What Kind of Christian?
Reimagining What it Means to be Christian
The United States stands at a crossroads, grappling with the unsettling possibility of an autocratic shift in its highest offices. Many of us feel a pervasive sense of dread, wondering what the future holds for our rights, freedoms, and even our very identities. In the midst of this fear, I have a question for all “believers” out there: What does it mean to be a Christian in times like these?
For generations, organized religion has conditioned “the faithful” to accept unfounded or supernatural claims without question. This acceptance of the call to “just believe” has, in many cases, transferred seamlessly into the political sphere—enabling strongman leaders who make grandiose promises with little to no factual backing. At the same time, a significant portion of American Christians continue to support policies and politicians that seem ridiculously far removed from the core teachings of compassion and mercy that are attributed to Jesus of Nazareth. They justify doing so under rigid dogma that elevates a handful of litmus-test issues—like opposition to abortion or promoting Christianity as a national mandate—above any concern for human dignity, kindness, or justice.
Having spent over 55 years as a “believer” and almost 35 years in ministry, I can confidently tell you that there is an alternative way to understand and practice Christianity—one that doesn’t rely on institutional authority or the supernatural for validity. Instead of demanding unwavering adherence to doctrinal points, this Values-Based (or Myth-Inspired) Christianity focuses on the moral lessons traditionally associated with Jesus: a life guided by empathy, humility, and love.
If you are a Christian who is struggling to harmonize what you believe are the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth with what you’re seeing organized religion doing today, then please read on, as I explore this divide between Dogmatic Christianity and a more open, myth-inspired approach. I’ll do my best to help you see how a values-based perspective can help us cultivate ethical communities and resist the lure of authoritarianism—all without sacrificing the spiritual framework many people find meaningful.
Religion as a Conditioning Force for Strongmen Politicians
Problem 1: Conditioning the Acceptance of Unfounded Claims and Belief Without Evidence
Whether you’re comfortable admitting it or not, all organized religions revolve around divine beings, miracles, prophecies, or supernatural interventions—phenomena that elude scientific or historical verification. You likely find it easy to smile amusedly at other religions because you don’t understand how they can possibly believe all the blatantly silly things their religion claims, and yet you steadfastly cling to the same type of supernatural beliefs. Why? Because, from childhood, you were encouraged to accept these claims on faith alone, without demanding concrete proof.
Faith is, very literally, belief without proof. (If you insist that you have proof, then you don’t have faith—you have certainty—which most religions view as arrogance.) You were taught that there is a higher power that has revealed these things to certain people (generally in the past), so you can simply accept them as true. While a belief in something greater than oneself can be spiritually meaningful when shared in a certain way, it also establishes a pattern of “just believe” thinking, where questioning is discouraged and deference to authority is prioritized.
When we turn to politics, this deeply ingrained habit of deferring to grand narratives sets a dangerous precedent. Charismatic leaders employ emotionally charged promises—pledges to restore national glory, correct moral decay, or protect the faithful—to appeal directly to the feelings of voters, not to their reasoning. Just as many worshippers don’t require evidence of a miracle to believe it, constituents can become conditioned to accept political promises without seeking logical or factual support. In other words, the line between religious fervor and political loyalty blurs when your belief supersedes any attempt or desire at analysis.
Problem 2: Conditioning the Emotional Power of Rhetoric
Charismatic leaders, whether religious or political, capitalize on emotional storytelling and grandiose messaging. They understand that delivering stirring tales of deliverance or redemption can unite large groups of people around a shared sense of identity—especially when that identity frames the leader as some sort of heroic savior-type figure. In the context of religion, sermons that promise salvation, healing, or divine favor play on these same emotional chords: fear, hope, and devotion. Again, all of these have become a conditioned response in “true believers.”
Translating this into politics, strongmen often portray themselves as singularly capable of confronting existential threats—whether real or manufactured—thus positioning themselves as saviors. When crowds gather, it’s the impassioned narrative that holds sway over reason. Political rallies these days function much like revival meetings: the electric atmosphere, the collective chants, the focus on a central figure who offers solutions wrapped in emotional language. In these settings, questions of practicality or feasibility are drowned out by the intensity of shared belief and the desire to belong.
