The Internet Home of Matt Boswell, Quaker Pastor and Christian Spirituality Scholar
How do you know you’re a Christian?
Most obviously, you are probably a Christian if you say you are. Who am I to question your self-definition on something like this?
But many Christians do have some standards for what constitutes really being Christian. I have certainly been asked many “litmus test” questions over the years.
Continue reading “Why “Christian” Tells me Nothing About You”
We all know fear. Our fears are crippling. Fear thwarts authenticity. Our ability to act. Our acceptance of ourselves. The quality of our listening. The good we might do. Fear is a constant and looming enemy. One antidote to fear is the virtue of courage.
Courage ought to be a conspicuous virtue in Christians. The linchpin of our faith himself is an exemplar of courage. We may not notice this when we only think of cool, confident, or even stoic Jesus, acting good with relative ease thanks to his God-powers. But when we remember that Jesus was human and likely faced the same kinds of fears that we face, the depth of his courage becomes remarkable. Jesus was really, really brave.
Continue reading “On Courage and Seven Forms of Christian Cowardice”
Should Christians expect our leaders to be virtuous? Absolutely. Whether you lead our country or lead our churches, the burden of virtue ought to be placed upon you. Three reasons for this come to mind.
1. Virtues are more sustainable than promises to constituents, advocacy for causes, or stances on issues.
For one, leadership is so alluring to some that the means—even pandering promises or elaborate deception—justify the ends. Our leaders often tell us what we want to hear to secure their role, maybe even convincing themselves of what they are saying.