Thus, it is written that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Luke 24:46&47
Dear members and friends,
There were many witnesses to the event of Jesus Christ as experiential listeners and observers to his actions and messages. Among those, there were those who risked their lives to share the core messages of Jesus with others, because they believed in him and his message of love, forgiveness, and unity.
About 100 years later, the Christian movement became the most influential religious movement not only within the Roman Empire, but also in the surrounding nations. Then, Christians suddenly found themselves being accused of many serious matters such as atheism (they rejected Roman gods), cannibalism (caused by misunderstanding of communion), immorality, harm to society, irrationality, and more. They felt a strong need to defend themselves and explain who they really were and why they practice their religion. There arose a number of early Christian apologists such as Justin Martyr (100-165 CE), Tertullian (155-220 CE), Origen (185-253 CE), etc. Justin insisted that Christianity is the true philosophy; Tertullian argued that Christians were loyal subjects of the Empire, but refused to worship false gods; Origen defended that Christians practiced a reasonable philosophy rooted in the ancient Jewish Scriptures and they were beneficial to society by living virtuous and charitable lives. In the end, Christians performing acts of charity eventually won over the minds of people.
In a way, I feel that we may be living in a time when and where Christians are challenged, yet again, to explain what we mean by being a Christian and to show in our lives what we believe. Being religious has never been about simply gaining membership to an institution or joining a community for its own sake. Rather, being religious has a lot more to do with one’s belief, values, and a way of life that is in accord with one’s principles.
My brothers and sisters in God, let us take a good moment of time this week, and reflect on one question, “What do I mean by being a Christian?” May the presence of our loving God guide you and lead you to the light.
Blessings, Rev. Junchol Lee