Christendom traditionally refers to the worldwide community of Christians or the collective Christian states, cultures, and societies historically influenced by Christianity.

Biblical Literalism in Christendom

Biblical literalism involves believing that scriptures are true in a straightforward or strictly factual, historical sense, rejecting symbolic or metaphorical readings.

For example the creation narrative in Genesis. There are two distinct accounts; the priestly account (genesis 1-2:3), and yahwish account (genesis 2:4-25). The first account is full of errors when viewed in its literal interpretation, in comparison to modern day knowledge. Second account is also complex in its literal interpretation.

This school of thought in christendom has led to ignorance, and dogmatism rather than enlightenment and truth.

1. Dogmatism

Dogmatism refers to the tendency to assert principles as unquestionably true without sufficient consideration of evidence, reasoning, or differing opinions.

Biblical truth is held as unquestionably true even in the face of conflicting data and informations. Biblical truth could be complex and contradictory when viewed in the scope of its literal interpretation, without considering its subjectivity, symbolism, and broader significance.

The implication of this is that truth has left the church, because Christianity has failed to evolve by constantly growing in wisdom.

2. Ignorance rather than enlightenment

The core values behind the teachings of Christ were to bring about true enlightenment, away from the pre-existing traditional belief systems ran on dogma.

Christ is an exemplar of his own teachings, by asking questions, rather than blindly accepting pre-existing beliefs, even though they contradicts truth. Literal interpretation of biblical truth has exposed Christianity to multiple logical fallacies, as humanity advance in knowledge.

The byproduct of this is, more individuals of Christian background are loosing their faith in God, and falling into atheism. However, Atheism is as a result of individuals mistaking religion, and belief system for God.

3. Separatism rather than unity

The core value of Christ teaching was to unify every individual under the canopy of the one true God. He moved to achieve this by first separating God from the institutions, and belief systems. He was not against the institutions, neither was he against the belief system, rather he was against the idea of God as an institution, which has brought about the idea of multiple Gods amongst belief systems.

However, biblical literalism has bought about the institutionalization of God, deviating from the original teachings, and intentions of Christ, which is global liberation. This has resulted in Christianity being a tool for division, rather than unity.

The Turning Point for Christianity in Accordance with Christ as an Exemplar

Christianity should embrace the ethical teachings of Jesus Christ over creeds or dogmas. Christian beliefs should be subjected to ethical values.

Christianity should adopt the use of historical and cultural analysis in understanding scripture. Rather than literalism, Christianity should approach sacred texts with interpretivism, by emphasizing interpretation over literal meaning, prioritizing the intent, implications, and broader significance. 

In accordance with the exemplar life of Christ, Christianity should prioritize inclusivity, and social justice. The church should not be a tool for oppression, and control, rather it should stand for truth and enlightenment.

Just like Christ, Christendom should be open to interfaith dialogue, and scientific inquiry. Christians should learn to separate God from religious doctrines. Jesus was not religious. Though he was a jew, which was why he exercised some of the Jewish religion doctrines, but he wasn’t tied to the religious dogma. This is how he was able to integrate diverse individuals, and groups of diverse faiths and belief systems, because he understood what God is.

©️Victor E. Ojei, 2025.