F.A.N.A.T.I.C.

The other day on Twitter RCM was accused of being the "Christian Taliban in America". I suppose this was driven by our purpose statement which says that we are "dedicated to equipping students for a life of radical resolve toward the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things".

After I thought about it for a minute I realized how this could be seen as a fanatical statement. I have listened to so much John Piper, David Platt, and CJ Mahaney that this type of language just seems to roll off the tongue and subsequently found its way into the very statement that defines us.

So the question becomes,  are RCM just a bunch of religious fanatics? Yes, with clarification, but yes!

Fanatic is defined by Webster as "marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion". Although I don't quite see us as "uncritical" (meaning we aren't lost in some irrational high that promotes zealous behavior) I do like the other words used here like "enthusiasm" and "intense devotion".

Now, we are not the "Christian Taliban" nor do we intend on ever using physical force to promote the Gospel but given that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life to free imperfect people from an eternally just punishment by imputing his righteousness, by faith , to them so that when they stand before a Holy judge they can say "I had faith in Christ, repented from my sins, and followed Him" resulting in a complete removal of all sins and complete righteousness to the unrighteous with the final declaration for the believer being "JUST!".  I would say that wrapped up in that there is just a little bit of a reason to be "enthusiastic" and have "intense devotion".

And so I will close with the words of gospel rap artist Lecrae - "I'm a F.A.N.A.T.I.C // I rep Christ till I D.I.E. // I'm not extreme I'm redeemed with faith // to serve a God whose extremely GREAT!".

 -Josh