*TRIGGER WARNING: Swings are made. Even if disagreed with, even if it’s a bit off-based, that’s fine. The questions that arise from this is what matters.
“The church has lost her testimony. She no longer is of any consequence. She has become an impertinence in the world. The prophet of God is a man who brings the truth of God to bear upon all situations.”
— A.W. Tozer
Christian Mutts in Search of Faith
I’ve been a mutt of the Christian world—my blended family went to a Baptist church, then shuffled to the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and my high school social group was a blend of charismatics, Pentecostals, and Orthodox. I enrolled in a Restoration Bible college (Boise Bible College) while working for an independent Baptist church and taking some classes at BSU. Then circled back to work for the C&MA. When that didn’t work out, I ended up in a church one step away from the Restoration movement. It’s been 7 years since the calling to plant a church ended my vocational ministry.
After seven years of drinking, recovery, and wrestling with my faith, I resemble more of a mad scientist’s creation—a hybrid of every theological tradition touched and none at the same time…maybe how Paul felt when he said, “I have become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22). As soon as sobriety stuck in my second rehab, I was reading again. It was constant studying everywhere I was and from everywhere I could.
But being everywhere often feels like belonging nowhere (Seneca). This can happen when we focus on everything outside of our being or when we completely focus on our being – they’re the same thing. For me, it was trying to understand everything outside of me so I could make everything outside understand me. In Christendom, there’s a temptation to be everything for everyone, rather than just being with them – I’d suggest it’s the latter that “church,” “discipleship,” and “faith” are found. I’ve always felt that Truth was a universal human experience and, as such, something true for one person, in some capacity, holds some relatable truth for all humans, even if just subjectively. This is kind of like realizing that we all have the capacity of all humanity within us (Christians may think of this as Original Sin or Total Depravity but it’s inverted).
I overthink thinking—and like to think about overthinking and non-thinking. Fitting neatly into any single group has always been a struggle. Plenty of this was just toxic individuality and needing to understand everything. A lot of it, though, has been about how we view this world and how we think. A lot of it was about the world’s toxic individuality.
For too long I thought my struggles were somehow more, greater, or special compared to others – they were just mine and a narrative I had to dismantle. Every human has a brain and can only live one story. Every single human has a profoundly deep, rich assortment of variables and scenarios that make their story objectively the most unique story they will ever know. Yours is the one you not only know best, but it is the inner story that you filter through all other stories through first.
When my faith began inverting how I saw the entire world, the intellect I loved to hide behind was suddenly in crisis mode. Knowledge was no longer allowed to be something I hid behind but now had to engage with real people in real ways. Another way of saying this is that I was no longer trying to control knowledge..well, working on it.
The implications of this faith I’ve found, not just for this generation but also for all that follow, are both weighty and exciting–things that can’t be unseen. I finally learned to let go, to get out of the way, to love responsibility, and not have to understand everything to feel secure.
Below are “things” that have been coming and are already here. These are “realities” in modern Christianity and pretending there is no conversation around them will only hamper our growth and prevent much-needed change. These also have been around a lot longer in Church history than most church-attenders know, or not at all but we make a huge deal of it. And after decades of mistakes, thought, discussion, reading, and recovery, it’s time to take swings at some idols.
Let’s deconstruct 10 Golden Calves of American Evangelicalism.
Golden Calf #1: Orthodoxy and Tradition as Proxy for Faith
Tradition matters—our stories shape who we are, whether in our family or in society. But when tradition becomes a substitute for faith, it takes over the Gospel. If Tradition and God become synonymous, then we have an idol and it won’t stand long. When we turn tradition into control, we both hold the keys to the Kingdom and withhold people from it. The Pharisees were guilty of this: “You nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down” (Mark 7:13). Orthodoxy becomes dangerous when it prevents forward movement – Orthodoxy and orthopraxy ought to propel people forward in their faith, not hold them back. The Apostles had orthodoxy they had to reject in order to teach us that God’s kingdom would reveal things “beyond what we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).
“We can only understand the teachings of Jesus when we take him seriously as a practical teacher, not merely as someone dispensing ‘spiritual’ truths. If we divorce faith from everyday life, we have missed his entire message.”
— Dallas Willard
If the Church refuses to grow and mature, it reduces Christianity to a set of man-made rules and human consensus disconnected from the world God is actively working in today. Even Pope Francis has hinted at the need for change in Catholic doctrine—because no good father wants his children stuck in his shadow. Let’s see it, Pope!
“A faith that does not continually evolve eventually becomes an ideology.”