Unfortunately, even when an opposing politician offers articulate, reasoned solutions to the real problems facing the nation, those who worship the strongman politician scoff. They refuse to listen and, just like they do with other religions, they can’t understand how anyone could possibly believe all these blatantly silly things.
Case Study: The Rise of Authoritarianism
Consider the political slogans that’ve been used effectively the past several years: promises to “drain the swamp,” to make the country “great again,” or to usher in some new “golden age,” without specifying any measurable steps or evidence-based policies. These catchphrases, repeated often enough, become mantras that tap directly into people’s anxieties and aspirations. From immigration crackdowns to sweeping claims about economic revival, each promise is framed as an act of near-miraculous salvation rather than a plan requiring transparent detail or proven effectiveness.
And just as the various forms of Christianity have their villains and enemies—pagans, infidels, heathens, Satan—political parties make use of villains too. This is an important distinction because, in traditional politics, the parties thought of themselves as opponents. Everyone was playing the game and everyone wanted to win for their team, but everyone played by the same set of rules. Ultimately, what was most important was the integrity of the game.
But now that religion is seeping into politics, at least one side has latched onto the tactic of creating villains and enemies. Political opponents can be bargained with and compromise becomes an important part of governmental functioning. But villains and enemies? They can’t be trusted and one should never even consider compromise. Today, one side has created several enemies for their followers to hate: left-wing progressives (“lib-tards”), undocumented immigrants (“illegals”), and even civil servants (“the deep state”). They slap derogatory names on them to dehumanize and turn them into evil caricatures, and then their followers laugh gleefully as horrible things are done to these “enemies.”
You see, in the religious framing, enemies and villains need to be crushed. They need to be wiped out. This has always been the Christian way, beginning with the initial destruction of Gnostic Christians, the Crusades, and continuing today with the Christian dominionists’ “Seven Mountain Mandate.” It isn’t about doing what’s right for humanity, it’s about power and control.
The public’s predisposition to accept such proclamations and vilifications is magnified by a cultural history of faith-driven belief. If congregations regularly hear that a supernatural event occurred simply because a religious authority said so, it’s a short leap to trusting a charismatic politician who claims they alone can fix a nation’s woes and destroy its enemies. Over time, a populace accustomed to taking religious teachings at face value may be more susceptible to the emotional reassurance of strongmen—even if the promised results are never delivered.
This environment, fueled by faith in rhetoric rather than reliance on facts, creates fertile ground for authoritarian governance to flourish.
The Political Marriage of American Christianity and Hateful Policies
Voting for “Anti-Abortion” and “Pro-Christian” Politicians
For many American Christians, two issues seem to dominate the ballot box: being staunchly against abortion and advocating for a nationwide Christian identity—often interpreted as enforcing Christian doctrine through legislation. In theory, these stances stem from a desire to uphold moral principles. In practice, however, they can become singular litmus tests that completely overshadow a politician’s broader platform. Voters end up overlooking—or outright excusing—policies that directly conflict with fundamental Christian ideals, such as caring for the poor or welcoming the stranger.
This dynamic raises a troubling question: How can leaders who promote hate, division, or cruelty claim alignment with Jesus’s teachings of compassion and mercy? By prioritizing a narrow definition of “pro-Christian,” many believers align themselves with agendas that marginalize entire groups of people. They accept the notion that banning abortion or mandating Christian prayer in schools justifies other harmful policies—despite those policies often being diametrically opposed to the values Jesus is widely considered to have exemplified in the Gospels.
Inconsistencies with Christian Love and Mercy
One glaring inconsistency is the push for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants—most of whom fill essential labor roles and live peacefully within their communities. While a handful of politicians justify these harsh measures under the guise of “law and order,” they attempt to validate it by falsely claiming that there is a national crime wave associated with undocumented immigrants. Those who have been conditioned to trust and blindly follow certain people in authority never bother to fact-check these claims, so they never discover that the data shows that exactly the opposite is true. Or if they are presented with the correct information, they refuse to believe it and simply claim that it’s untrue and can’t be trusted. Thus they blindly support the move to forcibly remove neighbors and coworkers who have built lives here, which contradicts any notion of Christian hospitality. In fact, the biblical narrative celebrates care for the stranger and refuge for those in need.
