What Christianity IS…and What it ISN'T

Many people have a very distorted picture of Christianity. In our media, Christians are often portrayed as wild-eyed fanatics who refuse to let their children be treated in a hospital. In the press, Christians and Christian causes are usually portrayed as prejudiced and backward. Even our political institutions hold a misguided perception that Christianity is merely a front for right-wing extremists. All of this is sad because misperceptions like these can keep us from the most important and exciting adventure of a lifetime. I'm glad to say that real Christianity isn't about any of those things - not even close!

What Christianity ISN'T:
Christianity isn't a list of stuffy "do's and don'ts". The Christian lifestyle isn't dull, unexciting or unfulfilling. God isn't a stern taskmaster that never allows anyone to have fun (Jesus loved parties!). It isn't only for white-haired old folks sitting in a nursing home who don't have a clue about what's going on in the world today. It certainly isn't about being judgmental nor is it about forcing everyone to believe the same thing down to the minutest detail. Christianity isn't about politics and power. So what is it about? Read on!

What Christianity IS:
Christianity is far from dull - it is the adventure of a lifetime (and beyond!) - fully engaging our minds, bodies and spirits. What could possibly be more exciting than being loved and guided by the very Creator of the universe!?! What could possibly be more intellectually engaging than exploring the very mind of the Supreme Intellect in the universe?! What could possibly give life more meaning than gaining an understanding your purpose and reason for being?!

Christian faith is about restoring our relationship with God, a relationship that has been destroyed by our rebellious human nature. The problem all along with us humans has been our sinful nature. Our tendency to go our own way has caused us to move away from God and this separation is the root cause of the turmoil in our own lives and in our relationships with other people. God knows that on our own we can't fix this. He knows we could never measure up to His perfect standard for our lives. He Himself had to provide the means for us to find our way back to Him. Because He loves us so much, He sent us His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment we deserved for the sin that separates us from Him. How we respond to this demonstration of God's love reveals much about our own heart. The only proper response of course, is to love Him in return, and to love others as God loves them. Once found, this love makes all the difference! It brings a peace beyond comprehension. It heals our relationships with others and it fills our hearts with joy as we come to understand that these gifts aren't just for this life only, but are ours to enjoy for all eternity!

At Vineyard Hills Christian Church, you will find people who have experienced the transforming power of this love first hand. We are united by our belief in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith but we also recognize and revere the freedom God grants us to differ in love on non-essential things. A church should only require of believers what Jesus requires - nothing more and nothing less. Faith doesn't require us to put our brains in neutral or to agree about everything - far from it! Lively debates about the nature of God are part of what makes our faith intellectually stimulating. But Jesus does require us to love one another, to live in unity and peace and to grow in knowledge of His will for our lives.

If you have questions about Christianity, about becoming a Christian, or if you think you have a wrong conception of what Christianity is all about, we invite you to Vineyard Hills Christian Church to discover the truth for yourself!