— Richard Rohr
Golden Calf #2: The Politics of Abortion (& America)
You can vote Pro-Life and be engaged politically without being an annoying asshole. If you think your assholery is justified, please seriously sit with 1 Corinthians 13 for a bit and wonder how worthwhile your faith is.
But, also, you can be pro-life in principle and still vote pro-choice: this is me. “How?!” some Christians will protest. I just do. The “pro-life” movement, is not something I want to be attached to as a follower of Jesus anymore. I have no desire to control others with a man-made law that is created out of the emotionally immature political games we have – it hasn’t worked in my life or human history. Jesus was trying to teach us a different way than the one we’ve been doing since before America existed. This will be hard for us to change.
The Pharisaical attitude of the modern “pro-life” movement—condemning rather than loving—misses the mark entirely. Using hate to proclaim life is undeniably a hypocritical and sinful mindset; a clear temptation for leaders and their followers. Jesus exemplified radical compassion when confronting sin, choosing mercy over judgment (John 8:1-11). Legislating morality isn’t the same as living out the Gospel or actually helping people for the good. “For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6).
To be truly pro-life is to care for people at every stage, not just before birth. Love, not legislation, is what draws people to Christ. Christians, you may need to start letting go here and it will be hard. The value of life, societal degradation, and how precious the unborn are real points. In some sense, we’re not taking any of that away here – just trying to grow our perspective. These are not the answers to what we think the problem was – we’ve been asking the wrong questions.
“The Church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Golden Calf #3: Gender Roles and Control
Genesis 1 teaches that men and women together reflect the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Women’s roles have been a problem for men a lot longer than in Christianity – men and women getting along is a human problem we could help with. One of the things that attracted the explosive early growth of the church was women had a voice and could be a part of a community. All of the women’s proof texts we’re familiar with – they’ve been read, understood, taught, and reinforced wrong.
Yet, many churches insist on confining women to second-class roles and inferior to men, tethered to outdated interpretations of headship. Women are forced to accept a second-place position in society – how is this Gospel? Of course, we use religious language and a “biblical worldview” to explain our behavior while condemning the world – not realizing we’ve enslaved our own wives, mothers, and daughters. This is no longer sustainable in a world that has not stopped crying out for peace and meaning. Paul himself recognized the need for unity, declaring, “There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Women are created in the Image of God and the Cross of Christ came to restore us all to that image. It’s time for men and women to walk together in mutual respect, healing, and partnership—something we’ve failed to do for far too long. Anticipate both sexes will need to work through some things here. It’s time the Church stops teaching people to fear the other sex.
Quote: “The Bible is not an excuse for male domination. It is an invitation to mutual submission.”
— N.T. Wright
Golden Calf #4: End Times Obsession
Dispensationalism and eschatology in general have led the Church astray, fixating on signs of an impending apocalypse rather than the work of the Kingdom in the present. In many ways, we’ve become a self-fulling prophecy. Jesus warned his followers not to obsess over times and dates. He taught: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set” (Acts 1:7) and be weary of such people teaching such things in his name (Matthew 24:3-8). Yet, most of American Christianity seems addicted to eschatological speculation, neglecting the here and now, and desperately hoping Jesus comes back now and fixes everything.
Revelation offers a vision of present hope, not a timetable for destruction and reset. The Church must shift its focus from waiting for Christ’s return to embodying his teachings today. We’ve been stuck screaming from the bench a playbook past bench-warmers wrote. Jesus wants us on the court and playing.
“A ship without a port is always lost. The church is called to bring the kingdom of God now, not wait for it to be delivered later.”
— Eugene Peterson
Golden Calf #5: Sexuality and the Fear of Otherness
In general, Christians are awkward about sex. It’s a shame because it’s a great thing. It’s a part of life, God-created, and blessed. Yes, we live in a hyper-sexual world and sex is hurting a lot of people. How is this news? Pretending sexuality isn’t a part of every human is stupid. Self-control and awareness, how we live our lives, and the people we attach ourselves to matter immensely. But calm down a little; we all know we like it. Sexuality is a part of a spiritual being, whether you like it or not, just as much as devotionals and paying taxes are.
The issue of LGBTQ+ inclusion has been a dividing line for modern Christianity. But Jesus consistently broke bread with those the religious leaders deemed unworthy, teaching us to love others without condition (Luke 7:36-50). Why do we have to have an opinion on everything? Why is it that people can’t have different opinions and get along still? Why do we have to hate people we disagree with if not for the “sinful nature” Jesus wants to expel from us?
Many Christians seem more concerned with judgment than relationship, but Christ’s example is clear: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). We all know all the arguments here. Paul would still tell us to grow up… in love (Ephesians 4).
