Tertullian: 'Christians are made, not born.'

Christians are made, not born.

The quote by Tertullian, "Christians are made, not born," carries a profound meaning that emphasizes the transformative nature of the Christian faith. In a straightforward interpretation, this quote suggests that being a Christian is not something one is simply born into; rather, it is a choice that individuals make for themselves. It implies that the essence of being a Christian lies not in one's lineage or inherited beliefs, but in the personal commitment and devotion to following the teachings of Jesus Christ.This quote holds great importance within the context of religious identity and spiritual growth. It challenges the notion that religious affiliation is predetermined or solely based on ancestry or cultural heritage. Instead, Tertullian asserts that individuals have the ability to shape their religious identities through conscious decision-making and personal experience.However, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that can further enhance our understanding of Tertullian's quote – the concept of existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, responsibility, and subjective experience in creating one's own meaning and purpose in life.When we bring together Tertullian's quote and existentialist philosophy, an intriguing connection emerges. Tertullian's assertion that Christians are made, not born, aligns with existentialism's emphasis on personal choice and subjective experience. It implies that being a Christian is not merely a result of external circumstances or societal pressures, but a conscious decision made by individuals who actively seek a relationship with God and strive to embody Christian values in their lives.Existentialism posits that each person must confront the inherent meaninglessness and absurdity of life, and it is through the choices we make in the face of this existential crisis that we can create our own sense of purpose and meaning. In the context of the quote, this existentialist perspective suggests that being a Christian requires individuals to confront the paradoxes and uncertainties of faith, make conscious choices to align with Christian values, and actively engage in spiritual practices to cultivate their own understanding of what it means to be a Christian.In contrast, some religious traditions place a greater emphasis on the idea of being born into a particular faith. This perspective holds that religious identity is primarily determined by familial lineage or community affiliation. However, Tertullian's quote challenges this notion and invites us to view religious identity as a personal journey, where individuals actively participate in the construction of their beliefs and experiences.By embracing the idea that Christians are made, not born, Tertullian prompts us to reflect on the transformative power of personal choice and introspection in the context of faith. It encourages individuals to take ownership of their spiritual journey and engage in a deep exploration of their beliefs, rather than simply accepting inherited or external religious affiliations without critical inquiry.Ultimately, Tertullian's quote and the integration of existentialist philosophy provoke us to consider the profound responsibility we have in shaping our religious identities. It reminds us that being a Christian is not a static state but an ongoing process of self-discovery, self-transformation, and personal commitment. In this way, Tertullian's words continue to resonate with Christians worldwide, encouraging individuals to actively engage with their faith and foster a more meaningful and authentic connection with God.