Christamize (christ-a-mize)

It's a self-centered, customize it for me-me-me world.  There are 312,000 different ways to fix a hamburger. You can trick-your-truck with 24" chrome rims or turn your glove compartment into a tropical fish tank. You can add Alabama's "She Ain't Your Ordinary Girl"as your custom ringtone when your special lady calls. You can design your own Nike's at nikeid.com, as if there aren't enough shoes to pick from already. Your car knows how you like it and automatically conforms the interior to your customized specifications. Lastly, if you don't like one of the 800 breeds of dogs recognized by Kennel Clubs Worldwide then you can have a one-of-a-kind designer dog bred for you. There is nothing in this world that can't be customized.

Unfortunately, all too often we see this mentality in our churches and among churchgoers. People want to pick-n-choose their own forms of Christianity. They like certain portions of the Bible but abandon the things that aren't convenient for them. Since when did we become the central-figure in Christianity? I was under the impression that we were to conform our lives to Christ and not the other way around.

Therefore, I am coining a new term for this; Christamize.

Christamize - To make or alter Christ or Christianity to individual or personal specifications or preference.

Christamizer - One who alters or modifies Christianity to their individual or personal specifications.

In writing this, it brought to mind the Ricky Bobby's, (character played by Will Ferrell), prayer in Talladega Nights when they are arguing about the type of Jesus they prefer. A perfect example of Christamization. The video is a cleaned up church version - so enjoy.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVJSEEOyblw&NR=1