There is a large LGBTQ+ conversation happening right now in the world that many aren’t aware of because they’re so stuck in their silos. Liberals and conservatives are both talking about it but no one is talking together – everyone is afraid of everyone. The rationales from 30 years ago have crumbled. There are new questions and struggles in academics and mental health professions. Be a part of present conversations, not just a broken record. Listen more. Stop attacking – start living next to people as we are called to. Stop ignoring Jesus and start walking with him.
If you’re LGBTQ+, if you haven’t heard it from a Christian recently, you’re loved and God thinks you’re God-Blessed amazing. He wants for you the same He wants for every human. You have freedom to explore your journey and I’m glad we’re on it together. I’m sorry for you having heard a lot of other things than that you’re worthy of being loved.
It’s time for the Church to move past fear and embrace authentic relationships with people no matter where we’re at, rather than where we think others ought to be. It’s time to be authentic and honest about sex in a world that doesn’t know how to do that either.
“Jesus was the ultimate outsider, and he made room at his table for everyone. So why don’t we?”
— Rachel Held Evans
Golden Calf #6: Science and Faith as Opponents
Christians need to reconcile their faith with scientific understanding. They are not mutually exclusive. It’s a myth they are and we only believed it because we didn’t want to believe other things. The psalmist tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). Paul in Romans 1 reminds us that God’s invisible attributes are clearly on display in Creation. Science is not the enemy of faith but a tool for exploring God’s creation. All Christians rely on modern science and technology but resist scientific truths that challenge their worldview. It’s double-minded.
Look at Christian media and we will still find science and secular research they quote. Christians use technology and read the same books their colleagues are reading. Rejecting Science is rejecting the logical order of God’s World and even the science that has helped us preserve and study Biblical manuscripts and its historical context. Faith is not confirmation bias.
We should stop acting like God is afraid of Truth getting out or that He hates questions. That’s us – not Him. Faith should not be afraid of questions—it should seek them. Why are we rejecting a part of His Creation if we are not also rejecting a part of Him? Or, perhaps, a part of us?
“The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
— Irenaeus
Golden Calf #7: The Bible as a Literal Weapon
A literal interpretation of a non-literal text is not only flawed but dangerous. Jesus himself used parables—stories meant to reveal deeper truths (Mark 4:33-34). The Bible is alive, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to pierce through soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12). But it was never meant to be a blunt instrument for controlling others. It was not meant to be what it is now.
Combine Golden Calf #6 with this one and let’s get over the Creation vs. Evolution debate that was not around for almost all of Christianity’s existence. I know – it’s “important” and God’s entire will depends on it, but He’s already voiced His opinion and we’re all tired of hearing the same redundant Protestant one….we still love you!
If we claim to love God’s Word, we must live it and let it know us—crushing our pride, burning away illusions, cutting attachments, and confronting our sins–not other people’s. If this isn’t changing our daily lives and relationships, then our view of the world is not biblical, especially if we scream it at others. Only then can we discuss what it means for the Bible to be “true” and what an actual biblical worldview is. Inerrancy and Infallibility are great things for us to be errant and fallible on.
“It is not the Bible that is inerrant—it is the revelation of Christ through the Bible that is.”
— Peter Enns
Golden Calf #8: Narrative Theology Over Systematic Theology
Systematic theology often reduces the mystery of God to a set of principles, leaving no room for questions or wonder, much less the complexities of modern life. But life isn’t systematic—it’s a narrative. Brene Brown talks at length about how we think in story. We use systems in our stories but systems are not us or our story. Jesus himself taught through stories, weaving truth into parables, to a bunch of different systematic theologies. The gospel is not a checklist but a story we are invited to live into.
Every significant Christian movement has started with a realization of more context and understanding of what was really meant when Scripture was first penned. Every honest Christian “revival” has started with people willing to be called heretics by the Christians before them. When a Lie is the Truth, the Truth becomes heresy. And Christians have a history of burning heretics…and shooting their wounded.
We have fallen for the same sin of defending a belief system instead of allowing belief to form within us. When we try to live by a system, we bifurcate reality from within. It forces us to ignore the context and narrative that Scripture was spoken into. We whitewash over our history and personal pasts with the easiest explanation for why we are the way we are today – even the Gentiles do that.
Our theology should logically have space for all human experience if it is for all nations and tribes. We ought to engage with the world on its terms rather than shoving terms down its throat. That is how the Church becomes a light on a hill (Matthew 5:14) instead of Caesar on his throne.
Golden Calf #9: The Godhead and Divinity of Jesus
The Church has long debated the nature of Jesus—fully God, fully human, or both. For the first three hundred years, this was a central debate before one part won out and got to tell everyone else what was true. Even then, the conversation was never finished. I do not deny either his humanity or divinity.
