Faith

Popular Campus Crusade for Christ to Drop ‘Crusade’ and ‘Christ’ from Name

Campus Crusade for Christ Cru New name changes

Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) — the popular, large-scale Christian organization — has decided to make a major change. In early 2012, the multi-faceted para-church group will officially drop the name it has held for 60 years, replacing it with a three-letter word — “Cru.” While many within the group are praising the change, some outsiders wonder if the ministry, which seeks to “build spiritual movements everywhere so everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus Christ,“ is making the wrong decision by removing ”Christ” from its title.

Founded by Bill and Vonette Bright at UCLA back in 1951, the organization — which today brings in $490 million per year in revenue — spread rapidly. By 1960, 40 U.S. college campuses had chapters, with at least two others already operating in foreign countries. By 1996, Money Magazine dubbed the group the most efficient religious ministry in America. According to CCC’s web site:

By the year 2000, Campus Crusade for Christ International, the parent organization for the college ministry, had more than 24,000 full time staff members, and more than 500,000 trained volunteers serving in 191 countries.

Campus Crusade for Christ Cru New name changes“Cru” is a title that is quite familiar to the organization. Though it was chosen from a pool of 1,600 potential options, it is a name that local campus ministries have called themselves for more than a decade. In an official press release CCC writes that this move will “increase relevance and global effectiveness:”

“From the beginning, Bill (Bright) was open to changing our name. He never felt it was set in stone. In fact, he actually considered changing the name 20 or 25 years ago,” said Vonette Bright, who co-founded Campus Crusade for Christ with her husband. “We want to remove any obstacle to people hearing about the most important person who ever lived – Jesus Christ.”

According to Christianity Today (CT), over the years some evangelicals have simply referred to the ministry as “Crusade.” This name has caused problems overseas, as it is reminiscent of history’s militaristic crusades, which are described as “…conquests by European Christians intended to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslims in the 11th to 13th centuries.” CT has more:

“It’s become a flash word for a lot of people. It harkens back to other periods of time and has a negative connotation for lots of people across the world, especially in the Middle East,” said Steve Sellers, the CCCI vice president and U.S. national director who is leading the name change project. “In the ’50s, crusade was the evangelistic term in the United States. Over time, different words take on different meanings to different groups.”

CCC acknowledges that there may be some who support the new name and others who lament it. But, it’s not just the “Crusade” connotation that is bothersome. The word “campus” also limits the organization in its reach. While the initial ministry was mainly focused upon reaching college campuses, new, more diverse endeavors have arisen over the years.

Today, there is Here’s Life Inner City (a ministry serving America’s urban poor), Keynote (a music ministry) and Athletes in Action (a Christian outreach for athletes), to name a few. Leaders claim that a broader name, considering an ever-expanding wide-focus lens, was warranted.

Still, some may wonder why “Christ” couldn’t be worked into the new name. Plus, there’s the unavoidable fact that “Cru” is the first portion of the word that the organization was trying to avoid in the first place. In a FAQ section on CCC’s new web site announcing the name, the following explanation is given:

We were not trying to eliminate the word Christ from our name. We were looking for a name that would most effectively serve our mission and help us take the gospel to the world. Our mission has not changed. Cru enables us to have discussions about Christ with people who might initially be turned off by a more overtly Christian name…

This description will certainly appease some, but others may still find issue, especially with the portion about people who “might be initially…turned off” by a Christian name. Take the poll below and tell us what you think about CCC’s new name:


Full Disclosure: The author of this article worked for Campus Crusade for Christ/Here’s Life Inner City from 2009 until 2011.

Comments (420)

  • Bonnieblue2A
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:52pm

    They have to remove Christ’s name from the title of their organization before they can promote Christ? How can anyone not see that as twisted? Why hide in shame (fear of offending) rather than allowing the light of the world shine for all to see? Reminiscent of Simon Peter’s denials indeed!

    Report Post »  
    • Ebbertron
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:01pm

      Stealth…..thats how Jesus did it……oh wait.

      Report Post »  
    • king1
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:05pm

      deny him and you will pay the price

      Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:28pm

      wow…cru… how low can you go…
      c…crap
      r….rules
      u…universal….

      the whole thing is twisted..wrong…

      Report Post »  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:30pm

      It’s actually not a bad motivation, and it certainly isn’t a denial of the Lord. If people’s ears are closed to hearing the Gospel simply because of a prejudice about Christianity then it is prudent to get around the prejudice by waiting until a conversation can be started before the name of Christ is mentioned. After all, God didn’t start preaching the full Gospel to the Jews. He built a relationship with them over 1500 years. When they were ready he filled them in on the whole message.

      I used to work a for group called the Christian Arts Company. We had a project taking shows dealing with substance abuse into schools, but we knew that our name would bar us from many venues, so we renamed ourselves Saltworks. When people asked us we never hid our faith, but we didn’t want ignorant fear of our faith keeping them from hearing the message. Campus Crusade for Christ is njot going to dilute the message. they are just earning the right to be heard by a potentially hostile audience. Look at Paul’s sermon to the Athenians. He gets to the Gospel at the end.

      My one beef with Campus Crusade is their name change is lame. They should have come up with a totally new name, rebooted themselves in a way. CRU just shouts out what they have dropped.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • jameswhite1969
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:47pm

      It matters not to be if they do change their name. Even if they remove the name of Christ,for if they teach the truth and bring followers to Christ. Then they are doing the work that Christ told as all to do. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

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    • Curiousgrandpa
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:47pm

      Falls under the heading of “deny me before men, I will deny you before the father” stupid, stupid people, they will never learn. Tell it like it is or leave it alone, period.

      Report Post » Curiousgrandpa  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:55pm

      Curious, you fall under the heading of “judge not”. You haven’t a clue what is their intentions, obviously. I bet you have never done evangelism or mission work. I have. They are on the right path, gaining people’s trust so that they will open up to the Gospel.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Ranubis
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:10pm

      I’m truly amazed at the thought process of some of you. Do you honestly believe that Christ would care what a group was called as long as God’s message was proclaimed (God‘s message not Christ’s, for Christ always said “for you glory father, not mine”).

