character, essence, and indwelling presence of Christ, by any name, still looks like Jesus.
Question: What is your preferred term for one who is a true follower of Christ?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your perspective.
