Today Christine passed along an email that came in through our contact form and I wanted to share it with you because it made me smile. OK, here it is.
So in case there’s any confusion I am a Christian *that’s correct* and a fairly recent one at that. The plan as it is now is for me to be confirmed at Pentecost and be anointed by the oils and all that fun stuff. Yes, thank you, I’m very excited. But none of that is the reason I bring this up. The reason I bring any this up is because, well, a couple of reasons.
First, I find it funny that the thing he’s unsure of (me being a Christian) he’s right about, whereas the thing he seems certain of (me being a “Silicon Valley Type”) well there he couldn’t be more wrong. How anybody mistakes me for a one of those hip Silicon Valley types is a mystery more unfathomable than the incarnation itself. Also, I don’t know who Frank Turek is, but I sincerely hope he isn’t some deranged conspiracy theorist lunatic or anything like that. I always get a little nervous when people say I’m like somebody they know and I don’t know who that person is. But I’ll look him up when I’m done with this and decide then if I should delete the post or not.
Mostly, however, I want to say this. Probably one reason why people aren’t sure what religion I am is my prerogative isn’t to constantly bombard people with what I believe spiritually. Not because I wouldn’t love for everybody to become a Christian, obviously that would feel very warm on my belly if that happened to be the case, but because my approach to Christianity is more like my approach to strength training in how I decide to preach about it. It’s not that I think less of anybody who isn’t a Christian (for most of my life, neither was I), really I just think they’re missing out on something that might do them a lot of good. Well, same with lifting weights. If you’re not into resistance training I’m not going to get down you for it, but I would say you might be leaving something on the table so far as life experiences go. Obviously I get there isn’t much tact in comparing the prospect of eternal salvation to increasing bicep circumference but hopefully you can see what I’m getting at. I don’t want people to look into Christianity for the wrong reasons, is all. I became a Christian after years of atheism because I realized I just never understood what Christianity was about and when I finally took the time to learn about it I was blown away and my life have never been the same, since. That’s all.
– Pat
PS – But at the same time, it’s not like I’ve been shy about any of this. I have all kinds of posts and podcasts (just search around) where I talk about spirituality and religion and my conversion experience. My hope is everybody is able to get in on the conversation at some level, regardless of your religious (or non-religious) affiliation.
After reading some of your posts and listening to some of your podcasts, I am not surprised. As you suggested, you make your religious leanings pretty clear. I liked the section of this post where you describe religion or strength training as “life experiences.” So true!
I think the best way to show someone you’re a Christian is to be a reflection of Jesus Christ. I am so far from perfect but Jesus gives me an example to strive for and the Holy Spirit to help me live a Christ-like life. As cliched as it may sound, some people talk the talk, but not everyone walks the walk. I would hope people don’t say someone’s a Christian because they go to church (although that is good for fellowship and hearing God’s Word), but because they act kind towards others, are merciful, and treat the least of their brethren as they would want to be treated. Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to reading more about your life as a Christian, Pat (in addition to your other content). The beauty of being a Christian is that Biblical principles apply to all walks of life, just as you’ve shown how repetition and resistance applies outside the gym!
“It’s not that I think less of anybody who isn’t a Christian (for most of my life, neither was I), really I just think they’re missing out on something that might do them a lot of good.” This just hits me right there. Such a beautiful line. And I more than 100% have the same thoughts as well.
Pat, honest to goodness, I truly admire your personality and the impact you have on so many people. Your insights and views are something I definitely enjoy listening and learning about. Don’t get me wrong, you do have that Silicon Valley type of vibe and I would see her point on being unsure of your religion. (Although, from me being an avid follower of you — I strongly felt you were.) But I think it’s more of your approach to it, just like you said haha! But at least you’ve set it straight for anyone who’s still confused about it. But I think the strongest impact you’ve made on this post is your humility and all out honestly for what you truly stand for and what you feel, which I think is the best thing I’ve read today. 🙂