Controversial author and former megachurch Pastor Rob Bell says he rarely uses the term "Christian," claiming that Jesus would oppose it.
In an interview with Uproxx published last week, the former Mars Hill Bible Church pastor explained that he does not like to use the term "Christian" to describe himself. "I don't actually use the word 'Christian' much, because I think Jesus would be mortified that a religion with very strong codes of in-and-out had started in his name," said Bell said in the interview. "I don't have a problem with the word 'Christian,' I just don't think it's the point, and I actually think, oftentimes, it gets in the way. Especially in the word 'Christianity,' which implies some big sort of cumbersome system, when at the heart is a Christ who invites us to live in the world in a particular way."
Bell also told Uproxx he felt that having a "religious affiliation can sometimes be a way to bolster your own ego." I met so many people who would never call themselves a Christian who were so Jesus-y, and I met so many people who were loud and outspoken about how they were Christians who didn't seem like they were Jesus-like at all," continued Bell. "I don't find the categories helpful at all. I think what Jesus is doing is calling us beyond form. To not clutch and cling to some of these forms, but to let go of them."