Another problematic trend involves politicians trying to eliminate or defund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, effectively rolling back decades of social progress. By undermining programs that protect and uplift marginalized groups, they risk returning the country to a climate reminiscent of segregation and Jim Crow—eras defined by systemic discrimination and racial violence. Although there are legitimate concerns with how certain of these initiatives or programs have been implemented, the core ideas behind diversity, equity, and inclusion can be mapped to the Christians Scriptures, including what Christians believe to be the very words of Jesus of Nazareth. Declaring America a “Christian nation” rings hollow when the policies endorsed are built on exclusion or supremacy, rather than love and acceptance of one’s neighbor (which, according to Jesus, specifically includes strangers with different beliefs).
The Disconnect Between Religious Rhetoric and Jesus’s Core Teachings
When comparing these modern political agendas to the example of Jesus in the New Testament, the dissonance becomes unmistakable. Jesus’s ministry often centered on those viewed as outcasts—lepers, tax collectors, widows, and foreigners—urging his followers to serve “the least of these.” In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, “I was… a stranger and you welcomed me,” illustrating his emphasis on hospitality and compassion, particularly for those on the margins of society.
Yet, politicians who claim Christian credentials routinely support laws that discriminate against immigrants, curtail voting rights, or demonize entire ethnic and religious groups. By ignoring or downplaying such contradictions, Christians who follow strict dogma risk trading the Gospel’s call for compassion for a narrow, politicized agenda. The result is a chasm between the words of Jesus and the social realities being shaped by those who invoke his name.
However, that doesn’t need to be the case. Good people of all faiths—or of none—can choose a better path; a path that includes the best of what they may have been raised to believe, while opening the door to exploration and reasoning. But, before we look at alternatives to organized religion, it’s important to understand the “extreme” we’re attempting to counter.
Two Divergent Paths: Dogmatic Christianity vs. Values-Based Christianity
Dogmatic Christianity
In many traditional Christian circles, genuine faith is measured by one’s willingness to accept certain supernatural claims at face value: the existence of a divine being, the literal truth of biblical miracles, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the authority of specific church doctrines. These dogmatic requirements create a rigid framework—if you don’t believe every detail exactly as taught, you risk being labeled a heretic or a “false Christian.”
Such extremism creates exclusivity and often bleeds into the political realm. When an institution teaches that its interpretation of God’s will is the only valid one, it becomes easier to justify imposing that moral code onto others through legislation or cultural pressure. This approach can lead to policies that, paradoxically, conflict with the very compassion many stories of Jesus modeled. The end result is a faith that evaluates piety based on dogmatic purity—what you believe—rather than on love, service, or empathy—how you act.
Values-Based (Myth-Inspired) Christianity
In contrast, there’s a growing movement of believers (and even nonbelievers who appreciate Jesus’s moral teachings) who view Christianity as primarily a path of compassion, mercy, and love. They may well question the historicity of certain biblical events or doubt the Bible’s supernatural accounts. Yet these uncertainties don’t undermine their commitment to the values Jesus is said to have lived by.
Rather than being bound by institutional gatekeepers, Values-Based Christianity (or “Myth-Inspired” Christianity) encourages individuals and communities to actively engage with the ethical lessons of Jesus. Love your neighbor. Feed the hungry. Forgive those who wrong you. These are invitations to do good in the world, whether or not you accept the Old and/or New Testament as literal fact or as the inspired word of a divine being. In this paradigm, religious faith is measured by consistent acts of compassion and integrity, not by unwavering assent to a laundry list of strict doctrines selected by an often conservative clerical class.
Reframing Jesus as a Mythological Role Model
Calling Jesus “mythological” doesn’t dismiss his importance; it reframes him as a powerful symbol of virtue—a narrative blueprint for how one might live a more ethical life. Myth in this sense isn’t a synonym for “lie” or “fabrication.” Myths are cultural stories that convey deeper truths about humanity, morality, and our collective aspirations.
When Jesus’s story is understood as a moral and spiritual guide rather than a rigid historical record, it sidesteps many of the doctrinal pitfalls that have historically divided Christians and driven some to endorse hateful policies. A mythological Jesus can still inspire profound acts of empathy, generosity, and social justice, all without requiring belief in miracles or an inerrant Bible. This approach liberates the teachings of Jesus from strict dogma, allowing a broader range of people—believers, agnostics, and even some atheists—to find meaning in his example. By centering on core human values, this path transcends denominational lines and invites a more inclusive, action-oriented faith.
