To the editor:

Countercultural refers to values, behaviors, and lifestyles that intentionally oppose, reject, or challenge the dominant norms of mainstream society. If you’re a true Christian, then you’re truly countercultural. Today the cultural norm is upside down. The things that we once saw as virtues are now vices. The things we once celebrated are now mocked. And the things that we once said were bad are now declared good. Everything is upside down.
It takes courage and commitment to be a follower of Jesus. Wimps need not apply. So, if you want to march in lockstep with the culture, then say what everyone tells you to say, and think what everyone tells you to think.
A dead fish can float downstream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream. When you stand up and believe in Jesus, and the Bible, you may be labeled an extremist because you are countercultural.
Jesus Christ is worth living for, and if necessary, He’s worth dying for. On the other hand, if you believe something isn’t worth dying for, then is it really worth living for?
Think of people throughout history who gave their lives for different causes. They gave their lives for false leaders and religious gurus. They followed crazy ideas that destroyed their lives.
I want to be someone who really lives for Christ, and that’s worth dying for, if necessary. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but I know this much: the apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
I think there are too many “Christians” who think they might be persecuted or ridiculed for their belief in Jesus. They don’t want to be shamed; they don’t want to stir up division and anger. They figure it’s better to be quiet, don’t fall for that lie.
In Romans 1:16 Paul puts it plain for us: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."
How do you think a world of unbelievers will ever hear the Good News of Jesus Christ if we don’t tell them? Romans 10:14 “But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?”
As Christians, we know that death is not the end; we just move from one place to another. In fact, we move to a much better place. But we also have a life worth living on this earth—a life worth living to its fullest. We have a responsibility and duty to share Jesus with others.
We have the best of both worlds, the best of this world, and then eternity in the presence of God. Our goal is Heaven, but our objective is to take as many people with us as possible.
Eric Uddin