Why the Essence of Christianity Depends on Christ
Christianity, at its very core, is built upon the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The word “Christian” itself denotes a follower of Christ. Yet, in today’s world, there is a growing tendency to dilute or even remove the centrality of Christ from Christian beliefs and practices. This trend poses significant dangers to both individuals and the broader faith community.
Loss of True Identity
Removing Christ from Christian practice undermines the very foundation of what it means to be a Christian. Without Christ, Christianity loses its unique identity and becomes just another moral or philosophical system. The teachings of Jesus—love, forgiveness, compassion, and sacrificial living—define the Christian ethos. Detaching from Christ leads to confusion about what the faith stands for and who its followers are meant to emulate.
Empty Rituals and Superficial Morality
When Christ is sidelined, religious rituals and moral rules risk becoming empty traditions with no deeper meaning. Christian practices such as prayer, worship, and service are rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus. Without this connection, these acts can devolve into mere habits or social customs, lacking the transformative power that authentic faith provides.
Loss of Hope and Redemption
A core promise of Christianity is redemption and hope through Christ. His sacrifice and resurrection offer believers forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life. Removing Christ from the equation strips away this hope, leaving believers without the spiritual resources needed to face life’s challenges, guilt, and uncertainties.
Division and Confusion
Shifting the focus away from Christ can lead to division within the Christian community. Different groups may emphasize various aspects of religion—social justice, tradition, or personal development—while neglecting the person and work of Jesus. Such fragmentation can erode unity and create confusion about what it truly means to be a Christian.
The Call to Keep Christ Central
To safeguard the integrity and vitality of Christianity, Christ must remain central in all aspects of faith—beliefs, practices, and daily living. Christians are called not just to admire Jesus, but to follow Him, embody His teachings, and rely on His grace. By keeping Christ at the heart of Christianity, believers can maintain a faith that is authentic, powerful, and transformative.
In conclusion, taking Christ out of Christian is not simply a theological error—it is a profound loss that can diminish the meaning, purpose, and hope that the Christian faith offers. To remain true to the calling of Christianity, Christ must always be at the center.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 