      A rose by any other name is still a rose

      Report Post » Ranubis  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:18pm

      Didn’t Jesus say, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me”? (Matt. 11:6, KJV).

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • caitlynsdad
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:22pm

      @Ranubis
      I’d look at Acts 4:12, which says that there is no other name but Christ’s whereby we are saved. And in John 14:14, Jesus names as a condition for prayer that our requests be made in His name. Nowhere in the Bible do I find it mentioned that it’s okay to close our prayers by saying, “We ask this in the name of That Guy.”

      Report Post » caitlynsdad  
    • Uncle Sammy
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:41pm

      Well said.. reminds me of “ we have to sign the bill before we can tell you what is in it ”. The whole purpose should not be to get someone to identifiy themselves as a “christian”.. but convince people of their need to repent and believe in the Christ, Jesus.

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    • gslover
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:43pm

      Exactly agree this decision lacks common sense – don’t mention the name of Jesus so we can mention the name of Jesus. Progressive thinking among Christians is dangerous.

      Report Post »  
    • Drives Like Jehu
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:55pm

      LOL…I do believe that removing Christ from the organization’s title so that they can more freely speak of Christ is called IRONY. Why don’t they go all the way to attract the lost and change their name to Liberal/Progressive/Pinko/Fascist/Socialist/Commie Atheists while still preaching Jesus (that ought to fool the lost).

      Report Post » Drives Like Jehu  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 4:29pm

      Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:55pm
      Curious, you fall under the heading of “judge not”. You haven’t a clue what is their intentions, obviously. I bet you have never done evangelism or mission work. I have.
      ———————————————————————————–

      The immaturity of Christians that use the “judge not’ and “plank in your eye” scriptures whenever they are convicted or have a week arguement, and are about to attack someone with loose assumptions or “I’m smarter than you”…….never cease to make me cringe.
      I am embarrassed for them!

      We are to speak of Christ with BOLDNESS……not stealth.
      Not hide our light under a basket, but let it shine.
      The Holy Spirit draws people to Christ, not a ‘stealthy’ name for evangelism………………

      I’m intitled to my opinion just as you and the one you addressed are.
      Be careful not to fall off your high horse there cowboy!

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Code_red
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 4:40pm

      Because they are cultural driven, not Christ driven. They are more sensitive to what the unsaved think than what Christ thinks! I’m not saying we ought to be antagonistic, but good night, taking out Christ in your name proves that they are conformed to the world. Hide the name, “wait for it”, so you can proclaim the name. makes no sense!

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    • Sound The Trumpet In Zion
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 4:53pm

      “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:33 I would tend to think that would also go for denying His Name.
      If they are too embarrased to recognize Him by His Name then I am too embarrased to give any money to them and too embarrased to even acknowledge them.
      Another thing, does cru mean “chckens remaining (undetected), (undisclosed), (unrevealed), (unknown), (unexposed) or (unknown)?” Does anyone have a clue?

      Report Post » Sound The Trumpet In Zion  
    • Eblaze44
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:04pm

      If you are surprised – I’m surprised at you. Christ is in the dumpster in this country along with the fake numbers of people that say they “believe in God”. Allah wins again.

      Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:13pm

      Rational Man, you are always entitled to your wrong opinion. But you are not entitled to accuse other Christians falsely. No one is. Christ also told us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. I am sure you would have condemned Paul for claiming that he was being attacked in Jerusalem for proclaiming the resurrection, when he knew that was the issue that divided the pharisees from the sadducees. It got him a wider audience that were willing to hear him. Clever. Why did he not state clearly that he was being attacked for preaching Jesus? Was he ashamed? NO!

      If you think God requires you to paste the name of Christ on your chest to do evangelism, go with God. But do not think your freedom in Christ gives you the right to condemn others for taking a different path. Who made you their judge? I am not the one on the high horse here, my friend.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Sicboy
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:25pm

      wouldn’t you keep the name of the most important person to live in your title? what is this world coming too? Right is wrong and wrong is right. Now where have I heard that before?

      Report Post » Sicboy  
    • Wayner
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:30pm

      Can‘t you see what’s going on here? This is the day that Paul spoke of when he said that in the last days people with itching ears would want people who would tell just what they want to hear. Thus we now have the new movement of Chrislam.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:37pm

      @Islesfordian

      Thanks once again for proving the point I was making about immature Christians in my first post. You couldn’t help but pull the “judge not” card…..AGAIN! You just couldn’ help yourself could you?
      I think if you look closely at what I said and what you said, the attacking fell on you, (brother).

      I tell you what, if you can refrain from making “pigs sodimizing Muslims” comments like you did on the Twin Towers thread, I might listen to your retoric…….MAYBE! The temptation to use the “plank in the eye” card on you is pretty strong right now. But I won’t!…….You know…………..

      As it stands now, you are just a Christian troll and not a very good witness. Let alone a convincing ‘evangelist’…….But tell it however you want.
      Have a nice day!…………………….

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:41pm

      You can tell it’s a man made denomination/organization when they decide to change things to be more appealing to the rest of the world. Mormons did it in order to become a state. In fact that’s basically what a denomination is, it’s man made rules instead of what God commanded. If the denomination were true then it would stand based on it’s own merits but because they have to change the name around and change their “appeal” shows you who is making the calls… man. If people are offended by the name of Christ then by removing His name, they are sending the wrong message.

      Report Post » scarebear83  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:50pm

      Rational Man, I know Christians like you. You like to judge other Christians without facts. You KNOW in your heart the truth about them. No explanation is necessary. You make yourself feel superior by being better than the others. The fact that you fall back on the most trite line, “I’m entitled to my opinion”, tells me that facts don’t mean a thing to you. None of us are “entitled” to our opinions. If the facts don’t back us up it is a sin to continue to believe simply because we want to. That is pure arrogance.

