what kind of Christian are you?

It’s test time.  You’ve had no warning, but that’s ok.  Your answers will not depend on study.  For each question you must choose between two alternatives – even if you agree or disagree with both – by circling either 1 or 2.  This is not a scientifically designed exam.  If you answer honestly, though, you may learn something about yourself and your faith.

A.  Which title for Jesus is more important to understanding his identity and mission?
     1.  Servant of God
     2.  Savior of humankind

B.  Which description of the Christian message is more basic to comprehending its primary function and effect?
     1.  Subvert what is negative, destructive, and dehumanizing in life
     2.  Affirm what is positive, true, good, and beautiful in life

C.  Which phrase is more fundamental to what it means to be a Christian?
     1.  Following Jesus as a disciple
     2.  Knowing Jesus as the Redeemer

D. Which practice is more necessary for becoming and remaining faithful children of God?
     1.  Solidarity with the poor through sacrificial living in the world
     2.  Solidarity with the saints through sacramental worship in the church

E.  Which way of helping others is more in tune with an authentic expression of Christian love?
     1.  Liberation of people through revolutionary change of social, political, and economic structures
     2.  Alleviation of people’s suffering through careful re-development of social, political, and economic structures

Score: _____  (Add the numbers you have circled.  The lowest possible score is 5; the highest, 10.)

How did you score?
A total of 9 or 10 probably indicates that you are in the mainstream of U.S. Christianity.  You have much company, hence a great deal of reinforcement for your views.  A score of 5 or 6 could mean that you hear a different drummer.  The beat might be coming from Latin America.  A score of 7 or 8 may show some ambivalence, an in-between position not unknown among Lutherans.  From this point on I want to challenge those of you who scored 9 or 10, comfort those who scored 5 or 6, and provide some clarification for those who scored 7 or 8.

Want to learn more about your score? Check out Chapter 1: Risky Business.