BuzzFeed is known for its entertaining videos and hilarious blogs about pop culture, Internet culture and everything in between.
When we heard that BuzzFeed released a video on Sept. 7 called I Am Christian, But..., we were excited to have our faith presented to their global audience. Well, it was great, but...
For a video about Christianity, it was disappointing not to hear anybody in the video mention Jesus. As Christians, how can that be? The video was a missed opportunity to talk about the faith that we love and the God who loves us even more.
The video’s premise was flawed because it asked people to finish the sentence, “I am Christian, but...” The word “but” is disappointing because it implies that whatever follows it is in spite of their Christian faith. We decided to add our voices in a more positive way by finishing the sentence, “I am Christian, and...” We are Christians, and not afraid to proclaim what the Church teaches.
Robert Adragna: “I’m Christian and I love science because God wants us to fully understand the beauty and majesty of Creation.”
Regina Rhae Contreras: “I am Christian, and believe that everyone experiences God’s love, graces and mercy no matter what state of our lives we are in.”
Rachel Gannon: “I’m a Christian and I stand in solidarity with all refugees throughout the Middle East and Europe. By welcoming refugees, I believe we are welcoming Christ no matter who that person is or what they believe.”
Julie Hall: “I am Christian and I am patient with those who do not share in my faith because Jesus teaches us the importance of having such acceptance towards others since we were all created equally and in God’s image.”
Emma Hunter: “I’m a Christian and I’m an academic because God and higher education aren’t mutually exclusive. My search for the truth has led me to a personal relationship with Jesus, and my desire to always keep searching for the truth also inspires my academic studies.”
Melanie Lamarca: “I am Christian and I like to pray. I believe it’s important to make time for God whether at home, outside, alone or with family. ”
Maria Montemayor: “I am Christian and I am pro-life because I believe in the dignity and equality of every human being from the moment of conception.”
Anela Nicholson: “I am Christian and I’m staying chaste until marriage because I believe in honouring my body as a creation that glorifies and honours God. I want to save this special gift from God for my future husband.”
Julia Swist: “I’m Christian and I’m open-minded. My faith teaches me to accept everyone regardless of gender, race or age and to learn from the wisdom of others.”
Steven Travale: “I’m Catholic and I’m open to inter-religious dialogue because God wants mutual respect and understanding between all His children.”
Francisco Uy: “I’m Christian and I am your neighbour. My love for my neighbour, whatever race, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, is not manufactured by fear of repercussions from any kind of laws. My love is the natural good instilled in me by Jesus.”
We want to be clear in that we don’t blame BuzzFeed or their Christian staff. It is not the company’s responsibility to show the world who we are.
If anything, this video is evidence of the challenge that Christians face in today’s society. Let’s continue to have conversations where we can tell people about why we stay true to our One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
This week, our team is posting a video of our own, so keep an eye out on our web site at catholicregister.org/ysn.