CINO: Christian In Name Only

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Baptist News Global | March 12, 2025

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

We’ve all heard the term RINO. It means “Republican In Name Only.” Tragically, a significant segment of American religion has become what I call CINO, “Christian in name only.”

Numerous examples follow.

  • Real Christians do not turn their back on the poor. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians seem unconcerned about the decimation of U.S. foreign aid which provides, among many other crucial things, food for 28 million hungry children in the poorest nations of the world.
  • Real Christians do not deny health care to people. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians are OK with gutting medical care to the poorest citizens of our nation in order to give massive tax breaks to the rich.
  • Real Christians do not bear false witness. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians regularly share disinformation and enthusiastically support politicians who constantly lie to the American people.
  • Real Christians do not condone sexual misbehavior. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians support religious and political leaders who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct and, in some cases, have been found guilty of sexual abuse by the courts.
  • Real Christians do not endanger children. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians adamantly refuse to take any common-sense steps to reduce gun violence, which is a leading cause of death among children and youth in our nation.
  • Real Christians do not approve of criminality and violence. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians condone the pardon of hundreds of convicted criminals who violently attacked police officers on January 6, 2021.
  • Real Christians do not demonize immigrants. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians follow a leader who claims immigrants are “vermin” who are “poisoning the blood of America” and support his cruel plans for mass deportation.
  • Real Christians do not condemn marginalized people. And yet, a significant segment of American Christianity relentlessly fosters animosity toward the LGBTQ community, especially transgender people.
  • Real Christians do not destroy God’s creation. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians reject calls to engage in earth care and deny the existential threat of climate change.
  • Real Christians do not harm women. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians seek to make women second-class citizens, telling them they cannot serve as church leaders and must submit to men.
  • Real Christians do not tolerate racism. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians are comfortable with white supremist ideology.
  • Real Christians do not engage in idolatry. And yet, a significant segment of American Christians virtually worship a man who violates every value Jesus stood for.

Unfortunately, this list of CINO examples could go on, including religion that fosters prejudice against Muslims and other non-Christians, neglects social justice, embraces Christian nationalism, affirms “America First” arrogance and selfishness, and breeds an overall spirit of anger and fear.

In a recent article about the kind of religion listed above, Mark Wingfield of Baptist News Global wrote: “It’s now time to say with clarity: These actions are not Christian. And the people advocating these cruel policies and implementing them show no evidence of bearing the true fruit of the Christian faith. Indeed, quite the opposite.”

The title of the article was “This Is Not Christianity.” And he is absolutely right. This is not authentic Christianity. It’s Christianity in name only. In short, it’s a religion devoid of Jesus.

Responding to CINO

I don’t have easy answers for how to respond to the CINO problem. None exist. But the following strategies can help.

First, we must acknowledge a lot of American religion is “Christian in name only.” And tragically, it’s doing massive damage to the cause of Christ and the church. It’s one of the primary reasons the American church has suffered such serious decline. People (especially young adults) see CINOs and think, “If this is Christianity, I want nothing to do with it.”

Second, we must boldly challenge CINO religion. Jesus openly challenged the toxic religion of his day (see Matthew 23) and we must do the same. People need to know that CINO faith is completely untethered from the example and teachings of Jesus and therefore must be repudiated.

Third, if we are part of a CINO church or organization, we need to leave. Staying in a “Christian in name only” environment will poison our souls. And, try as we may, we will not change a CINO culture to a healthier expression of faith.

Fourth, we need to seek out an authentic community of faith. It might be an institutional church. It might be something else. I’m currently finding significant Christian community in a retired clergy group, which has basically become a house church for our members. But one way or another, we all need a community of spiritual friends who help us faithfully follow Jesus during these challenging days.

Finally, we can offer a positive alternative. In every community across the land, people need to see individuals and groups who seek to follow the life, example, spirit and teachings of Jesus. Perhaps you and your faith community can help meet that need. It’s the best antidote I know to counteract the toxic effects of CINO religion.

The Rev. Martin Thielen, a retired United Methodist clergyman, is the author and founder of Doubter's Parish. He has served congregations from small-membership churches to a megachurch.