      You should change your name to Emotional Man.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:56pm

      Scarebear, are you not aware that CRU is not a denomination? It is not a church. It is an evangelistic society. And they don’t do their evangelism with their name. They do it with their witness. You, and many others, seem to equate the name of a group with the message they are preaching, as if you can’t preach a message without procliming it in your title. Alchoholics Anonymous don’t call themselves the “call on a higher power” society. But once people go in they find out that’s in the 12 step routine which is their Gospel.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 6:07pm

      Oh, and Rational Man, another thing about facts. I queried about an app showing Muslim JIHADISTS being sodomized by pigs. Not just any Muslims. That little omision ammounts to a serious misrepresentation on your part. Maybe you were as careless in noticing the facts there as you have been here regarding CRU.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 6:09pm

      “None of us are “entitled” to our opinions.”……?????

      I’m sorry!…….All I can do is laugh now……

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 7:28pm

      Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 6:07pm
      Oh, and Rational Man, another thing about facts. I queried about an app showing Muslim JIHADISTS being sodomized by pigs. Not just any Muslims. That little omision ammounts to a serious misrepresentation on your part. Maybe you were as careless in noticing the facts there as you have been here regarding CRU.
      ——————————————————————————————-

      PLEEEEASE stop representing yourself as a Christian on this forum. You only add foder to the liberal trolls that just look for stuff like that to bash real Christians.
      Do you really think that if you specify, “JIHADISTS”, that makes a difference????
      Let me guess. If you are some kind of Christian and not just a troll trying to make Christians look bad, then your a liberal Catholic……Right?
      Unlike you, I can handle legitimate correction. So tell me. What denomination says stuff like that?

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Edct
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 10:05pm

      They are ashamed of Christ..I am ashamed of them and will never support them.

      Report Post »  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:39am

      @driveslike
      Liberal/Progressive/Pinko/Fascist/Socialist/Commie Atheists while still preaching Jesus (that ought to fool the lost).
      ****
      Kind of smacks of the same (UN?) holy spirit, which about 8 yrs ago, opened a WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES meeting by asking a high priestess of WICCA to invoke the spirits of the dead?
      “Not all who call me ‘Lord, Lord shall…” (that‘s a pretty big list of what they shall not if we’d use present age to make it up, isn’t it?) “enter into The Kingdom..”

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • bilbo253
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 2:25am

      I can see the organization changing it’s name so it can operate “under the radar” The only question I have is: Why are these “Progressives” so afraid of Jesus and his Message? It would be very interesting to find out just what their basic Malfunction is. Oh — wait a minute! Our Country was founded on Christian Principles — that MUST be the reason. If you weaken the Founding Ideals – then you weaken the Foundation. Glad I figured that out — will I sleep well tonight! Please:
      God Bless AND God Help America

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    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 6:21am

      I see what will please many of you is if CRU said, “We‘re Christian and we’re not ashamed of Christ!” And the world will respond, at best, “That’s very nice for you” and walk away to die in their sins.

      But, hey, you got to stand up for Christ. So what if no one was saved? YOUR honor is intact.

      Well, it takes all kinds. Some are called to be teachers, some to be healers, some to be martyrs, some to be evengelists. Shall the head say to the foot “I have no need of you”? Should the martyrs despise the evangelists for not dying for the cause because they wanted to hang around and preach the Gospel? Paul said that to die was gain, but to live was Jesus. Living has a purpose and that is to preach the Gospel. If our manner of preaching only stops up their ears then change the manner. “Be all things to all people that some might be saved”.

      CRU is trying to get past the instincts of sinners to close their ears at the mention of God. That takes patience, a patience many of you seem to despise as cowardice.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 6:39am

      @Sicboy, “wouldn’t you keep the name of the most important person to live in your title”

      What’s the prupose of the title? What’s the purpose of most titles? Is it to tell someone what it’s all about or to get them to read the book? Sometimes these purposes are in conflict, because a person might not know how really good the book is just by the summary of its plot. The tilte is used to sometimes intrigue and entice.

      God didn’t put us here with the command to simlly proclaim our allegiance to him. He said to let our “light shine before men that they may see YOUR GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven”. Obviously our good works is not putting his name on our marquee. Peter told us to be READY to answer those who ask about the hope that is in us. Apparently Peter expected the full answer of who and what we are as Christians to be a bit of a mystery to the world until they were ready and hungry enough to ask.

      Going through the world and shouting, “We’re Christians! Anyone want to hear about Jesus?” is not always the most effective way of getting people to actually hear about Jesus. Sometimes, very rarely, it works, when The Spirit has rippened the fruit so that you don’t have to do any work. It just falls of the vine. But most vineyards aren’t like that. that’s why God equips people to be evangelists and gives them the skill and sensitivity to speak a word due time, to look for the poenings of the soul. That is a sensitivity many here lack, and see

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:03am

      When a Christian feels motivated to drop the name of Christ–as an obstacle –are they no longer Christian –but only ians? how absurd this name change surrender to Muslims and anti-Christ is.

      Report Post »  
    • dugiewugie
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:32am

      Hey! I got an idea…lets remove the name of Christ from Christian!

      Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:14am

      Christians that financially support this group should consider dropping the dollar sign from their donation and replace it with a one cent sign. Or, don’t make ANY financial donation just to change things up a bit. “Campus Crusade for Christ” seems more appropriate for a Christian organization than CRU. They took the name of Christ out of it and I will take my donation out of it until they put Christ back into it. Doesn’t that make sense to you ?

      Report Post »  
    • Truetammy
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:18am

      um Jesus’ name was not Christ. Christ means messiah. and crusade is very offensive.

      Report Post »  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:13pm

      No, I’m not in favor of it at all. It’s all about Christ, nothing else. It’s wimpy and pathetic.

      Report Post » Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • Pajamahadin
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:15pm

      When I first heard it, my initial reaction was hoping it was not an indication of some kind of liberal theological influence or cultural compromise. After reading some comments reported from Cru leaders, it’s perfectly understandable why “Campus” and “Crusade” are being dropped from the name. So the only issue of concern was not having “Christ” in the name. After some consideration, I realized the main point is that Christ is not dropped from the message.

      As Shakespeare wrote:

      “What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
      By any other name would smell as sweet;”

      What matters most is what something is, not what it is called.

