Next-worldly, but not world-renouncing - not ascetic but loving (Christian life)

I think it is a mistake when Christians present the faith as ascetic, world renouncing, world-rejecting; as if this mortal life was merely a matter of (whether patiently, or not!) waiting for death and resurrection.

This makes no sense to me, because if mortal life is about rejecting this world, then we would die as soon as possible - or indeed, not live mortally at all but would go straight to Heaven. 

I think the error ultimately derives from double-negative theology - of seeing life in this sin-full world as a matter of avoiding as many sins as completely as possible. The modern world is more this-worldly and materialistic than any society ever before, so the "natural" reaction is often to aspire to reject everything, all material things, all attachments... But that lands us in Buddhism or Hinduism - not Christianity. 

What about the example of Jesus's own life. Well, it depends on which source you regard as primary. If, like me, you regard the Fourth Gospel "John") as broadly authoritative, then there is no sanction for asceticism; since Jesus is depicted as living very socially, even feasting; and having very personal and loving attachments to family and friends. In this Jesus is contrasted with John the Baptist, who is depicted as much more of a world renouncing ascetic.

On the other hand, most people prefer to take the Synoptic Gospels, especially Matthew and Luke, as their primary sources - and these describe Jesus retreating into the desert for forty days and nights. Very ascetic. Either this actually happened as Matthew and Luke said, or it didn't as positively implied and negatively omitted by "John" (who could hardly have chosen leave -out such a major event!). 

The truth is not complicated; it is simply that we are supposed neither to be worldly materialists nor unworldly hermits (both red herrings, a false dichotomy); but to love during mortal life. That seems pretty clear, pretty straightforward.

Loving not rejecting. 

And to love means to love persons, beings, the living world; which is why we remain alive in this mortal life - and why we are not supposed to be trying to make mortal life into a second-rate version of being dead already.   

To love; is to love material things as well as spiritual things (except that there are no "things", not really - creation is alive). 

Of course love is a dynamic thing, and is two-way; which is why we never stop needing to learn about it. That is what we are supposed to be doing while we are alive; and we shouldn't be hankering after the next life when there is important work to be done in this life. 

But love is something we must do while living - although love is the purpose, it is not a purpose that can be aimed-at of itself. 

We must love while living - while doing all the material mortal things we need to do... 

Which, presumably, is why we are alive.