Some disclaimers

I can't speak for anyone else, and I'm certainly not a spokesperson for "Christianity" or any other "Christian" aside from myself. I feel that in general I have a good idea of how I should conduct my life (which doesn't necessarily mean I always do conduct it in that way), what role God plays in my life, and what the Bible talks about. To some degree we are all products of our environment, and what I have to say is naturally also shaped by the people I have been with, the books I've read, and my own spiritual practices. Still I hope that what you'll find in these pages represents a view that is common among many Christians of the various confessions and denominations. 

The other disclaimer is probably even more important. I will often say "Christians believe. . . " and "Christians don't believe. . .." I have a feeling I know exactly what will happen if someone reads this who is not very familiar with the Christian faith but has rubbed shoulders with Christians or people who claim to be Christian. That person will likely be completely confused or—more likely—angry about the large gulf between what Christianity claims for its followers and what the followers end up doing with it. 

I know! 

If you're one of those: Yes, you're completely right. It's true: Most Christians (myself included) are not doing particularly well when it comes to living and sharing and demonstrating exactly what it means to be a Christian. Most of us are pretty much just like anyone else when it comes to being particularly good or bad about achieving what we set out to do. When I say "pretty much," I mean that there actually is one difference. We believe that God helps us process our failures (we'll talk about that when we discuss forgiveness later on). And while our failures might still hurt our pride, this belief allows us to keep trying, giving us the hope that eventually we might actually get better at whatever we're trying to do. 

Maybe it will help your frustration with Christians to imagine the church being as much a center for worship and community as it is a hospital for the sick and wounded. Not only for those who are more wounded than those outside the church, but for anyone anywhere along the entire human spectrum of woundedness. 

I find that image liberating. Perhaps you will, too.