Never heard of it? Good. I'm starting it. As a former Catholic turned non-demoninational Christian living in the heart of the Bible Belt, I've grown tired of the "either or" attitude.
* Either you're a Christian and you use the word "blessing" in every other sentence OR you're a pagan that never utters the name of Christ.
* You either listen solely to Christian music OR you listen to "secular" rock 'n roll.
* You either dress in ankle-length denim skirts and polo shirts as good Christian women should (reminiscent of the Duggers) OR you dress "immodestly" in tank tops and cut offs.
* You either abstain completely from alcohol OR you're a lush that enjoys an occasional glass of wine.
This, unfortunately, is the attitude I have come up against quite often here in Texas. Mind you, only one person has ever suggested to me that I am an alcoholic because one of my hobbies happens to be wine, but I have become accustomed to the pursed lips and uncomfortable looks in the other direction. No, I don't throw Christian lingo a lot, but I like to think that my actions show who I am. I am proud to be a former punk rocker and yes, I still listen to the Sex Pistols. I am passionate about any artistic endeavor, but my TRUE passion is tolerance for diversity (how fun is it to only surround yourself with people like you?) and freedom of creative expression. The point is, life isn't black and white. Just because you're one thing doesn't mean you're not the other. Moderation is key.
It's okay to feel comfortable with the creative, hippie vibe and seek out other like-minded friends, Christian or not. It's okay to think, dress, or speak unconventionally. It's okay to have a glass of wine and listen to Neil Young or Radiohead. It's okay to be different. Be true to yourself, Christian Bohemian, and rest assured, you are in good company.
Great blog entry! Reminiscent of several of our conversations...
ReplyDeleteHey, you should send this to this web magazine.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.religiondispatches.org/about/1131/submissions
Thanks for the suggestion - I think I will!
ReplyDeleteI knew we were friends for a reason! We need to get together soon.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Sista!
ReplyDeleteThis is a message that I constantly think about and I am super encouraged to have found someone like you. Keep writing from the heart.
ReplyDeleteI have a small group of friends that consider ourselves to be Bohemian Christians. Maybe we got something here, huh? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the feedback, Cody and Randy! It's so encouraging to know that there are other kindred spirits out there!
ReplyDeleteOh wow this is a breath of fresh air. Thanks for posting this, I feel the same way and I get into a lot of frustrating situations with different Christians (and non Christians as well) because it's like I'm supposed to fit into this conformist box. I agree, life can be so much fuller and fun if you drop the either or attitude. Right on.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment, Lindsey. I truly live in the Bible Belt and find myself fighting that black and white attitude all the time. Glad you're out there - Godspeed!
ReplyDeleteBible belt?? Oh, no...find repose at www.the316.com That's 316 for John 3:16 For God so loved the world......
ReplyDeleteim not the first here to say it, but thanks for posting this! you came up when i googled "christian bohemian" because i, too, do not conform to the patterns of this world... i am a hippie at heart (minus only a couple stereotypical aspects:)) and totally in love with the God and Savior of the bible!! i try not to be irked with the mainstream...but black and white thinking is a turn-off to more than just creative Christians...it can be downright illogical and act as a poor witness. of course, everything looks different when its clothed in love and humility
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I found it by googling "bohemian Christian" to see if such a thing existed and this was pretty much it. I hate the black and white -- why can't we be chill, earth-loving humans that are also in love with Christ? After all, Jesus was a nonconformist.
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ReplyDeleteI am also encouraged that others have desired a kind of "Christian Bohemianism". Many Christians mean well but have become anti-intellectual or undiscerning, have relegated grace to something other than unmerited favor, and neglected the supplying and qualifying (vs demanding and disqualifying) work of Christ that brings the gift of righteousness and the unbroken presence, fellowship, and love of God. I ask, what peace, power, or change can exist apart from the possession, ownership, and recollection of these things? Every blessing to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHi RebelWriter! Thanks for your blog. When I got saved 10 years ago I was confused about the image of God being that "career, money, leadership, business"-type that most preachers respresent. I was crying out "Aren´t you also a bohemian God?" I guess many artistic people have trouble fitting in into the churchculture and christian lifestyle. Sometimes something is not good or evil or black or white- it´s called art. You can´t always write just christian poems for instance. If they truly come from your heart there´s a lot more in a person than just the christian doctrine. I have also a blog. It´s called "Laventelihuone" (Lavender room): https://mallamayim.wordpress.com/ but it´s in Finnish since I am a Finn. I post there my Bible treasures and my poems and paintings and drawings. I am master of theology but it plays only a little role in my writings. I am a free spirit. I will follow your blog and would like to get to know more of your thoughts. :)
ReplyDeleteI know that this is a fairly old post but know you are a woman after my own heart!!!! I too live in west Texas (Amarillo) and I have a LOT of titles. I am first and foremost a woman who loves God! I am a mom, wife, free spirit,Someone who lives as organically as possible, I go against the flow more often than not,and I love me a good glass of red wine, I write, create, meditate; but I believe with all my heart I am living the life that God created me to live, and being the person that I was created to be.
ReplyDeleteI often tell people who like to judge me and my way of life one thing... "Who would you rather be... A Pharisee or a disciple?" "Would you rather be like Jesus... the One who died for your sins, or the religious rulers who put Jesus to death?" Here is why I say that... Jesus, and his disciples lived a "different" life. They went against the norms of the time. They pissed off the religious leaders of the times because they refused to do things the way those religious leaders of the time thought that they should do things... Jesus,he healed the sick on the Sabbath. He hung out with tax collectors, prostitutes and others that "the high and mighty" thought he shouldn't. He LOVED everyone.
I feel as though, if I am going to be more like Christ, as the bible tells me to do... My lifestyle is the only one that makes sense. So, you go girl...
YES!!! I agree, wholeheartedly! Two thumbs up!
DeleteAre you still there??? Because up until this point, I am the only person I know that uses "Christian" and "Bohemian" in the same sentence. I thought I was the only one. And here, I happen upon this post, which was written in 2009 - in 2017. I'm not from South Carolina, but I live here now, and needless to say - I don't fit in. Not even after living here for ten years, because quite frankly - I refuse to conform. My solace is that Jesus was also a non-conformist. lol (but seriously). We don't have to be walking clones in order to be believers. In fact, the thought of being a clone, makes me want to upchuck. I don't think God meant for us to be this way, but rather the "pharisee spirit" does. Kudos to you! I hope you are still there, and you still are the unique "you"! I'm not on "Blogger", but you can find me at instagram.com/not.an.average.jane
ReplyDeleteGodspeed! - Dei Johnson
Thank you all for your kind and supportive comments, and I apologize for grossly neglecting this blog and failing to respond in a timely manner. I know that there are so many more of us more non-cookie-cutter Christians out there!
ReplyDeleteI too am a follower of Christ and a bohemian. Wonderful to see this post.
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m in Dallas, ha! So there are at least two of us.
ReplyDeleteI too am a follower of Christ and a bohemian. Wonderful to see this post.
ReplyDeleteI too am a follower of Christ and a bohemian. Wonderful to see this post.
ReplyDeleteI too am a follower of Christ and a bohemian. Wonderful to see this post.
ReplyDeleteI too am a follower of Christ and a bohemian. Wonderful to see this post.
ReplyDeleteHere I thought I'd come up with that term, Christian Bohemian!! Seriously! :) That's how I found your blog. I googled Christian Bohemiam.
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