What kind of shame do we hold because of things we’ve been taught we have done “wrong,” or because of parts of our life we’ve been told are “wrong”? Though many in the church hold to his lineage, Jonathan Edwards’ approach to condemning humanity as beyond God’s love is not only wrong, it’s unBiblical. There is a more faithful, scripturally attuned invitation for us as the Body of Christ.

Rachel Held Evans states, “Certainty isn’t faith.” The life of the disciple Simon Peter gives us a great example of how a life of following Jesus doesn’t have to be marked with clear knowledge, perfect discipline, or unquestionable faith. Instead of having to be a Biblical know-it-all, Christ simply calls us to follow.

“Why are you a Christian?” This is the opening question in Rachel Held Evans book, Wholehearted Faith. How would you answer this? It is because of the people around you who invited you to church or encouraged you in the faith? Or is it because of the witnes of God’s love seen in Christ? Why are YOU a Christian?