      For all those who might accuse Cru of making the change out of fear of man or being ashamed of the gospel, they only need to demonstrate to them the centrality of Christ and of His name in their message (a la Acts 4:10-12). As long as that remains, I see no reason to criticize the renaming of the ministry.

      You might be interested in some comments I came across on the matter from a blogger. There is a good amount of overlap with my own thoughts.

      http://wardrobedoor.blogspot.com/2011/07/campus-crusade-now-cru-angry-bloggers.html#more

      Report Post »  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:32pm

      If anything this is exactly what we need today is to have another Crusade but in America to protect our country against the millions of Muslim Barbarians that the traitors in our government have allowed to mass migrate here and put us directly in harms way. Every place Islam has entered has only brought Hate, Violence, and Intimidation and the more we allow Freedoms and Protection to a Religion that commands the murder of unbelievers you are allowing them Freedom and Protection to murder you easier! You can only choose one! Either you choose to protect their rights to practice their religion which include murdering you as an unbeliever or choose your rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • mudvilles9
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 2:31pm

      That‘s right up there with Pelosi’s “ We have to vote on it before we see it” comment.

      Report Post » mudvilles9  
    • Josiegirl
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Jesus says, if you are not with me, you are against me. He says, whoever does not honor me, does not honor the father. This is ridiculous. They will not remain Christian for long. I cannot support them any longer

      Report Post »  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 3:39pm

      Islesfordian- No one living in this time can be a “witness” for Christ. The only witnesses were those who saw the Lord while He was on this earth. We can teach or preach or share the good news with others but no one can be a “witness.” I went to the website and looked at their statement of faith, it is denominational thinking and not taught from the Bible. They are Calvinists: [the Holy Spirit] seals them until the day of redemption…. God imputes His righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation (the words “faith alone” are found only once in the Bible and with the word “NOT” in front of it [James 2:24]) and …Jesus Christ will come again to the earth — personally, visibly and bodily — to consummate history and the eternal plan of God.” These statements are man-made statements and cannot be found in the Bible. Therefore it is denominational thinking.

      “You can scare away potential converts by thundering the Gospel.” -I saw this and had to comment. You can also scare people away by mentioning everlasting torment. This is what’s wrong with the world today people are preaching almost the same campaign Obama ran on. “Hope and Change,” if you hope and trust in God your life will change and everything will be wonderful! But God never promised it. If people are scared by the name of Christ then that is their fault and they will answer on the day of Judgment. Our job is to teach the truth and not cover it or sprinkle it with sug

      Report Post » scarebear83  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 3:57pm

      *sugar (why does the Blaze keep cutting off words when I have plenty of space left?) *I guess I should elaborate about God making the person’s life wonderful… today you have preachers who tell others that they just need to believe in God and they’ll have bills paid etc. but God never promised we’d have it easy in this life. By trusting and obeying God you can have a wonderful spiritual life though and the hope and promise of a better life once this one is over.

      Report Post » scarebear83  
    • GoodGravy
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 5:09pm

      I actually have a good friend that works for CCC and they’ve called themselves “Cru” for years anyway because college kids aren’t going to come to an event by Campus Crusade for Christ, but they’ll show up if the name is Cru. It isn’t about hiding Jesus, it’s about reaching people on their level and then elevating the conversation towards Christ. I think it is a fine change and I truly believe that the impact this ministry has will do nothing but grow.

      Report Post »  
    • NYHuguenot
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:31pm

      I’d have expected nothing less from theological liberals. Bill Bright was a memeber of the PCUSA, the most liberal of Presbyterian denominations.

      Report Post »  
    • mitchbarr
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 8:59am

      Mr Jameswhite1969 I agree that I think the CCC is doing good things but you included a quote from the Bible. How would it sound with the following
      “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and ___ and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

      Without Christ there is no salvation. and it would also be like being called a _ _ _ _ _ _ ian instead of Christian because i didnt want to offend anyone.

      Report Post »  
    • Huckleberry5
      Posted on July 23, 2011 at 9:39am

      So, let me get this straight. Professional complainer Glenn Beck, who as a Mormon denies the true nature of Jesus, has gotten people riled up about the Cru name change (probably because anything he can do to limit the spread of Christianity helps his cult).

      Cru people have dedicated their lives to telling people about Jesus. It’s funny seeing people on here disparaging them for being ashamed of Jesus, when without a doubt Cru folks talk with non-believers about Jesus more in one day than most here do in a year, and win more to Christ in a year than most will in their lifetime. Stop the arm-chair quarterbacking.

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    • Hecallsmefriend
      Posted on July 23, 2011 at 4:31pm

      To the church at Smyrna Christ says, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” He does not say, “Add numbers to your rolls and you will receive a crown of life.” Rev 2:10
      Truth is, you can spin it any way you want but you are really telling the world is that you are REMOVING CHRIST…and denying the fact that with Christ you can do all things…Bill Bright must be rolling in his grave (satan is rejoicing as one of the many tentacles of his demonic octopus of PASSIVITY has now reached CRU)…
      Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2Tim 4:2-5

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    • Right_on_the_Left_Coast
      Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:35pm

      @BonnieBlue2A, I think that people are jumping to conclusions by assuming that Cru is “hiding” or bowing to “political correctness” just because they didn’t choose to find a name for their organization that worked in the word “Christ.” If they had, that’d be great. But how many hundreds of fantastic Christian ministries exist around the world that don’t have “Christ” in the name? In fact, most churches don’t even use “Christ” in their name.

      This is ridiculous the way people are slamming one of the most effective global ministries of our day because they chose to adopt a name that has already been in use as an organizational nickname for nearly a decade. I’m not really a fan of the new name either, but it’s not an indicator that they suddenly turned PC. How about we do a little more fact checking before we start flinging mud at our brothers and sisters in Christ, huh? Glenn unfortunately dropped the ball on this one…

      Report Post » Right_on_the_Left_Coast  
  • Applehead
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:51pm

    This is what we should be standing up for!!!!! Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!! I wonder who’s behind this??? To all of our Jewish friends do you stand with the Christians????? Help us denounce this take Jesus out of everything and stand with us to stop Hollywood from using Jesus name in vein???? Help us keep our Christian and morals intact?????

    Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:15pm

      The money collectors, Jesus threw them out, it’s time they were thrown out again. The only thing good about the gang of 6 agreement yesterday is they want to take away deductions for contributions to churches. If they did this, churches might wake up, not fear speaking out anymore, and we might could turn this nation back in the right direction.

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 4:05pm

      it sounds like another a hateful ploy to stick it to the muslims!These Christians-see how they love their neighbors!.

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 6:39pm

      Good God stick it to the muslims, those animals have been bent on taking over the world through out all of recorded history. It they would ever stop trying to kill every body they can’t enslave, we would leave them alone, but they want, they have terrorized the planet for at least 3000 years.

      I wish the liberals would either educate themselves or just be happy in their stoned state, but no, they destroy every last brain cell partying through out their youth, then try to tell all the rest of how to live.

      Report Post »  
    • chigger
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 11:08pm

      @Rose Ellen: Good grief,is there a conspiracy against Muslims behind every rock for you?

      Report Post » chigger  
  • larry25427
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:51pm

    If you are ashamed of the name of Christ, then what good are you?

    Report Post »  
    • TMunson
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:54pm

      exactly!!!!

      Report Post » TMunson  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:18pm

      Kinda looks like Soros syndrome and he’s still a jew. Changing a name don’t change facts. Like Barry Soetoro and Barack Obama, the same. People go through life thinking they don’t have to own their actions but when you get to the other side, the records are there and no place to hide. You know right from wrong and should you choose the wrong, if you think this life was long and hard, wait until you get to the next one and it’s a whole lot longer than this one. And yes, not speaking up for the right qualifies.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:25pm

      Double dittos!! Why don’t they just say, “We are now an organization of the world and stand for social justice. Christ is no longer a part of our platform.” That’s what this move is really saying to those of us who are not ashamed of CHRIST.

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:34pm

      They are not ashamed of the name of Christ. They just know there is a time to proclaim it and a time to be silent. Any good missionary will tell you that. You can scare away potential converts by thundering the Gospel. you have to establish for your hearers that you have a message worth listening to. If they are prejudiuced against christ because they THINK they know all about it you have to accept their prejudice and work around it until you have their ears. Standing on a street corner shouting with a Bible is not the best evangelistic method.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • joe1234
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:41pm

      and neither is diluting the truth and being ashamed of the Name of Christ

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:52pm

      Joe, they are NOT diluting the message or being ashamed of the name. The name of their organization is not the message. The message of Christ is the message. How are they going to share the message if those who don‘t know it won’t come to listne because they have a prejudice about the name? Answer me that before you start assuming spiritual sins. There is absolutely nothing in the story to justify thinking thatt CRU is diluting the Gospel. You all should be ashamed for jumping to conclusions and judging other Christians. If you aren’t doing their work how dare you presume to tell them how to do it?

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • joe1234
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:05pm

      its painfully obvious they are ashamed of The Name…as far as changing their preaching…how could it not ? its just a symptom of what is going on inside their organization. We’ve seen it too many times before, formerly christian organizations becoming secular….like the YMCA.

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • joe1234
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:07pm

      as far as ‘prejudice against the name’ please, the Name is a stumbling block…why would you want to resort to lies and trickery to fool people into the kingdom? it won’t work.

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:39pm

      Joe, it is not “painfully obvous” they are ashmed. What is painfully obvious is your willingness to judge the hearts of other Christians despite the evidence.

      Did you read this? “We want to remove any obstacle to people hearing about the most important person who ever lived – Jesus Christ” They are not removing Christ. they are removing obstacle to hearing about him.

      Have YOU ever done evangelism? Have you? Until you have and know the work that it takes to get people even to listen to the Gospel you shouldn‘t be sop quick to judge what you don’t know.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • joe1234
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:48pm

      ‘despite the evidence’??? what are you talking about? they dropped the name of Christ…they dropped the word ‘crusades’ because they are afraid of the muslims, OBVIOUSLY.

      why is the name of CHRIST and obstacle?? hmmm?? you sound like you’re trying to trick people into the kindgom…play a game of bait and switch.

      I’ve done enough evangelizing to know LYING TO PEOPLE DOES NOT WORK…honesty is the best policy…and they are being honest…they’ve become post-christian…its rathe OBVIOUS…as far as ‘judging’ who are to judge that what they have done is just fine? in fact your judgement flies in the face of the evidence….mine is consistent with what they have done.

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:05pm

      They’re not lyinmg Joe. There’s not a single thing in the story that shows they are lying to anyone. They aren’t saying to people, “No, we are NOT Christian”. They just aren’t blaring that out from the beginning. Peter says to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 pt. 3:15). What is the answer? Jesus. Why would people need to ask if we are shouting the answer from the beginning? They wouldn’t. What Peter is commanding presumes that many people will get to know us not knowing that we are Christian, but they will see evidence of the Gospel and want to know more. CRU is seeking to get people interested in the message of Christ in the same way.

      When I was trained as an evenagelist we were trained to begin with questions that start them thinking. We NEVER started our conversations by saying, “I want to tell you about Jesus”. But we DIDN’T say, “I’m not going to talk to you about Jesus”. That would have been a lie. Instead we gradually hooked them in to wanting to hear more, so that they were almost asking us, just as Peter presumed they would.

      “why is the name of CHRIST and obstacle”

      many may think they know who Christ is and have written him off. We have to give him a chance to get a second hearing. Many may know who Christ is but don’t want to hear about God even though their hearts are starving for lack of him. By NOT starting off with Christ we might be able to awaken a thirst in th

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:21pm

      cont.

      We may be able to awaken a thirst in them. If when we get to the point of telling them about Christ they still don’t want to hear it then we have done our part, and must wait for the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts more. But if we force them to decide before they have even heard enough to convict their hearts we have not dopne our best to reeach them.

