𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧?

A few months ago, when I was interacting with students who are in their early teen years during a session I was leading, one of the boys said, “Chetta, I want to be a cool Christian.” I smiled and asked, “Da, who is a cool Christian?” Without missing a beat, he began listing so many “cool” things. For him, “cool” meant being admired, up-to-date, and effortlessly stylish.

His response stayed with me. It wasn’t just a lighthearted moment. It was a mirror into the hearts of many young people today who are caught between two worlds, faith and trend, Scripture and style, sanctification and social media. So the question is not just “Can I be cool and Christian?” but “What does it really mean to be cool as a follower of Christ?”

In today's world, being "cool" is often all about the periphery, what you wear, how you look, how many followers or likes you get, and whether you fit into the constantly shifting patterns of trend and style. This version of cool is based on appearances and approval, and it fades quickly. One day you're trending, the next day you're forgotten. But the Bible and the teachings of the Church Fathers speak of something deeper and more lasting. They teach us that our true worth isn’t defined by the surface, but by the state of our hearts.

The Desert Fathers, early Christian monks who retreated into the wilderness, taught that the path to greatness is humility, simplicity, and inner peace. They weren’t flashy or fashionable. They were radical in their love for God, and that made them truly remarkable. They showed that holiness is the truest form of greatness and that inner beauty shines brighter than any brand or trend. In a similar way, the Bible says, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

The life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian teenager who died at the age of 15, resonates with this. He played video games, loved football, and wore sneakers just like any other teenager. But what set him apart was his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his passion for using technology to share the Gospel. He created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles and used his talents not to glorify himself, but to point others toward Christ. As Carlos Acutis said, "All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies". That’s a challenge to all of us: don't conform just to be cool, live boldly as who God created you to be.

Being a “cool Christian” isn’t about pretending or performing. It’s about being authentic, rooted in Christ, and courageous enough to live differently. It means being loving in a world that promotes hate, being honest when others cheat, and being kind when cruelty is trending. This type of coolness doesn’t fade with the seasons. It’s grounded in character, in consistency, and in grace.

Let’s also not forget that Jesus Himself was the ultimate definition of cool, not in the modern, superficial sense, but in the way He carried Himself with purpose, compassion, and boldness. He ate with outcasts, spoke with authority, challenged unjust systems, and walked fearlessly in truth. He was so radical and countercultural that people either followed Him with awe or opposed Him with hatred. Jesus was never swayed by popularity or the fear of judgment. That’s the kind of cool that transforms hearts and shapes history.

Living as a cool Christian, therefore, means being unashamed of your faith, loving people genuinely, and choosing to be different in all the right ways. You don’t need to trade your faith for popularity. True confidence is found not in how many likes you get on social media but in knowing you are deeply loved and called by God.

Christianity isn’t boring. Our faith is rich with adventure, beauty, and meaning. You can enjoy music, dress well, pursue your dreams, and still follow Jesus passionately. The key is letting Him be at the centre of it all, not just an accessory to your lifestyle, but the foundation of your identity.

So to that boy who wanted to be a cool Christian, and to every young person wondering the same, I say this: Yes, da. You can be cool and Christian. But don’t settle for the shallow version of cool that disappears with the next trend. Choose the deeper, lasting coolness that comes from being like Christ. It never goes out of style.

Srambican