While labeling our churches by denomination has some value, it would be nice to return to the days when believers could simply say, "I am a disciple of Christ."  Of course, Disciples of Christ is now the name of a denomination, so even this doesn't work any more.

Lately, though, I've been thinking about additional labels we put on ourselves.  I tell prospective gigs that I'm a Christian juggler.  By this I mean that my show is centered around biblical themes, and we use our show to teach and evangelize.  However, the truth is, since I am a juggler and a Christian, by definition, I am already a Christian juggler.  If I'm in the local parade without any obvious biblical reference, if I'm practicing, if I'm talking juggling with students, I am always a Christian juggler, so why the label.

I've heard of 'Straight Edge' Christians.  Straight edge is a movement in Rock and Roll that has its roots in the music of Ted Nugent.  It is a movement that believes in loud music and rock attitude without the drugs and promiscuity.  Why should a follower of Jesus have to add an additional label to tell people they don't use drugs or have random sex?  It seems that's already covered in the word 'Christian'. 

I've also read of a movement among the Christian left called Red Letter Christians.  This is a reference to certain Bibles that put the words of Jesus in red letters.  The implication is, RLC's are Christians who follow Jesus teaching.  I think the redundancy should be obvious here. 

If Christian means follower of Jesus, why should we need any further definition of who we are?  Our identity is in Christ, not in a religious sub-culture.