Have you ever seen someone on TV that is a christian and while they are talking you say to yourself (or if you're me - you yell at the TV) "Please shut up! You aren't helping"? If you've had that experience get ready. Let me set up why this matters.
If you look here you'll see that Jason referenced a book that the CCC staff is reading.. It's a book that gives the findings of a recent survey that tells us what young Americans think about Christians. Time magazine in an article titled "Christianity's Image Problem" has a summary of the book here. Click on the link and read the article to understand.
Now once you read that if you ever wonder why the majority of our country thinks Christians are weird watch this video.
Now if you don't get that people will make fun of us as group for what this guy said, read this quote. It's by Michelle Collins who works for the show "Best week ever" on VH1. If you've never heard for this show ask a teenager. Here is what she wrote
- "The following clip from Fox 2 Missouri should prove one thing to you about certain government officials: That with the appropriate level of Jesus Love in your hearts, you can basically do whatever you please with your people’s tax money. You can also, pretty effectively, ward off curious journalists wondering where said money is. Here’s one thing we learned: People who have the love of Jesus in their hearts also have the look of Creeptown on their face. Speaking of which, I adore Jesus — who wants to take some cash out of the guv-till, hire a coupla’ prosties and do some 'worshipping'?"
If you decide to go into politics or you wind up on TV I have some advice. Instead of hiding behind "Jesus loves you. Do you know Jesus loves you?" - just tell the truth. That's what Jesus would do.
6 comments:
The conclusions mr collins draws are just as disappointing as the
so called christians that are doing
things that upset you. It is obvious that the man was not going to answer the reporters questions and was just say something that would give him a clue. These days everybody is an investigative reporter. What better to say to someone who is obviousely an idiot, than Jesus Loves You?
I find it sad - really sad - that the Evangelical church in America has earned the image it currently has. I believe the church has been seduced by crafty politicians who have ulterior motives. I travel and talk to a lot of strangers, and what I hear from many people is how hypocritical, judgmental, and naive Christians are. Given the public actions of the man in the interview and countless other high profile politicians who appear to have used Christianity as a means to an end, is it any wonder critics come away with those opinions? I can't defend their actions - who could? We need to stay out of politics and stick with showing the world who God is with our love and with actions that are consistent with our words. Then we have something we can defend. And then God has in his hand a powerful tool to show people who he really is and what he is all about.
what a freak!
I agree the politician was tryinig to make it clear he didn't want to answer the questions - even though answering the public's questions are a part of the job. But why not say the universal "No comment" or repeat "I'm not going to comment but I will answer in writing." I just don't believe using "Jesus loves you" as a replacement for "no comment" does any honor to the phrase "Jesus loves you.'
I,too, am often embarassed and saddened by the way the Church at large, and Christians in general are perceived by regular, average people. Today, a woman at a Bible study I attend went on and on about how she couldn't possibly strive for holiness in her life, but when she "understood" that God calls us to be "seperate" from the world, then, that was something she could defintely do. I just wanted to ask her, "How does that show Jesus and His love and acceptance of PEOPLE (not their behavior)???? We, as Christians, should have people in our lives that we are loving and caring for, regardless of their behavior. How else will they ever know who Jesus really is??? Where did Jesus spend a lot of his time??? Talking to regular, average, sinful people, just like you and me. I am sure she means well, but, to a non-church person...that just sounds condescending and insulting. Please stop...you're not helping!!
And, Yes, I think it is appalling that politicians have hi-jacked religion of any kind to somehow gain entre into whatever special interest group they are currently pandering to. I do not agree that Christians do not belong in politics, but, I think they probably should keep their faith and their beliefs more private.
Good clarification, Drat - I certainly didn't meant that Christians shouldn't ever seek office or for that matter have an interest in or an opinion about politics. I think a Christian in office who lives his/her faith without clanging cymbals and ringing bells at every photo-op can be a powerful witness to the world. What I object to is politicians using Christianity as a means to an end. Thanks for sharing your opinion
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