Labels

The first thing he told me during our conversation about the political and social issues facing America was, “I’m a Methodist.”

To be fair, he is not the first person I’ve ever spoken with who made certain I knew his or her religious affiliation. And you’ve probably heard it, too; Maybe even said it: “I’m a Southern Baptist.” “I’m a Presbyterian.” “I’m a Catholic.” “I’m a Pentecostal.” “I’m a Lutheran.” “I’m a . . . . “

I sometimes get weary of the denominational labels. Why can’t Christians say simply, “I’m a Christian”? And if we really feel impelled to self-identify with a denominational label, why not, “I’m a Christian who happens to be a Methodist . . . or a Baptist . . . or a Lutheran . . . or a Catholic . . . or a . . . . .?

Unless Christ really is that divided.