Faith without Theatrics

Faith in its purest form was that evidenced whilst Christ was on Earth (2000 yrs ago), and later in first-century believers. But as the Apostles died—whether by natural causes or martyrdom—the church began to function through faithful men and women led by the Holy Spirit.

They say "history was written by the victors". In which case Christian history is remembered through the Catholic church. Yet their legacy includes not only expansion but also persecution—remembered by many as "Christians" persecuting other Christians.

From a biblical perspective, many believers view history differently than secular historians. Historical church records outside of Catholic sources show that, before Constantine, Christians were primarily persecuted by the Roman Empire. Later, Reformation accounts emphasize that once Christianity became intertwined with Roman imperial power and Catholic tradition, Catholics themselves persecuted other Christians and those who opposed their system. (Shelley, 1995; Carroll, 1931)

These same historians also highlight another thread of Christian history: a line of faithful believers existing alongside the Catholic church, persevering under persecution while maintaining a purer doctrine. (The Waldenses, and the Ana Baptist)

Those who left the Catholic Church, known as the Reformers (e.g., Protestants), sought a purer doctrine, though each brought their own interpretations and errors. Within Protestantism, two major theological streams are Arminianism and Calvinism. Other traditions exist as well. Calvinism represents one of these streams.

The Baptist Church (IFB), however, rejects both systems, embracing a biblical, baptistic stance. (A pure doctrine)

Looking at today, I see many movements within Christianity that appear aggressive, theatrical, or overly focused on honor. Yet our call as Christians is to remain steadfast and unmovable in the faith—like the Anabaptist, who lived out their convictions before the rise of the Baptist faith (last 400 yrs).

Now, influences from both inside and outside the church are shifting the very core values of Christianity, undermining the precepts Jesus left us to follow.

Our call is not to force or to bend, but to press forward in faith—standing firm against opposition and remaining steadfast in Christ. As Jesus said: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

This simple statement still clarifies how we navigate Christian faith in a secular—and increasingly apostate—world.

So we must ask ourselves:

• When Christians stand for truth but do so with aggression, is that still Christian faith?

• When Christians honor and glorify themselves more than Christ, is that still Christian faith?

• When Christians rely on theatrics instead of living out pure doctrine, is that still Christian faith?