Writer
The Cambridge Dictionary defines devotion in terms of religion as religious worship or belief, or prayer, and other acts of religious worship. In the religious studies of my early twenties, I found that devotion seems to be both a staple and benchmark of most world faiths. For Islam, they adhere to the five pillars. In Buddhism, the daily act of constantly meditating on the scriptures of their holy book, the Tipi Kata, is their telltale sign of being devoted towards the journey to Nirvana. Ashkenazi Jews wear prayer shawls at all times as a sign of devotion to not only God the Father but to the traditions of their people, which is so ever intertwined with their faith. However, we as Christians express our devotion to God by our we serve our Lord and our fellow man. (Mark 12:30-31)
Within the last five or six decades of the history of American Culture, a wedge has been driven between both the church and the population of our country. It was at this time the massive tidal wave of change and upheaval to the status quo occurred: The counterculture movement of the 1960s. Almost overnight, everything we knew and held dear was not only brought into question but challenged with the counterculture’s alternatives in lifestyle choices. If one were to look at the timeline between then and the present day, the argument could be made that things have been in a rapid but steady decline. Yet, two key factors to this equation remain that amplify the severity of the situation Christians now face.
First, I wish to address the mainstream church’s response to the counterculture. From a historical perspective, the church froze and hid themselves away from the world and society. This generation had a golden opportunity to embrace this massive conclave of hurting, lost souls seeking to be loved and find the very truth that we believers know is Jesus of Nazareth. Sadly, the church disobeyed the teachings of our Lord and did the opposite of what we’re told to do is.
It is very apparent to see this reflected in the church’s culture and American pop culture. With every passing generation, the number of believers grows fewer and fewer. Right Now, experts say that within the next two generations, given what the numbers currently are, Christianity is going to be extinct. The wedge, as previously mentioned, is extremely toxic to the church. Perhaps nowhere is this wedge more profoundly found in the relationship between The church and the Geek people.
While doing research for my novel, I found the counterculture of the 1960s had a tremendous impact on geek culture as we know it today. Essentially, geeks are a byproduct of this era. Because of this, fear of the unknown and those which the church misunderstands resulted in the fermentation of resentment and animosity towards Geek Culture. In 2016 a few individuals saw the struggle taking place in culture. Seeing that Geek people needed the love of Christ shown to them; they took notes from other believers active in the community and took steps to create a new arm of the Christian Geek Movement.
Since its founding, this rag-tag group of believers have been a shining beacon of hope and an excellent example of the mantra: “love God love people.” Speaking for myself, just finding out that I was no longer an island and there were other Christians just like me pulled me out of severe depression and filled my spirit with the vigor of a fiery gospel. Naturally, owing so much of my redemption to the Christian Geek Movement, I committed myself to the service to God within this movement. I have made it my mission to witness to my Geek brothers and sisters who don’t yet know Jesus. After all these years of wandering the spiritual wilderness, I have found my home within the kingdom of heaven. This movement has, can, and will save lives. Giving all the glory to God!
To serve God is and should always be considered a great honor and an absolute pleasure in the lives of all believers. Although it is by no means financially rewarding labor, we as followers of Jesus know that we will have treasure in heaven awaiting our arrival. It isn’t an easy life rejecting the world and taking up your cross, yet we as Christians know that all things come together for his glory to those who love him. I’ve read the book; we win in the end.
Being in geek culture while being a follower of Christ is to walk a tightrope every moment you are amongst our kind. Should you be on pins and needles as if you were on trial for everything you do? Certainly Not!
Being in geek culture while being a follower of Christ is to walk a tightrope every moment you are amongst our kind. Should you be on pins and needles as if you were on trial for everything you do? Certainly Not! Romans 8 clearly states that there is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. However, one must realize that you will come across a scenario in geek culture that you may not be comfortable in your spirit sooner than later. Fear not, dear reader, when that time comes, the holy spirit will guide you to the right choice.
Speaking from personal experience, I have had geek friends that took their own lives because they didn’t know of the love of Christ. For that simple fact, they couldn’t bring themselves out of the dark abyss of depression. That is why I am so devoted to serving the Almighty God through this movement. If you take away all the religious aspects of our barebone message in its purest form, you are left with this simple mission: to let people know they are loved. Who would ever be against this?
A Christian Geek should be a committed disciple of Jesus of Nazareth first and foremost. With being a member of geek culture a close second. When we were children, we were taught that responsibility always came before leisure time. Balancing our loyalty to Christ with geek culture is no different. You couldn’t go play with your friends until your Saturday chores were complete. We can totally spend late nights playing Dungeons and Dragons, getting lost in a comic book, binge-watching Star trek by order of stardate. But if we as believers and a movement aren’t putting God first in all we do and say, it will not only make us appear lukewarm to our mainstream brothers and sisters, but it will nullify us as a movement in the process. It is my prayer that this essay has made you ponder and reconsider your standing within your faith. We all grow at a different pace, so just know God loves you the way you are and where you are. But He loves you too much to keep you there and that way.