I was contacted by Kirsten Powers Makarv this morning. Kirsten is writing an article for The Daily Beast about the recent decision by author Anne Rice to disassociate from Christianity. Mrs. Rice maintains her faith in Christ, and does so in an authentic and sincere manner, at least through tweets and blog entries. That said, like many, she grew more and more frustrated with “christianity” and has publicly said she wants no part of the religion. It wasn’t a shocking decision to me, as many of us find it hard to identify ourselves as religious people, though we have a relationship with Christ. Christianity is not a sacred term and not a Biblical term so it doesn’t mean a whole lot to me. I’ve only read one response to Mrs. Rice, which I found to be a bit condescending. Regardless, here is the very short e-mail I sent to Kirsten Powers Makary. When her article releases, I’ll tweet a link.
Kirsten,
After spending some time thinking about it, I don’t have much to say. I understand Anne’s decision, and can see her reasoning. I’ve certainly had the desire to disassociate from Christianity, mostly for the hyper-critical, hyper-judgmental persona the religion takes upon itself. More and more, it seems like a worldly religion. That said, though, I don’t know that publicly insulting and disassociating from a faith system as huge as Christianity and as diverse as Christianity is helpful. I am only thankful that Anne has had a wonderful encounter with Christ, and that she wisely differentiates between Christ himself and the rather confusing religion that has been organized since He walked the earth.
Well said Don,
I never have read any books by Anne Rice, but I do know that she is a very well known writer. I understand what she is going through, if you are famous, the second you profess your faith in Christ, the Christian propaganda machine raises you up upon a pedestal to help justify their cause or promote their doctrine. I am glad that Anne knows Jesus and is smart enough to know what He is really about. For years I have been telling people that “religion keeps people stupid but true faith transcends self-perpetuating man made doctrine.” I do love those who are choosing to be limited in their walk with Christ and I hope that those of us who have learned that God is so much bigger than everything and have allowed God to change our hearts,(including Anne Rice) can be influential in helping those who are limited to break free and live their faith without boundaries.
Thanks for letting me post.