We often find ourselves placed under a label. We can be democratic or republican, far left of far right. We could be known as liberal, conservative, or moderate. When talking politics we tend to place labels on ourselves quite easily.
When dealing with religion (or the lack of) we have labels too. Atheist, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, Catholic, Christian, ect. And within each of these are more labels to distinguish differing beliefs on topics within each religion. Each religion would have an extreme and probably conservative side. Maybe even a moderate and liberal side. Some will hold to each religions historic core and others have branched out into new areas.
Within historic othodox Christianity I see labels as extremely important. It distinguishes us apart from the Mormons and Jehovahs Witness, who claim to be Christian as well but are not. But labels also show each denomination and their practices. For example, we have Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostals, Anglicans and a few more. These denonimational names are necessary labels given based on beliefs and church governance. Many within the historic Christian faith see labels as unnecessary and divisive, but I would like to show the importance.
If I tell someone I’m “christian” and they say the same, then we must go further, this is where the second layer of labels comes in to play. If i then say “i believe Jesus is God” and the other “christian” says they do not believe that statement, then I know I’m no longer dealing with a christian, so I must ask questions to see where in the system of false religions they fall. They could say “Jesus was the first created being” then the label of Jehovahs Witness would be correct. Or if by questioning them I find that they believe God had gods before him and we could become a god ourselves, then the label of Mormon is appropriate. These labels help signify false religion from true.
Inside orthodox Christianity labels are necessary as well. Although all orthodox Christians will believe in the Trinity, Jesus is God, and salvation through Christ alone, we will find many differing beliefs on a number of topics. Two people can be of the true Christian faith and differ on baptism, placing the labels of credo and pedobaptist on them. Both labels may seem unnecessary but are very important to people when looking for a church. Some prefer a church that only baptizes professing believers and others look for a church that with preform baptism on infants. Often misunderstood and misrepresented by credobaptists, pedobaptists do not claim that infant baptism saves, but its the continuing sign of the covenant between God and His people and their family.
We also have labels that cause great division and debate that goes far beyond baptism. We have the labels of Arminian and Calvinist. Both theological positions based on particular beliefs concerning salvation and what role God and man plays. The Arminian(freewill) position believes man has a choice between salvation and damnation, and God acts based on the freewill decision they make. The calvinist believes in the ultimate Sovereignty of God in salvation, and His foreknowledge, predestination, election are decisions made before creation based on nothing we do. Both are a little more complex, but these are my general descriptions of each.
We also have the label of Reformed and non reformed. All those who hold to the label of Reformed will also hold to the calvinits label, but not all who are calvinist are Reformed. Again, calvinism applies to salvation, Reformed is much larger and involves many topics within the church and doctrine.
As in an society, labels come about as a necessity, as a way set boundaries and set ourselves apart. So within Christianity it is a necessity also. We have so many teaching things contrary to scripture and they have many followers. Without these labels it would be difficult to set yourself apart from the false converts believing in false doctrines.
As for me, I’m a christian first, then reformed, calvinist. I see these labels as important and no hindrance to me or anyone I speak with about the reasons I hold these. Many will have problems as soon as they find out my set of beliefs. This just goes to further show that we all label out of necessity.
So the next time you are speaking with someone who says they are “Christian” keep the conversation going. Ask questions about their faith, and answer questions asked to you about yours. Don’t fear being labeled and do not fear labeling someone else. Remember that not all who come in the name of Christ are of Christ. The label is based on their beliefs, and their beliefs will expose them or prove them true. So the labels are necessary and come naturally.
No King but Christ 