I have just begun reading Love-The Ultimate Apologetic by Art Lindsley in which he makes a compelling case for the proposition that although people of all faiths and perspective acknowledge the centrality of love it is only the Christian faith the has love at its core. Using atheism and New Age pantheism he suggests that all the others in fact undermine love. When asked the obvious question “Can’t atheists love and forgive” he replies, “Yes of course they can love and forgive, but not because of their atheism.”  (emphasis mine)
I feel sure there will be more to talk about from this book in the days to come. For today I wanted to recount a story that he tells at the end of the first chapter, which I found particularly challenging:

"One day the great Greek conqueror [Alexander the Great] was holding court when a young man who was guilty of cowardice in battle-something Alexander despised- was brought before him. What is your name?” The young man knowing that Alexander held the power of life and death, was shaking and             could barely speak. He answered in a trembling voice” Alexander.” Alexander the Great stood up from his throne and asked again ” What is your name?” The young man responded in an even shakier voice “Alexander.” Alexander the Great stepped down from the throne and shouted,  “What is your name?”         By this time the young man could hardly speak and responded in a barely audible voice, “Alexander.’ Alexander the Great shouted, “ Change your conduct or change your name”

So what about those of us who call ourselves Christians and in so doing take the name of Christ? Does our conduct reflect our name?