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WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY?

A number of years ago, in preparation for a discussion period on a Christian radio program, an interviewer went into the streets of Philadelphia to ask people this question: "What is Christianity." The answers were surprising.

Some said that Christianity is "the American way of life." Others called it "an organization." It was "an ethic." One man termed Christianity "a tool used by capitalists to repress the poor."

When the interviewer tried to help the people by asking, "And who is Jesus Christ?" the answers were even more outlandish. He was called "pure essence of energy," "a good man," "our leader." Many replied, "I am not sure...I just don’t know."

(Source: James Montgomery Boice, The Epistles of John: An Expositional Commentary, (Baker Books: 1979), p. 20. From a sermon by Douglas Turner, "Christianity 101")

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