Why I'm an Orphaned Believer. And Maybe you are, Too.
Maybe my experience is similar to yours, or you’re curious to know more about what I mean when I say Orphaned Believers. I’m thinking of three things:
1. Orphaned Believers are Cultural Orphans
We’re Christians in a middle space: we might be politically progressive, moderate, or conservative, but we joined together in full opposition to the Trump presidency and its long-lasting implications for the American Church. Yet we’re often alienated in our pursuit of Jesus in a moment when many people equate identifying as a Christian as archaic, anti-intellectual, and supporting dominant culture and God and Country nationalism.
2. Orphaned Believers are Spiritual Orphans
We may also be orphaned from our parents’ faith. I’m writing about how 80s and 90s culture wars, consumerism, end times subculture and the white, suburban church influenced my faith. Many of us have been wounded by certain elements of our upbringing, for a lot of reasons. Yet while we’ve had to grapple with these experiences and influences, we remain inspired by—and live our lives centered on—the gospel story.
3. Sometimes, we Experience a Dual Orphaning
Some of us have had a double orphaning: from church culture—reeling from nationalism, racism, and sexism—but also in broader culture, where following Jesus costs social capital and does little for personal brand. We’re folks who live in a middle space, and tend feel out of place in the Bible Belt's cultural Christianity, or are often the only Christian in the room in progressive spaces.
Beyond solidarity, what does it mean if this describes me? What work is there to do?
Reclaim the Word Christian
When we only define what we’re estranged from, it’s not enough. In the end, a sort-of Christianity falls flat, and a nostalgic Christianity becomes a memory instead of a living framework of love and restoration.
Christianity is older, bigger, and more diverse than our present reality in the United States. Christianity is a big tent beyond American politics, and we need to speak up and say: I am here. That begins by re-claiming the word Christian. Because dropping our claim of the word “Christian” essentially allows conspiracy theorists and white supremacists to own that real estate.
Reform the Church from Within
Orphaned Believers work to reform the capitol-C church, because it's the people with consciences that cry out who create change. People like you.
To change the Church, two things need to happen. First—if it’s safe for you to do this work—we can stay and persist. Second, church leaders have to want change, shift power, and bring all to the light. I remain convinced the Church remains our best hope. Because she’s what Christ left us with.
Show Up
Reclaiming unifying language and reforming the Church carries little lasting meaning if we do not center our lives on service. As we read in James: faith without works is dead. The great joy of our faith is lifting each other up, loving each other well, and showing up for each other in the ordinary hard of life. As Mother Theresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
We bear witness to Christ’s work in the world when we fight for racial justice, reparations, equal pay for women, clean water, an abolishment of the death penalty, gun control, and any other systemic reform that lifts up the sidelined and brings flourishing.
Move Towards, and not Away, from Jesus
Many of us remain convinced Jesus wasn’t only a good prophet, a historical figure, or a crucified refugee. We're believe because, in spite of our doubts, our lives have been changed and hearts softened by the gospel. Whether we’re orphaned spiritually, culturally, or both, the Christian story is ours. And it’s worth it.