You Don’t Need Organized Religion to Live Out Christian Values
Stepping Away from Institutional Dogma
One of the fastest growing religious categories, according to survey data in the United States, is “none”—those who claim no religious affiliation. It’s a broad category made up of atheists, humanists, agnostics, and people who were raised with organized religion but have left for some reason. Among this group of “nones,” a growing number of people are discovering that letting go of rigid church structures can actually bring them closer to the compassionate spirit associated with Jesus’ teachings. Instead of accepting a prescribed set of beliefs, they find the freedom to interpret and apply those teachings in ways that resonate with their own experiences and moral insights. This more flexible approach often fosters a sense of deeper authenticity—no one is policing your faith—and the focus shifts to how you treat others rather than whether you can check certain doctrinal boxes.
By leaving behind the institutional dogma, believers and seekers alike can reclaim a more direct, personal relationship with spiritual principles. They’re free to adapt or question interpretations without fearing excommunication or condemnation. When people do this, a surprising thing happens: their “faith” becomes more vibrant, more open to dialogue, and more focused on everyday acts of kindness and justice.
Practical Steps for a Values-Centric Spirituality
Here are just a few simple things you can do to explore a more values-centric spirituality and, for believers, a more Values-Based Christianity:
Regular Reflection on Core Values
Set aside time—daily or weekly—to think about qualities like love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and generosity. Ask yourself how these values played out in your life over the past day or week, and how you could better embody them.Form Small, Intimate Communities
Instead of attending a large, hierarchical institution, gather with a few friends, family members, or neighbors for meaningful conversation and mutual support. These smaller circles foster deeper connections, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to living out positive values.Routines of Service and Giving Back
Volunteering, donating, or simply offering help to those in need can become a spiritual practice unto itself. Integrate these acts of service into your calendar—just like you would a church service—so that compassionate action becomes a common activity within your weekly routine.
Through these simple yet powerful steps, you can create a spiritually fulfilling life centered on the values Jesus championed, without needing the gatekeeping of a formal religious institution. Likewise, non-believers can use these steps as a way to more intentionally identify and align with their core values, while building communal systems of support.
Presenting “Mythologizing the Bible” (MTB) Episodes
To help you in exploring Values-Based Christianity, the CODA Project offers a resource called Mythologizing the Bible, or MTB, which aims to uncover universal lessons in weekly biblical readings identified in the Roman Catholic Lectionary. Rather than teach doctrine or demand belief in supernatural claims, MTB episodes explore each reading’s moral and ethical implications. You’ll find discussions that spotlight compassion, generosity, empathy, leadership, and more—timeless values that transcend denominational boundaries.
The best part is that MTB invites an open, exploratory approach: viewers and listeners are free to interpret the passages in a way that resonates with their personal experiences. There’s no sense of “heresy” for questioning the text or reimagining its stories; instead, the focus is on understanding how these narratives—myth or otherwise—can guide us in becoming more compassionate, just, and loving individuals. By tuning in, you can engage with the biblical tradition on your own terms, enriching your spiritual journey without the constraints of institutional dogma.
Introducing the Weekly Compass as an Alternative to Traditional Services
The Weekly Compass is a fresh, values-based series designed to help individuals and groups explore a single core virtue each week—such as empathy, honesty, or courage. Each installment includes a concise overview of the chosen value, a short reflection, and thought-provoking questions. It’s a simple yet powerful resource that can be used in a variety of settings:
Small Group Discussions: Whether in a living room with friends or a virtual meetup, the Weekly Compass offers a structured topic you can explore together.
Family Sessions: Parents can read the post to their children, then invite everyone to discuss the questions during dinner or a family meeting.
Personal Reflection: For those who prefer individual study, the Weekly Compass provides a weekly focal point—like a moral compass—to guide your self-reflection and growth.
By zeroing in on one key value at a time, the Weekly Compass ensures that conversations are intentional, grounded, and focused on positive development. There’s no need for special training or religious credentials; just an open mind and a willingness to engage with the topic—and each other—thoughtfully.
