Chickens, Jesus, and Tofu

"Christians annoy people for the same reasons that vegans do." The comment, made well past midnight by an intelligent, agnostic friend of mine was followed by a round of laughs and another of beers. It struck my mind and hasn't let it go.

(Please bear in mind, this is not ALL Christians, nor ALL vegans. The majority of both are lovely. Unfortunately, as with all things, there is always a minority of any group that represents extremes and happens, usually, to be the most vocal.)

You see, it's not that people are annoyed at the idea of Christianity. Most people seem genuinely open to its principles. Likewise, abstaining from bacon because you are morally convicted by the pain of a living creature exemplifies a conviction that most logical humans would gladly support. 

We often appreciate the vegan's perspective, fervor, and ability to hold to his/her commitment. We may even adopt these ourselves in time. The problem is perception. Some carry with them a kind of righteous superiority that alienates most people from their hearing. They may be vocal in their disgust, unyielding in conversation, and seem to forget that MOST people these days eat animal products (or at least their surprise at its consumption is ever fresh). Christians have a similar reputation. (Granted with more historical instances of abuse). A person may agree with the concepts of Christianity while being turned off by its delivery. And is it not a foolish failing of Christ followers that the ultimate lifestyle of forgiveness, love, growth, compassion, and selflessness should be packaged in the same carelessly zealous manner as a favorite football team, a political party, or a diet choice?

Why must we react with such lack of empathy and warmth when we discover the sins of other humans, when we are only able to overcome our own vices through the gift of self-control we choose to embrace under the mantle of Jesus' example? No vegan was won by another vegan's judgment or compulsion. They may, however, have been won by seeing the pain of abused creatures and were at a point in life where they were ready to receive that message. Or a point in life where tofu seemed more palatable than it once did.

No Christ follower should, then, be shocked if the approach of "elect condemning the guilty" also fails to attract. (One of the downfalls of extreme Calvinism). For were we not won to Christ through revelation of the pain resulting from our own sin - and also the joy of forgiveness? Truly, we cannot spread this grace of Christ if we never speak of it, but let's please take off this silly packaging.

Let's not make our theology about how great we are that we don't eat eggs and how horrible you are for eating them and oh don't you know it's quite terrible what they do to chickens and hey let's go not eat eggs together! The common man or woman will look at you as though you'd gone mad. I know I for one would completely dismiss you, as I quite like eggs and if you don't want to eat them that's your prerogative, but don't go round bossing me about my own damn eggs. IF you, however, kindly educate me on the plight of the chicken penned with hundreds of others, injected with harmful chemicals, and made to live in its own feces solely to pop out an unnatural number of sub-par eggs? Ah, now that is where you have my attention.

So we can see how to anyone else, the first approach as applied to Christianity is about as bonkers as bossing a chap about what he eats on his toast. The second approach acknowledges, with kindness, that people do not really care what strangers have to say about their lifestyle...until they know why you care.  

The only solid approach is example. That is why Jesus rang so truly for humankind. He did not just speak - he practiced what he preached. He also asked his disciples (and, by proxy, us) to do the same. He spoke in parables to give example. He gave his life to give example. His entire ministry was about showing love. So then should we. Show people something they want to have - be the example of peace, of compassion, of grace, and also of truth. Know the word, then show the word. 

Show your co-workers why they should want to follow Christ just as much as you do. Show your friends how a lifestyle of love, selflessness, and righteousness can be as rewarding and noble as a lifestyle of food that harms no living creature. I believe we can.

Show the world how delicious tofu can be.