A group putting on conferences around the country trying to teach people the character of God commissioned an artist to paint this picture. They were using it in malls in the Seattle area to advertise their events. Under this picture they had captions like "Follow the Leader," "God IS Great," and most accurately, "Jesus - Still Too Radical?" No sooner had the posters gone up than angry calls began flooding the malls. Many people -- mostly out spoken Christians -- were offended at the image of Jesus washing Osama Bin Laden’s feet. Because of the outcry each mall decided to go back on their contract and take the posters down. The Christian College that the group was renting space from to host the Conference also canceled their contract. They had to scramble to find a location for their event. They went to a venue that had no connections with a church and had a great conference teaching the character of God.
Now obviously a lot of Christians are upset with the idea that Jesus would wash Osama Bin Laden's feet. Doesn't the Bible teach that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world? Wouldn't that include Osama Bin Laden? If Jesus died for His sins how can we not see him being willing to wash Osama's feet? If you read the gospels it is pretty clear that Jesus washed Judas' feet. Judas was the one who had already decided to betray Jesus.
The other thing it seems to indicate is that many American Christians can't separate American Patriotism from Christianity. We want a Jesus who can forgive anything I do but will also hate my enemies and love my country more than my enemies country. But the Jesus of the scripture loves me and my enemies. He died for me and my enemies. He serves me and my enemies. Of course the tough part of that is - if I am a Christ follower I am to be cooperating with the Holy Spirit to be like Him.
P.S. In case you are like me and you didn't know all the faces in the picture they are (left to right) German Chancellor Angela Merkel; Tony Blair, England; Kofi A. Annan, UN; George Bush;Osama bin Laden; Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh; and Jiang Zemin, former president of China.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Should we be American Christians or Christian Americans
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
I don't believe my Jesus would wash his feet either. The picture is offensive to all Americans
The gospel message is offensive to anyone who really thinks about it! It means that without God's grace through Jesus, I'm as worthy of condemnation as bin Laden. Ouch. There is no one whose feet Jesus would not wash, if that person were willing.
Personally, I think the picture is great from an artistic perspective and mainly because I like to be shocked. Jesus was scandalous in the bible. He challenged people to look outside of their religious "ghettos" and clearly states that forgiveness is available to everyone.
I do believe if Obama Bin Laden was truly remorseful for his sins Jesus would forgive him as he forgives us.
That said, I am not serving in the war oversees nor do I have love ones serving our country. I understand why the picture may be offensive to some. Especially, those who have family and/or friends in the front lines; I can also see how some may feel like this picture trivializes the sacrifice of their love ones.
Finally, I am certain there is a more tactful way of delivering this message with a little more love.
I am an American and I am not offended at all. Jesus loves all in that picture just the same as he loves me. And I am supposed to do the same.
-- A Christian American
I don't see how showing Jesus washing Osama's feet is lack of love or respect for anyone. I don't get how it trivializes anyone who has fought for their country. Is God really only on the side of Americans? There are Iraqi Christians who don't want Americans in their country. Is God against them?
I do not believe God is only on the side of Americans. I understand God does not choose sides.
I said “…I can also see how some may FEEL like this picture trivializes the sacrifice of their love ones….” I do no think it does trivialize it but I can see how some may FEEL like it does. Feelings are not always rational and I believe we should be sensitive to that in how we deliver our messages.
For instances… asking a woman the day after she was raped to forgive her rapists is probably not the best approach even if it is the right path for her long term. Asking Christians to envision Jesus washing Osama’s feet in the middle of war is also not the best approach in my opinion even if it is representative of who Jesus is.
Either way, the picture is out there and this is why I love our country. We have the freedom to express ourselves how we see fit. :-)
Of course God takes sides. You don't think God wanted Hitler stopped? how about Idi Amin? As far as being sensitive to feelings almost anything anyone does offends someone. If you want to get a message across often you will have to offend someone. Jesus would wash the feet of his enemies. That does not mean that he is opposed to America standing against the evil of terrorism. But on a personal level he would reach out to Osama.
Ed's post was not about whether or not the picture should have been used. The post was about christians not being able to choose the true character of Christ over political agenda. It shouldn't matter that we are at war or not - the character of Christ is the same. Christians should stand for that no matter what our political preferences. That's what the post is about.
I don't believe it's that simple for American Christians - siimpleman. There are bigger issues here - our country is under attack and Christians who lean toward the liberal side aid our enemies.
what makes saying that Jesus would wash Osama's feet liberal?
Red White and Blue,
It most certainly is that simple. I don't think there is a bigger issue. Like it or not Jesus suffered a horrific death not only for Americans, but also for those who may wish to do us harm. You seem to be trying to interject your personally political beliefs into a conversation that doesn't really call for it. Christ didn't call for us to love country above all else. He called for us to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. And to love your neighbor as yourself. Not just the neighbor you like.
Post a Comment