Why Do So Many Call Themselves Christian, Yet Their Lives Don’t Show It?
Have you ever wondered why so many people say they’re Christian, but you don’t really see much difference in how they live compared to anyone else? Maybe you’ve noticed that, even though someone goes to church or celebrates Christian holidays, their daily choices, attitudes, and values don’t seem especially “Christ-like.” If so, you’re not alone. This is a common question, and a lot of it comes down to the difference between what’s called “cultural Christianity” and genuine, personal faith.
Two Ways the Word “Christian” Is Used
Let’s break it down in simple terms:
· Christian Culture: This means that Christian beliefs, values, and traditions have shaped a society. You see this in art, music, holidays, and even in the laws or moral standards of a country. It’s like how Christmas is celebrated widely, even by people who aren’t particularly religious.
· Cultural Christianity: This is when people identify as Christian mainly because it’s part of their family background, social environment, or tradition—not because of a personal relationship with Jesus or a commitment to follow his teachings.
What Is Cultural Christianity?
Cultural Christianity is basically “going through the motions” without really believing deep down. Here’s what that can look like:
· Superficial Identity: Someone says they’re Christian because that’s what their family is, or because that’s what people in their town usually say.
· Social Reasons: They go to church for weddings, funerals, or maybe Christmas and Easter, but faith doesn’t play a big role the rest of the year.
· Mixing In: Their beliefs and actions aren’t much different from everyone else’s—even if those things go against what the Bible teaches. They fit in with culture more than they stand out for their faith.
Minsiter A Francine Green
September 2025
· Picking and Choosing: They like some teachings of Jesus (like loving your neighbor), but skip over the more demanding parts (like self-sacrifice, repentance, or forgiveness).
· Lack of Transformation: Their day-to-day life isn’t really changed by their beliefs. There’s no clear evidence (“fruit”) of living differently because of faith.
What Makes Authentic Christian Faith Different?
Authentic or “biblical” Christianity is about a personal, life-changing relationship with Jesus. It means that believing in Christ actually transforms your priorities, your actions, and the way you treat others. It’s not just a label or a set of traditions—it’s at the core of who you are.
· Personal Faith: Real faith is rooted in trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior, not just following a tradition.
· Repentance and Obedience: Authentic Christians seek to turn away from wrong and live according to Jesus’s teachings—even when it’s hard or unpopular.
· Daily Impact: Their beliefs shape their choices, relationships, and attitudes in everyday life.
Everyday Examples
Here are a few ways to spot the difference:
· Cultural Christian: Goes to church only for big holidays or special events, but faith isn’t a part of daily decisions or conversations.
· Cultural Christian: Respects Jesus as a good teacher, but doesn’t really believe in his miracles or resurrection, and doesn’t try to live out his teachings.
· Cultural Christian: Identifies as Christian because “that’s what I grew up with,” even if they don’t practice the faith or believe the core message of the gospel.
· Authentic Christian: Tries to love others, forgive, show kindness, and make choices based on what Jesus taught—no matter what the culture says.
Why Is “Fruit” Important?
In the Bible, Jesus says you can know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16). That means real faith will show itself in how a person lives. It doesn’t mean Christians are perfect, but there should be some sign that following Jesus is making a real difference.
· If someone claims the label “Christian” but their actions never reflect Christ’s teachings—if there’s no kindness, love, forgiveness, or desire to live God’s way—that’s likely cultural Christianity, not authentic faith.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Just because many people say they’re Christian doesn’t mean they all share the same depth of belief or commitment. Cultural Christianity is widespread, especially in places where being “Christian” is the expected thing. But true Christian faith is more than tradition or identity—it’s a relationship with Jesus that changes you from the inside out.
If you’re looking to understand what real Christianity looks like, look for the “fruit”—the practical evidence of faith in action, not just in words or rituals.
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