Meister Eckhart (circa 1260-1320 AD) once distinguished between God (the person we can relate to) and the Godhead (the unknowable essence of divinity). He was eventually branded a heretic and the Church forged his recantation. Today, we like to joke the Trinity is impossible to explain but still teach it as concrete.
Since those first 300 years of Christianity, believers are still wrestling with who Jesus was—Son of God, Messiah, Triune, prophet, or divine figure. What about Buddha or TolTex Wisdom? What about our yoga friends and crystal witches? Christians are wrestling with theology every day, and not just with what is preached on Sundays. Today, we run the risk of clinging too tightly to a predefined projection, just like the rest of the world. We often distort Jesus’ person by focusing through only narrow theological lenses that reflect our own biases.
For example, Calvinists may emphasize God’s sovereignty so heavily that they ignore His command to love our enemies (does God command something he doesn’t do?) or reduce God’s involvement in our lives to strict dictates. Here’s a thought – Does God have to control everything? If so, where is faith again? God’s sovereignty does not want micromanagement; it wants acceptance and partnership. This obsession with ultimate control reflects not God’s character, but our own—a psychological projection of our need to dominate and make the world make sense to us.
In the end, we risk turning the God of mystery into a tool of certainty—an idol we created in our image. As Paul warned, “A little yeast leavens the whole loaf” (Galatians 5:9). And in this case, it’s a Western, non-Jewish bakery spinning an ancient Eastern product for Western mass consumption.
Golden Calf #10: The Idol of Certainty
Faith is not about having all the answers—it’s about trust in the face of uncertainty. In this sense, “not knowing” becomes a prerequisite for Faith.
Many Churches have turned certainty into an idol, mistaking theological systems and social creeds on God’s behalf. The Pharisees were certain about the Messiah they expected, yet missed Jesus entirely – we’re not much different. Today, we fall into similar traps, prioritizing confidence in our beliefs and roles over a humble relationship with the living God and the people He loves just as much as you. As Isaiah reminds us, “God’s ways are higher than ours” (Isaiah 55:8-9), and Paul writes, “we see through a glass, darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). We need to stop looking through our small lenses.
Jesus never demanded perfect understanding—He invited trust. When Thomas doubted, Jesus responded with compassion, not condemnation (John 20:27), and let him doubt. Yet in our fear of being wrong or losing control, we often cling to certainty as if it’s the same as faith. This obsession with control blinds us to God’s ongoing work and stifles spiritual growth. “Unless you change and become like little children,” Jesus said, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Faith requires the openness to be wrong, to be surprised, and to be transformed.
Certainty may comfort us, but it can easily distort our view of God. A little yeast leavens the whole loaf—and certainty, unchecked, leaves us worshiping not the true God but the golden Achilles’ heals of our understanding.
“The greatest enemy of Christianity is, I believe, not atheism but shallow Christianity.”
— Søren Kierkegaard
Conclusion: Salvation is for the Here and Now
We end with this: salvation, heaven, hell, and spirituality are not about the afterlife. It’s an idea well over a thousand years old, but not Jesus’. What we believe about Hell, Heaven, Salvation, and Spirituality have all evolved and been inverted, as Dallas Willard and others suggest. We’ve been making them about something not right here and right now. We’ve shifted them all into an us vs. them mentality. The Gospel is always, always, about “you,” exactly where you are at in this exact moment – this is where all of that Jesus-stuff of peace, life, hope, and salvation are meant to meet you. However, Jesus isn’t interested in being your codependent bouncer or enabling your Oedipus complex.
“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”
— G.K. Chesterton
“The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). American Christianity often projects the Kingdom into the future, avoiding the hard work of transformation in the present and ripping the Kingdom of God out of people. This has created a psychological schism—allowing us to kick the problem down the road, hoping God will fix everything later—while we tell everyone else how to live.
The Gospel has always been for today. People are looking for salvation now, wrestling with inner demons and existential crises. Secular songs ask why God isn’t responding and cries for a personal savior echo out. People are still scratching their heads, wondering what’s wrong with the world and themselves. If the Church has any hope of being relevant, it must embrace the present and live out the Gospel in real-time. To do so, the Church first must be born again.
It’s time to make Christianity about discipleship, what it has always been about (Matthew 28). Maybe we can start living out 2 Corinthians 6:2 instead of preaching it on Sunday mornings – “Today is the day of salvation.”
“God’s kingdom is not just a place we go to when we die;
it is a reality we participate in now.”
— N.T. Wright
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
— Revelation 2:4-5
