What happened to Jesus?
Now here's a column. And your comeback is?I thought about telling my family what's happened to Jesus in the United States — how he's been kidnapped by politicians and preachers who decide what he does and doesn't think. They speak for him, and it doesn't always make sense.They say Jesus is "pro life," but he doesn't seem to have a problem with the death penalty. And he thinks stem cell research — something that would save lives — is no different from murdering babies. They say he's the embodiment of kindness, love, decency and compassion. But he hates gays, lesbians and Muslims. And he's not too crazy about Buddhists, Hindus and the rest. Jews? He can put up with them if he has to.
The Rev. Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka claims to speak for Jesus and goes around the country talking about how "AIDS cures fags." Pat Robertson says it would be a good idea if the United States killed the president of Venezuela. It would be a lot cheaper than starting another war.
All week I went over that stuff in my head and decided not to mention any of it to the family.
It would make America look ridiculous.
posted by Matt Friedeman @ 2:15 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
It's not surprising that the world has no idea Who Jesus is. It's also not surprising that one who fondly recalled "when Jesus Christ was about religion" would think that He was better represented in a culture where only vague religious symbols exist, but that the discussion of Christ "didn't come up."
So who's to blame? Certainly not Christ, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And it's not the world's fault either - they cannot be expected to comprehend Christ whilst their minds remain at enmity against God.
It is the fault of the Church - the Bride of Christ - for not representing Him as He deserves and demands.
We no longer think that doctrine is important - that theology is a matter of consequence. But the church's desire to be "more seeker friendly, to be relevant" - as if the Word of God is not relevant, has caused her to be more concerned about her sound systems and lighting displays than about sound doctrine.
The result is that "Jesus" becomes whomever we desire him to be.
Commandment number two, anyone?
Post a Comment
<< Home