Unless our faith is directly related to our profession then it is unlikely that the word Christian will precede our occupation. Christians are employed in all different manner of vocations but people don't usually refer to us as the Christian librarian, the Christian baker or the Christian bus driver because from the onlookers perspective, our faith isn't relevant to the role.
This is true to an extent, but even though our job title may not be directly related to our faith, it doesn't mean that we only clock into Christianity once we clock off from our day job. No, our beliefs remain with us and guide us throughout our 9-5 work hours, even if it's not within the church or a particularly Christian setting. We just don't need to label ourselves as such in these cases.
But what if we had the option? Would you choose to be officially known as the Christian librarian or the Christian [insert job title here]. I have to admit, it took me a little while to think of an answer to this question myself. I'm not ashamed to be a Christian at all. Although I hope that people recognise my love for Christ without me having to necessarily vocalise the words "I am a Christian" at each encounter, I've grown to support the idea of having Christian as part of my job title.
David Mann, the American comedian and reality TV star, has hit the headlines because of his statements about not wanting to be referred to as a Christian comedian. Speaking to Savannah Morning News, Mann said: "Rather than being locked in the box of Christian comedy, we'd rather consider ourselves Christians who happen to be comedians... We love God, but we have to be funny otherwise." I can see how labelling a show Christian comedy could turn people away; convinced that wholesome entertainment would lack the comedic kick that they're accustomed to or be full of in jokes that they wouldn't get. Sometimes we can think the same if people know that we're a Christian before they know us. But just as the label Christian can be interpreted negatively by some and cause them to turn away from us, it can also be seen as a beacon by others and draw them close to us.
We should be proud to be labelled Christians in any context, "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name," (1 Peter 4:16).
So, if anyone wants to refer to me as the Christian writer from now on, go ahead. I'm perfectly happy with that.