      Evangelism isn’t simply shouting the name of Jesus. If it were everyone could do it. But God calls some to be evangelists and some to be teachers, some to be healers, et cet. Some are gifted for this and some aren’t. I’m not really gifted for it. I’m a teacher. Thus I know more ABOUT evangelism than am good at doing it. This is why I can explain to you that you are dead wrong in making the judgment you are making. It’s not a matter of opinion. I’ve worked in the field. I know the training and the pitfalls, and the people who are gifted by God to do thus work. I’ve worked with them.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 12:52am

      @HKS
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:18pm
      Kinda looks like Soros syndrome and he’s still a jew. Changing a name don’t change facts. Like Barry Soetoro and Barack Obama, the same.
      ****
      But don’t forget, Jesus said The Father was able of “These Rocks” to raise up “Sons of Abraham”; in other words, just to be physically a jew by lineage, doesn’t make one a Jew in heart, and it’s the same with Christian. You can be born into a Christian family, and go through all the motions of being a Christian, but it‘s what’s in your heart. When we get to Heaven we’ll probably ALL (who make it by His Grace) HAVE A LOT OF SURPRISES ABOUT WHO IS AND ISN’T THERE!!!

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • joe1234
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:55am

      @Islesfordian: according to you they are lying…they’re dropping the Name…in order to SNEAK the gospel in…right…your ‘defense’ of them is just ludicrious. people like you are ashamed of the Name of Christ….don’t want ot offend anyone do we now? so what kind of ‘unoffensive’ ‘gospel’ are you preaching then? hmmm?? The Name is a rock of offense…sounds like you are them are ASHAMED of Christ.

      you‘re an ’evenagelist’ right…‘hook them in’ sounds like you’re selling snake oil, and not the gospel.

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • joe1234
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:58am

      @Islesfordian you say “I’m a teacher. Thus I know more ABOUT evangelism than am good at doing it.” uh huh, you sound like a used car salesman…who is ashamed of the Name of Christ and uses deception. your ‘seeker friendly’ approach is a failure…why would a christian have to lie about their savior? sounds like you go to the church of laodicea….

      Report Post » joe1234  
  • cdennis
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:50pm

    I could not agree more!

    Report Post »  
  • cdennis
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:50pm

    A sign of the times. Jesus is always going to be Jesus and He is Christ, maybe they can move into more non-Christian areas with the new name, but I find it very sad indeed that they would bow to political correctness. Makes me sad….

    Report Post »  
    • ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 4:06pm

      Have you guys ever thought that … well … maybe we’re all collectively god, and that god is inside all of us? Perhaps the only way to worship, to commune, and to be one with god, is to love one another.

      Do you think, I don’t know, that that could be the answer? :-)

      Report Post » ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME  
    • chigger
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 11:11pm

      No, Zombie guy, no, I dont think we’ll go with that one. I think we are pretty happy with the One True and living God, who sent his son for our sins. Yep, I think we like that one much better.

      Report Post » chigger  
    • Wayner
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:55am

      Jesus said “if you ask it in MY NAME” There is no other name given among men whereby we might be saved…. He is the ANNOINTED ONE… The CHRIST. The MESSIAH.Billy Graham brought many to salvation through “CRUSADES”!!!

      Report Post »  
    • jedi.kep
      Posted on July 22, 2011 at 8:36am

      No Zombie Jesus. I’ll stick with what has worked for thousands of years. You keep your Jedi Force Jesus to yourself and keep playing pretend with it when you walk through the automatic doors at Walmart. THIS Jedi will stay with the REAL Jesus Christ. Thanks for the strange and bizzare offer though.

      Report Post » jedi.kep  
  • jpchilcote
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:49pm

    Bowling Green State University changed from Campus Crusade to Cru about 10 years ago and grew from a ‘youth group’ of 60 to an outreach ministry of 800. They’ve got in-roads in every community – Greek, athletes, GLBT, other religions, etc. It has been amazingly successful in earning the right to be heard.

    Jesus met people where they are – he went to the watering holes, to Pharisees’ houses, to tax-collectors homes.

    Changing the name is a small part of changing the methodology. But it in no way changes the mission.

    Report Post »  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:25pm

      Helping bring 60 people to Christ is better than educating 800 people some watered down information about His existence. You want to open more doors, that’s a good impulse, but is the mission REALLY the same if Christ’s very name is not the center of it?

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:58pm

      His name IS in the center of it. The outside marquee is not the center. Inside where the Gospel is proclaimed is the center. The gross assumptions you people make as you leap to judgments is disheartening. It’s like you are itching to be outraged and dissappointed.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 8:33pm

      Isles,
      Reading your other posts here, you have me half convinced. I’ve got my own proselyting experience under my belt, and I know the value of planting seeds, putting out feelers for who’s prepared, and who’s still got a ways to go. Ultimately, if you believe the God is the author of freedom, you have to help people draw close to Him by exercising their own freedom.
      But that doesn’t require removing that central core part of your message, of your very identity to look more palatable to them first.
      I just honestly don‘t get why they think it’s a step forward to stop coming at potentials head on, and start coming at them sideways.
      Please excuse me if I’m being judgmental, because I’m only going off this article, but the logic in the move seems to suggest to me that it’s marketing, not principle, that it’s compromise, not witnessing that’s at the heart of the move.
      I wish them all success, but dispute the wisdom of not putting their most positive word, their most positive “selling point”, their most positive model right up front and center. I think it inevitably communicates more than the “inclusiveness” they’re trying to communicate–that the move can’t escape also communicating shame, and ultimately undermining their message.
      I’ll look more into CCC before I post more on it, fair?

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 5:20am

      Happy, thank you for your humble approach.

      Let mme point out why sideways is actually the prefered method for evangelism.

