Why Christians Should and Should Not Fear the Label "Christian"
A few semesters ago (I have now graduated), I took an awesome class entitled “Envisioning Blackness.” Though I had no idea what I was to get out of this course (I really took it because the final was a 15-page paper and not a test), I am very happy I did. In every class, our discussions surrounded one central question: “What is black art?” We look at everything from old European paintings with “black subjects,” listened to contemporary music by musicians who were black culturally and ethnically (yes, we even discussed the Justin Timberlakes and Christian Aguileras of today), watched shows like Awkward Black Girl, performance art, galleries, and even a piece called “Rock Fan” by David Hammons that caused so much excitement on my very own campus. I truly believe my professor wanted to push us to ask what makes “black art” black? Is it the person creating the art or the subject of the art?
And that seems to be the question that is circulating now, and has been for some time: what makes something “Christian art”? The person creating it or the art itself? I, too, have asked, answered, and grappled with this question—many times. Before I tell you my understanding (stance, opinion, whatever you want to call it) of the subject, let me present some background on the word “Christian.”
Chris·tian. noun. \ˈkris-chən, ˈkrish-\
: a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Etymology: Greek christianos, from Chistos
Everything’s all good right?
The term stems from the Greek translation of the Hebrew term that means Messiah. Without all of the fluff that 2,000 plus years of man’s ideas of “church,” Christian literally meant “Christ-ones,” “little Christs,” or “Christ-followers.” It was a term placed on believers and followers of Jesus, almost as a slur or mockery (similar to what was written on the cross under Jesus, see Luke 23:38). It was a name to separate those following Jesus from those who didn’t, as if saying, “Those people following their Messiah.” In those early days, followers of Christ Jesus called each other “saints,” “believers,” or “brothers and sisters.” The term “Christian” only appears in the Bible 3 times: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. I have not encountered a time when they referred to anything they did as being “Christian” and “Christianity” was not—and still is not—a religion (as is defined in common terms). [See all of Paul’s salutations in his letters to the Church.] As for people today, the definition of Christian is still the same. I would argue that the connotations are still here, too. The only thing that has changed is that we believers now call ourselves Christian.
And here’s where things get fuzzy. If someone is Christian, then should what he or she does be labeled Christian too?
It’s this need to label everything, or even defend it. Almost every time I’ve bumped P.O.D. or Gospel Gangstaz or Underoath, I’ve always been questioned as to why I was listening to such music, with me being Christian and all (though sometimes it was not always said with such an attitude). For some time, until I actually took a step back and wrote this post, I would tell my friends who were Christian, “…but they’re Christian, though,” meaning “don’t worry about the sound, they’re still talking about Jesus.” The thing is you’ll a tough time finding albums by artists like them on any Christian bookstore shelf.
Take Lecrae for example, since he is one of the most popular names in music right now, especially when it comes to this subject. Why is it that he wins a Grammy for Best Gospel Album after being nominated twice, especially since he’s a rapper (and talented at that)? Why is it that he gets invited to do cyphers and such on BET, but has yet to win a BET Award?
All the time now, it’s been this question of “Christian hip-hop,” almost trying to prove that art done by Christians is not done with excellence and cannot compare to popular music. And then people are almost shocked when you find Reach Records, Humble Beast, and Lamp Mode (to name a few popular labels) artists are at the top of iTunes popular albums and even Billboard charts. But that’s what I don’t understand. Why would I serve the Creator Elohim and not want to give Him what is excellent?
Or is it the fact that one might encounter Jesus in a real way while one enjoys the art that keeps people labeling? “Christian” as a label for art has become synonymous with a “Do Not Touch” or “Only for Christians” sign.
However, let’s look at 1 Peter 4:16, one of the biblical texts that uses the term “Christian”—
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (NIV)
The thing is, artists like Underoath, P.O.D., Lecrae, and even myself are never going to fit in any one category. All people who follow Christ were meant to break the mold and not fit in. We were meant to be different and defy the norm, just like Jesus our Savior. Jesus, the One who came here for everyone. Therefore, the artwork they do should break the mold also and be for everyone to listen and access. But because of what these artists profess and the content of their work, people will forever refer to it with an adjective “Christian” and not the noun “Christian,” even if the artists themselves say their work is not only for Christians.
To be honest, I don’t call my artwork Christian. Yes, I do believe and follow Jesus the Christ. My life is meant to show the goodness and love of He who created me. When you see me, you see a whole lot of grace. So when you read my stories, whether or not the names Jesus, God, or Christ are explicitly stated, they are all about His grace, mercy, and truth and how very practical, real, and necessary they are to everyday life.
So allow me to introduce myself again: My name is Nykeah. Call me Nyke. I am a woman who loves and serves YHWH, the God of the covenant and God of Israel. If you call me a Christian, I’ll accept it. But I write therapy; you read hope. You may call it a Christian short story, or a Christian novel, or Christian fan fiction. To me, it’s life in art; art imitating life. I am both an American and black, with all of the wonderful mixes that is and the great heritage that comes along with it. I love people. It is my pleasure to meet you.
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