I've been telling my fellow intern Jay Bennett for months now that I no longer embrace the label "evangelical". This isn't because I'm not an evangelical in some sense. It's because the term, which frankly has no claim on me, has become quite meaningless in our culture, particularly in our western culture. Any phrase that the general public associated with Jerry Falwell isn't a phrase I'm anxious to embrace. I could make a bunch of noise about not abdicating the ownership of the phrase. But why? This label has never enjoyed any sort of solidarity of meaning in either a global or a historical sense. Even within the confines of the 20 century its meaning changed from decade to decade and culture to culture.So I am now choosing to identify myself as a classical Christian. This has several advantages. First, applying the term "classical" to anything places you in the default position of legitimate claim to heritage and sound pedigree (ok...that was a bit tongue-in-cheek). Second, this is not a phrase that the press or the public has latched onto and adulterated. This leaves me in the enviable position of being free to define it however I please. As such, I define it as the faith that has been passed down from the apostles through Augustine, Calvin and Edwards among others. It embraces the creeds. Isn't afraid to be confessional. Expresses itself through ordered worship that is biblical, deeply historical, and sacramental. Confesses Christ at the center of all things (not a technical definition of inerrancy that is of little use in pastoral soul care). Confesses that Scripture is the authoritative Word of God written. Places an appropriate biblical emphasis on community and its place in salvation, from justification to sanctification to glorification. Will not overlook sin in its members, but is not legalistic in its pastoral approach. Believes that God will be faithful to his church through their quiet and humble obedience, not the latest church fad. Encourages its pastors to be shepherds, not CEOs. Believes its pastors should be theologically and biblically trained and tested and determined to protect the sheep from unsound doctrine before being given the keys to the fold.
These are a few of the things I mean when I say I am a classical Christian. I look back through history and I see such Christians represented in every age. When the person next to me on my next airline ride asks me about my faith, I'll say I am a classical Christian. I worship in the PCA, but I am not schismatic. I belong to the body of Christ, which is expressed with great creativity throughout His Kingdom and throughout this age. My heritage doesn't end with Luther. Nor is it confined in recent years to a few politically active preachers. The Christianity portrayed by the press is a mess and I don't recognize it at all. Therefore, I won't use the label they have given it: evangelical. Instead, I'll simply respond, "I'm a classical Christian." Then instead of spending the next ten minutes apologizing for something I'm not, I can spend that time explaining what I am and how I got to be that way. Wow...now I'm looking forward to that next conversation!