The Weekly Compass will begin in mid-February, 2025. Subscribe to the CODA Project and you’ll receive the weekly lesson in your email inbox.
Why the Weekly Compass is a Viable Substitute for Church
Structured Moral and Ethical Discussions Without Theological Pressure
Many people crave meaningful dialogue about life’s deeper questions but find traditional church settings restrictive or unwelcoming. The Weekly Compass offers a simple framework for conversations on ethics and values—no doctrinal gatekeeping, no fear of “getting it wrong.” Everyone can participate as they are.Inclusive Discussion Questions and Activities
Each post includes prompts that can be answered from a range of perspectives—spiritual, secular, or interfaith. These questions invite genuine introspection, discussion, and action steps that encourage growth. They are tailored for universal use, so participants don’t need to agree on religious beliefs to learn and share together.Community Building Through Shared Reflection
Much like a local congregation, a group that follows the Weekly Compass can become a supportive mini-community. People learn from one another, share life experiences, and hold each other accountable to the weekly value. In a world that often feels fragmented, this sense of connection and mutual learning can be deeply reassuring.
The Weekly Compass Target Audience
Parents: Teaching children about virtues like empathy, generosity, and respect can be challenging. The Weekly Compass provides ready-made discussion topics and hands-on activities to guide these important conversations.
College Students: Young adults—living away from home or navigating new social circles—benefit from opportunities to think critically about their values. The Weekly Compass can spark meaningful dorm-room chats or informal campus study groups.
Anyone Seeking Moral Footing: When society feels unstable or fear is running high, a consistent practice of reflecting on core values can offer grounding. The Weekly Compass works whether you identify as Christian, spiritual-but-not-religious, or even secular. Its universal approach to virtue and moral inquiry makes it accessible to all.
In short, if you’ve been longing for the communal and reflective aspects of church but without rigid doctrinal constraints, the Weekly Compass stands ready to fill that gap. It’s an adaptable, judgment-free tool that keeps ethics, compassion, and community at the forefront—no pews or pulpits required.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Over the course of this essay, we’ve seen how organized religion can sometimes act as a gateway to political and moral crises—conditioning people to accept charismatic leaders uncritically and to promote policies that clash with the very compassion Jesus taught. Yet there remains an alternative to dogmatic faith: one that centers on love, mercy, and inclusivity rather than supernatural dogmas or institutional gatekeepers. This Values-Based (Myth-Inspired) Christianity accepts Jesus as a powerful moral archetype, accessible to believers and nonbelievers alike.
Through the CODA Project, you have an avenue to explore biblical texts mythologically, uncover the ethical gems within them, and then forge your own spiritual or moral path. Our Mythologizing the Bible (MTB) series provides weekly insights into scriptural readings, helping you identify and thoughtfully consider timeless lessons without the fear of heresy or the weight of rigid doctrine. And if you’re seeking a more communal experience—something akin to a values-focused substitute for traditional services—the Weekly Compass offers ready-made resources to engage with family, friends, or like-minded groups on a single virtue each week.
In these uncertain times, communities of sincere, values-driven people can offer a sense of belonging and moral clarity that doesn’t hinge on exclusion or blind obedience. Imagine small pockets of individuals—parents, college students, neighbors—gathering to discuss courage or empathy, then heading out into the world with renewed motivation to be kinder and more just. That’s a hopeful vision of what faith and spirituality can be: a unifying force rather than a divisive one.
Now it’s your turn to decide. Are you ready to delve deeper into the stories of the Bible and unearth their life-changing principles in a way that resonates with modern challenges? Do you want a weekly guide to keep you rooted in compassion and ethical action?
Check out the Mythologizing the Bible series—available live, on video, or as a podcast—to embark on a weekly exploration of scriptural readings through a more open, values-centered lens.
Subscribe to the CODA Project to begin receiving the Weekly Compass, and start building a communal practice that doesn’t require fitting into someone else’s religious framework.
Ultimately, the question comes down to this: what kind of Christian—or values-driven person—do you choose to be? Will you stand for love, justice, and inclusive community, or be swayed by fear and dogma?
If you’re willing to give the values-based approach a try, then join us, and let’s reshape spirituality—forging a path guided by empathy, mutual respect, and a commitment to the greater good. Together, we can create a better world, one values-based conversation at a time!