How ironic that many conservative Christians use the word liberal to brand their political enemies, as if that's a bad thing. It's ironic, because the Christian faith is founded on one simple concept: grace. Hmm. Grace? Liberality? Generosity?

God, according to conventional Christian theology, offers redemption, freedom, liberation and salvation completely and utterly free of charge, unearned and undeserved. It's ridiculous grace, extravagant grace. From the human perspective, it's senseless, stupid grace. Everything within us cries out, "Make them earn it! Everyone carries his/her own weight! No handouts!"

Except that doesn't seem to be God's way. When it comes to Christianity, it's one biggie-sized, extreme, unmerited handout.

To quote MacDonald's current ad campaign: "I'm lovin' it!"

God, the ultimate Liberal (with a capital L). I'm happy (and humbled) to be labeled the same.

Text and image © 2010 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.