“As far as the real Edsel is concerned,” Ben said, “I must say I love it and hate it at the same time. Love it because not everyone likes it. It’s a car that stands out in a crowd — a car that only certain people can love. I want everyone to like the Edsel, but I’d somehow be disappointed if they all did. Do you know what I mean?” Saint Ben p. 193
I think I know what he means. I sometimes feel this way about Christianity. I want everyone to be a Christian, but I’d somehow be disappointed if they all were. Not that I don’t want everyone to be saved, or I don’t want God’s grace for everyone. It’s just that it would somehow cast doubt on the sincerity of everyone’s faith if everyone were a Christian. It would make you wonder if something other than following Christ was making people “Christian.”
Estimates from 2021 suggest that 63% of the US population is Christian (about 210 million). That’s enough people to sway an election. Indeed, Christians were a major factor in the last few. Which raises questions about motivation. Are politicians caring about votes? Are they appealing to Christian “causes” for political reasons? Are Christians caring about following Jesus or are they more interested in making an impact on culture?
Wouldn’t you wonder about that many people becoming a target for certain products, votes and social causes? If it’s culturally or economically advantageous to be a Christian, one has to wonder about how that fits with Jesus’ teaching about giving up one’s life, taking up one’s cross and following Him. Jesus gave every indication that becoming a disciple of His was going to be a costly decision. He said some would lose their lives.
Ben feels strongly about the Edsel. He seems to think that it’s car that stands out in a crowd — a car that only certain people can love. Somehow I think it might be the same with Jesus Christ and true Christianity.
And don’t forget to join us when we Go Live at noon today (PDT) for the next reading of Saint Ben. Be a part of this live audiobook with discussion to follow.
(Click on the picture of Ben to link to our zoom room.)
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