      Jesus called us to be “fishers of men”. People have used the term Bait and Switch here to disparage what CRU is doing. But don’t fishermen use bait? The point is to get the fish in the boat. Sinners are lost. Part of being lost is not knowing how lost you are. If you have ever been in a boat in the fog I can tell you that you are never more lost than when you THINK your going north and are really going south. So if you don‘t know that you are lost you wpn’t be motivated to hear someone tell you how to be found. If i went to the average sinner and told him he needs Jesus and asked him to listen to me present the Gospel he will respond that he doesn’r need Jesus and walk away. I have to get his attention long enough to get through to his soul’s deeper desires, past all the barriers he puts in the way. Most people don’t want to hear about God, even though their soul is dying without him. They don’t know what they need, so we have to “trick” them, in a way, entive them with something that doesn’t immediately repel them so we can get them to lower their barriers.

      You’ve heard the addage, a spoonful of sugar. And the Song. Sugar is a form of tricking a person to take his medicine. What CRU is doing is leadinbg with the sugar in order to finish with the medicine.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • Assunta
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:48pm

    I suppose they say Happy Holiday in place of Merry Christmas too. What a bunch of WIMPS!

    Report Post »  
  • Steve Neiling
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:46pm

    When Hudson Taylor, a Briton, went to China in the 19th century to spread the Gospel, he grew his hair long and dressed like his Chinese hosts. This was an affront to his missionary colleagues but an incredible blessing to the people of China. He was (and still is) considered one of evangelicalisms greatest missionaries as well as being referred to as a father of the moder missionary movement. All that to say, CCC is simply dressing itself up in the cultural clothing of our day. It’s the message that counts, not the trappings.

    Report Post »  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Excellent point.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • cosette
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:19pm

      The name of “Christ” is not a “trapping”!

      Report Post »  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:30pm

      Cosette: you get my vote for best comment of the day.
      There’s nothing wrong with communicating a universal message via the local culturally bound means of communication. Christ didn’t have a dress code, for example. But he ALSO didn’t just let people come unto Him by whatever means they thought appropriate. Taking His very NAME out of the center of your ministry makes it YOUR ministry, not His, imho.

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • David
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:48pm

      Who is Hudson Taylor? John Gault?

      Report Post » David  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 4:24am

      “The name of ”Christ“ is not a ”trapping”!”

      But the title of an organization IS a trapping. There are many Christian churches and organizations that don’t have Christ in their name. Focus on the Family, Southern Baptists, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Compassion International, Presbyterian Church of America, Liberty University, Regent University, The 700 Club, Promise Keepers. I could go on.

      If a man takes off a cross that hung on his neck because he is going into a Muslim community to evangelize and he knows he won’t even get in the door with that on, is he denying Christ?

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • momprayn
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:45pm

    Used to be a supporter of them — think now they’re going the wrong way with this change. Yeah – sorta sounds “pc” ish & we’re having too much of that already in the “church”. No doubt they have good intentions, but don’t think it wise & makes me wonder what else they might be “watering down”..

    Report Post »  
    • cosette
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:20pm

      The definition of political correctness- Holding the belief that it’s possible to pick up a turd by the clean end!

      Report Post »  
  • mrst
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:44pm

    so you end up with a christ-less church/para-church–what for? Just join a social club.

    Report Post »  
  • ROADTOZION
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:42pm

    You can’t compromise with the world in order to bring an other-worldly message. Be in the world, not of it. Why do we continue to water-down and package Christianity so we can sell it like a widget?

    Report Post »  
    • MASTER YODA
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:47pm

      Spineless! Bowing to political correctness, they are. Me before man you deny, deny you before my Father, I will.

      Report Post » MASTER YODA  
  • mrst
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:42pm

    I‘m thinking the problem with ’seeker’ type things is you are actually not making it easy to seek Christ–rather to hide Him.

    Report Post »  
    • OUTRIDER WRITER
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:12pm

      @Mrst
      Well stated. CCC has become “seeker sensitive,” like so many watered-down churches today that are more interested in filling their pews to finance an ever-increasing church mortgage debt or in-church programs that fit every need and age group.

      Report Post »  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:05pm

      CRU is not a church. It is an evangelistic society. It’s purpose is to seek out seekers and introduce them to the Lord. A seeker friendly church often forgets that a church’s calling is to be a place where those meet who have FOUND the Gospel. By remaining focussed on seekers it relinquishes its role of deepening the faith of the believers and challenging them even more to walk in Christ’s path.

      Do not confuse the work of evengelism with the work of discipleship. An evangelist woos and gives his would be converts easily digestible chunks. The church expects believers to take on responsibilitie and to digest the tougher bits. Only a fool gives steak to a baby or pablum to a teenager.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • BudgetHawker
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:42pm

    Bill Bright is in heaven apologizing to Jesus for this.

    Report Post » BudgetHawker  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 4:18pm

      Crusade for Christ sounds to my ear like a religious endevor.Cru sounds militaristic,crass like it’s code for; remember the crusades? well we’re coming to get you muslims!

      Report Post »  
  • yooperjo
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:42pm

    What a stupid move. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Why would you want to remove Christ from an organization that seeks to educate about Jesus? Are you just trying to be politically correct? Be proud of your organization!

    Report Post »  
  • mAs_Man
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:42pm

    Seems lukewarm to me.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:39pm

    “We want to remove any obstacle to people hearing about the most important person who ever lived – Jesus Christ.”
    It’s a shame we have gotten to the point where His title of Christ, is considered an obstacle to people.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Caniac Steve
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:51pm

      This sadly reminds me of The Salvation Army here in the USA, as they changed their motto( heart to God,Hand to man to Doing The Most Good as a “marketing tool”…both gropups have done great jobsin their efforts…as Salvation Armystill beats 99% or of all non profits by using 83-88 cents of every dollar collected to do the charity out reach they do…as compare to others who have high overhead costs…but as my grandmother said..hey when it’s time to face their creator…they’ll know for sure if they did or were doing the right thing or not…

      Report Post » Caniac Steve  
    • RedinLouisville
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:55pm

      Its truly a shame and in all reality just another sign of what was predicted 2000 years ago of the things that are to come. Coming rather soon now. Christian need to stand up for Christ, or stop calling themselves christians, because if they start dabbling with this kind of interfaith garbage such as Tony Blairs Face to Faith initiative, creeping its way into our churches and schools, they are in for a terrible dose of reality when the trumpet sounds.

