I GOT TIME TODAY Episode 1: "Why I Don't Call Myself a Christian"

[@calebcollins7090]

”Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.“ ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

[@4thfugee]

This is a verse I did want to bring up thank you for putting it out there.

[@spiritandtruthkingdomminis9461]

Great dialogue, Taelor! I can directly identify with this "deconstruction". It is a wave that hit me in 2016, and I'll say I'm on the tail end of it. I do believe it's an itch that you should scratch, but please allow me to share some points that will help, as many don't return from this. 1. The term Christian is, of course, a derogatory term. Christ and His disciples were outlaws, all dying horrible deaths except for John, and lived much of their lives on the run. We represent a counter-culture, not a mainstream, and the expectation that we are to be accepted by the mainstream is in no ways biblically correct. I don't need the title Christian as much as you do, but if we live this life, they'll see you as one whether you identify otherwise or not. Also, the term Christian is composed of a person and a suffix. "Christ" and "ian". I'm from the city of Massillon. They call us Massillonians, meaning I'm from, or of Massillon. Christian simply means I'm of or from Christ, which is grammatically correct. Semantics are great, but they often prevail over simplicity. This brings me to my next point. 2. Semantics and the Western mindset. This type of deconstruction often fails because it questions 'Westernism" WHICH WE SHOULD but it's being approached from a thoroughly Westernized point of view. This includes highlighting things like race, politics, and philosophical arguments against the Bible. Westernized Christianity, which you are referring to, is easily distinguished by Christianity abroad, which barely take these things in consideration. I have much more to say, but I humbly recommend looking into the early church, which provides a more effective and free Christianity that I believe we are to model.

[@princezube24]

what was complicated about the term when the text used them? 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

[@4thfugee]

I can see where you are coming from and I appreciate what you had to say. I really appreciate the fact that you mentioned looking at how the faith is practiced in Africa such as Ethiopia because more often than not we forget that all religions originate from the East and with the powerful nation that America became we often forget that Christianity is indeed and North African/Middle Eastern religion in origin. Also I appreciate the music that you and your brother (Christion Grey) have put out over the years as from the music I can tell that you guys throughout life trials actually practice what Christ taught. School of Roses is a classic and Jacob and Judas is on repeat to this day.

[@Oceantaikutsuu]

Hey, I just wanted to tell you that Jacob and Judas is one of the best albums i have ever heard. The vibes are unique.

[@Mrjfwiii]

Well done Taelor Gray !

[@RaynellJamal]

I am mos def looking forward to the next episode and your new project. This is a necessary conversation and I’m sure a lot of Believers & Followers of The Way can relate and identify with everything you said. I know I sure do. Thank you for this and praying for you on this journey! 🙏🏾

[@cordaleglass-readingthebib3625]

Blessings to you, Bro. I commend you for standing on and sharing your come from on this matter. It's certainly debatable as to whether it was an insult to be called a Christian or if it was just stating the facts. If it was meant to be an insult, they could have came up with something that actually hurt! 😆. That's like calling someone a bookworm or nerd. If one ever felt put down by it, they usually come to the point of embracing it because the people calling them that only wished to be as smart or diligent. I, just like you, hate how even the words Christian and Christianity have been abused and wrongfully propagated for social, political, and financial gain. There's such a negative connotation.😢. I, however, still choose to fight for Christian and Christianity to be redeemed, seen in proper light rather than what many wicked powers have made them out to be. If I were ever to disassociate myself from the word Christian or unidentify as such, follower of the Way of Jesus would be a great pick! Keep fighting the good fight of faith, Sir!

[@sonickhable]

My problem with the idea of abandoning the term Christian is that when we get down to it, anything you can claim has been used negatively in history. Heck as an American it's clear that our nationality is seen negatively in other places. Does that mean we can just abandon the term whole still living in the same area? I don't think so. The same is with Christianity. Not that i am putting the two on equal levels but the point still stands

[@rsr1995]

I find it interesting that both the term Christian and the concept of The Way are both controversial. Christianity as an institution, being controversial because of its oppresive nature, and The Way being controversial because it dares states that there is 💥A💥 way to move through and be in the world. In a society where Autonomy is god, The Way has some nerve. And yet, it still is. And will be.

[@ChristsKid79]

I appreciate your transparency as a man and as a leader. I do have a question; in your deconstruction journey, who is Jesus to you?

[@jonahjohnston8940]

this was really helpful. could we get some sources or resources that have helped you start to reform some of what you shared? Books? Articles? Scriptures etc…

[@SenecaTyree]

Thank you for your sharing your thoughts. Can you explain and share your source as to where it states that the term “Christian” was used as an offensive slur? Thank you.

[@bigswisschh]

What are your thoughts on the doctrine of election?

[@troygause7596]

What sources do you have that shows the term Christian was an insult?

[@griffenyyoung9163]

Thank you for this.

[@b-the-creativeartist5825]

christ.....christos in greek.....messiah in hebrew means anointed one.....jesus the christ......who do people say i am

[@blessedcorey]

💯💯

[@xeroforhire]

This is simultaneously incredibly intelligent and short-sighted at the same time. I'd love to see a reiteration of the same ideas when they are not being influenced by Marxist thinking