What if Jesus was a “None”?

What if Jesus was “Spiritual but Not Religious?”

Imagine a world where the familiar narrative of Christianity takes an unexpected turn. Instead of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the agony in Gethsemane, and the crucifixion on Calvary, Jesus chooses a different path. He opts for a life of quiet contemplation and teaching, disengaging from the political and religious turmoil of his time. He becomes one of the “religious nones,” those who seek spiritual fulfillment outside the established religious structures.

This thought experiment, while purely hypothetical, opens up a fascinating realm of possibilities. It allows us to delve deeper into the significance of Jesus’s choices, the profound impact of his sacrifice, and the very essence of our faith.

The Unfolding of an Alternate Reality

Had Jesus chosen to disengage, the ripples of change would have reverberated through history, creating a world vastly different from the one we know.

• No Crucifixion, No Resurrection: The cornerstone of Christian theology, the belief in Jesus’s death and resurrection as atonement for humanity’s sins, would cease to exist. The core narrative of Christianity would be fundamentally altered, leaving a void where the message of salvation once stood.
• The Fate of Christianity: Without the crucifixion and resurrection, the belief in Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior would likely not have taken root. Christianity, as we know it, might have faded into obscurity, a mere footnote in the annals of history.
• The Roman Empire’s Response: Without the perceived threat of a growing Christian movement, the Roman authorities might have viewed Jesus as less of a political and religious dissident. The persecution and martyrdom of early Christians might never have occurred, altering the course of religious and political history.

The Ripple Effects on Western Civilization

The absence of Christianity would have left a gaping hole in the tapestry of Western civilization.

• A Different Religious Landscape: Other religions, such as Judaism, paganism, or later, Islam, might have filled the void left by Christianity. The religious and cultural landscape of the world would be dramatically different, with far-reaching implications for art, music, literature, philosophy, and social structures.
• The Erosion of Christian Values: The Christian values of love, compassion, forgiveness, and service, which have profoundly influenced Western thought and ethics, might have been diminished or lost altogether. The moral and ethical compass of society would have been shaped by different forces, leading to a potentially different understanding of human rights, social justice, and the value of human life.
• The Absence of Christian Institutions: The vast network of Christian institutions, such as churches, hospitals, schools, and universities, which have played a vital role in education, healthcare, and social welfare, would not exist. The social and cultural fabric of society would be woven from different threads, with potentially different outcomes for human development and progress.

The Profound Significance of Jesus’s Choice

This thought experiment, while hypothetical, underscores the profound significance of Jesus’s choice to embrace the cross. It highlights the magnitude of his sacrifice, the depth of his love, and the transformative power of his obedience.

By choosing the path of suffering and death, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love, surrendering his own desires for the sake of humanity’s salvation.¹ He embodied the true meaning of servanthood, humility, and selflessness, setting an example for all who follow him.²

His choice to embrace the cross was not a passive acceptance of fate but a deliberate act of defiance against the forces of evil and oppression. It was a declaration of God’s unwavering love for humanity, a love that transcends suffering and death.

Embracing the Cross in Our Own Lives

The road not taken by Jesus challenges us to reflect on our own choices and commitments. It calls us to embrace the cross in our own lives, to surrender our own desires and ambitions for the sake of God’s kingdom.

This doesn’t necessarily mean seeking out suffering or martyrdom. It means choosing to follow Jesus, even when the path is difficult, even when it demands sacrifice, even when it goes against the grain of our culture.

It means saying “yes” to God’s call, even when it’s inconvenient, even when it’s unpopular, even when it requires us to step outside our comfort zones.

It means living a life of love, compassion, and service, reflecting the values of Jesus in our words and actions.

It means standing up for justice and righteousness, even when it’s risky, even when it’s costly, even when it means going against the tide.

Conclusion

The thought experiment of Jesus choosing a different path serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of his sacrifice and the transformative power of his love. It challenges us to embrace the cross in our own lives, to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and to live out our faith with courage and conviction.

As we reflect on the road not taken, let us recommit ourselves to the path that Jesus paved for us, the path of love, sacrifice, and obedience. Let us walk in his footsteps, carrying his message of hope and salvation to a world in desperate need of his light.