      Report Post » RedinLouisville  
  • ThisIndividual
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:39pm

    They can call themselves whatever they like. Although the word “crusade” is a bad word in my house considering it’s history, I understand that the word today is used in a more peaceful manner.

    Report Post »  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:54pm

      The crusades are a part of history, we didn’t name it that, the men involved in the crusades named it that. History is history and I don’t feel like the crusades were anything to be ashamed of, those people were in a different time. If everyone thought the same way we do now, throughout history, then there would never have been the crusades, or slavery or the European settling of America (displacing the indians) or many things that many now feel are great injustices. It is just the way things were back then, no shame in it.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • Remnant
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:54pm

      The Crusades were not unprovoked. (see “God’s Battalions,” by Rodney Stark (HarperOne, 2009).

      Report Post »  
    • Uncle Tom
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:58pm

      Why is Crusade a bad word? Do you even know the purpose of the first Crusade? It wasn’t about killing Muslims. It was about Christendom defending itself against a growing, ruthless Islamic empire that was persecuting and killing Christians living in Palestine, and also posed a serious threat to European Christians making pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It is unarguable that many of the subsequent eight Crusades were motivated by greed for wealth or power, but they were by no means all ignoble in nature.

      Don‘t take the American education system’s word for anything.

      Report Post » Uncle Tom  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:59pm

      Quite true Remnant. The first couple were responses to Islamic advances. The first crusade was in fact an act of self defense (theologically and politically speaking) on the part of the Crusaders.

      Time they came to the Children’s Crusade though, well, that was just foolishness.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Dexter Alarius
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:47pm

      Well, if you don’t like the word “crusade” how about another word that connotes a ‘righteous struggle’ or a ‘stiving for good’ or even ‘holy war’?

      How about “Jihad for Jesus”?

      Does that make you happier? Although, “jihad” may be a bad word in a lot of families in America considering its history. Personally, I like “Crusade”– and its history of defense against the death cult that is Islam is nothing to be ashamed of.

      Report Post » Dexter Alarius  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:31pm

      “Why is Crusade a bad word? Do you even know the purpose of the first Crusade? It wasn’t about killing Muslims.”

      As justified as the Crusades were in worldly terms, they weren’t about the Gospel at all. The kingdom of God is not defended with the sword of the world. and let’s not confuse what Peter the Hermit was preaching with the military action that Pope Urban authorized. They didn’t go there armed with Gosple tracts. I studied this crusade reading the original accounts.

      I am not ashamed of the crusades, or of the term crusade. But I would never stand on my defense of the crusades if it were used to keep others from hearing about Jesus. Preaching Jesus is far more important than defending OUR honor. We‘re not talking about defending God’s honor. He didn’t command the crusades be done in his name. He told us to pick up our cross, to love our enemies, pray for those that persecute us. What we did in the crusades we perfectly justified by the world’s terms. We were giving the Muslims back just what they were giving. But that doesn’t witness to Christ.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • SgtHenick
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:38pm

    zero percent in favor. need I say more.

    Report Post » SgtHenick  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 5:45pm

      Calling the children’s crusade simply foolishness is like calling children used as suicide bombers simply foolishness.How lenient you are toward your own..

      Report Post »  
  • Untameable-kate
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:38pm

    It is their school and they can call it whatever they want, it is a shame that they are bowing down before the PC gods instead of the real one. Why can’t Christians stand their ground? Who cares what middle-eastern people and athiests think about the name?

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • sWampy
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:37pm

    Sad

    Report Post »  
  • 604karen
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:37pm

    Let us not mention the precious name of Christ. What fools.

    Report Post » 604karen  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on July 21, 2011 at 4:25am

      They ARE mentioning it. They are just choosing the TIME to mention it.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • Ducky 1
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:37pm

    Not so concerned about changing the package….label ……but are they changing the content?

    Report Post » Ducky 1  
  • SREGN
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:36pm

    They do the Lord’s work in a difficult environment. If a name change will help them in their mission, have at it.

    Report Post »  
    • SgtHenick
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:38pm

      ZERO percent (0%) voting in favor says it all…may anything ANYTHING even remotely related to PC CRAP burn in the fire of hell for all time.

      Report Post » SgtHenick  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:40pm

      Sounds a little bit like Simon Peter before the **** crows.

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:42pm

      If they drop Crusade and Christ from the name, does that mean that they’re now referred to as “For”?

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • TMunson
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:53pm

      I understand the statement “They do the Lord’s work in a difficult environment. If a name change will help them in their mission, have at it.”

      Problem is it’s how you stand up in the difficult environment that will touch those you are trying to reach the most, removing “CHRIST” is surrender; not a Strategy

      Report Post » TMunson  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:14pm

      Does this mean all the schools using the “Crusaders” name will change it to not offend muslims? Just like all the schools using “indian” names like braves or indians, etc.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:35pm

    Did I miss the part where they explain what CRU means?

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:11pm

      I don’t get it either? CRU is short for “CRUSADE” but is that it??? stupid.

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:35pm

    sounds to me like they want to be more PC

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:41pm

      …and Jesus was anything but P.C.!

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 1:59pm

      Quite true Gonzo. He was a big fan of Macs. :)

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Uncle Tom
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:31pm

      Don’t be an idiot, Jefferson. If Jesus needed a computer, he would obviously use Linux. It’s free to everyone!

      Report Post » Uncle Tom  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:32pm

      Uncle Tom, perhaps you are not aware, but Linux can be installed on Macs quite handily. Best of both worlds!

      Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get off here and INIT 0 for the day.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Uncle Tom
      Posted on July 20, 2011 at 3:58pm

      But then you pay out the rear for a Mac box, full of all the same hardware you can get for half the price if it comes without the pretty apple logo. No, I’m afraid putting Linux on a Mac is just wasting your money, especially since Mac’s OSX is based on the Unix kernel and is essentially a proprietary version of what should be a free OS. No, other than the fact that they are quite nice to look at, there is really no reason to buy a Mac.

      Report Post » Uncle Tom  

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