'Who Is Christian?’ A look back at history and ahead to a more hopeful future

The question of “who is Christian” stretches back to Christianity’s first communities: Could non-Jews become real Christians?

The question of identity has roiled Christians ever since. The European bloodletting over legitimacy and Christian belonging was so intense after the Protestant Reformation that the American project itself can be seen in part as a political answer to the desperate problem of Christian identity.

After the stunned silence that follows religious violence, questions about politics, faith and boundaries become more urgent. Latter-day Saints’ own history with these category debates is also relevant. Initially, the combination of the Saints’ efforts to distinguish themselves, their neighbors’ responses and the ensuing tensions made for some very hard lines.

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