My intention is to orient your attention to two postings and then ask for your opinion regarding this matter. A dear friend of mine, George, recently added a post to his blog that is worth considering. This first post deals with the quasi-recent emergence of massive crosses being constructed in Tennessee--like this one for example:This picture is taken from a photographer named, Kenny Carter, and his comments below the picture (on his site, which is the second post) are quite telling--especially the statement from the minister responsible for these crosses (also note the comments found here). One does have to marvel at the inner-logic fueling such ideas/practices.
To get the ball rolling, here are my initial thoughts: while it is certainly fundamental to the Christian mission to stand firm and share the gospel of Christ with a corrupt world in (sometimes) bold ways; are the tactics we sometimes use ultimately counterproductive? Do our approaches create opportunities for criticism and/or laughter from those with whom we want to share the gospel?
With respect to the latter question, and to serve as an example of this potential, I just ran a Google search for "Touchdown Jesus" and found, among others, the notorious bust-statue of Jesus in northern Cincinnati--which can be seen here:(To others in the Cincinnati area, this statue is also known as the "Mashed Potato Jesus").
While it is true that such visible creations are not indicative of the way many of us operate within Christianity; it may be safe to say that these creations do color the ways in which the outside world views Christianity. The question then becomes: are such colorings how we want Christianity to be known and remembered?
9 comments:
Honestly I think George's post sums up exactly what I think - except that he's a little more forgiving about the act of erecting large crosses/statues. I think its pointless, and that the wide variety of other things such money could be used for means that it is actually a problem to build such monuments. There is no discernible value to erecting a giant cross except to pat ourselves on the back and say we've "done" evangelism. Anyone who thinks a giant cross will influence someone to come to Jesus is kidding themselves.
you should read Unchristian.
by the barna research group.
it says,
"Myth: ANything that brings people to christ is worth doing. In our research with some of the leading "mass evangelism" efforts, we have found that often these measures created three to ten times as much negative response as positive. ....Our research shows that the "collateral dammage" of doing so- those whose impressions of your church and christianity would be more nagtive as a result- is significantly greater than the poistive impact on those who will respond favorably to these efforts."
even though things like this could do some good, it most likely does more bad.
Excellent point, Justin. I would still stand by my comment that such structures have no true evangelistic impact - but even if I'm incorrect in being so absolute, the negatives would certainly outweigh any minimal positive outcome. Especially in the case of the particular large cross discussed by George, who argues persuasively that placing it next to an adult bookstore most likely achieves the opposite of its desired effect.
I've seen UnChristian mentioned in several different places lately. Sounds like an interesting book. I may try to pick it up eventually - right now I'm so swamped with reading that I know it won't happen too soon.
I can see the conversation now...
"Look what we did for you Lord!"
"Did you take the resources I gave you and use them to help the poor, orphans and widows?"
"Well...no...but look at this HUGE statue we built for you!"
Truth be told, I think giant crosses are as much sn instrument of idolatry as anything else, but the cross wasn't really the point of the post. Also, I'm not about to lecture anyone on stewardship since I'm typing this on a phone.
The point of the post was to ask if our gestures of Christianity (from giant crosses to t-shirts to tattoos) are alienating or accepting to real-life sinners who NEED us (or more specifically our connections). Since this blog is a collaboration, what do you fine minds think? What kind if lines do public displays of Christianity create?
The aforementioned,
George
George,
Thanks for your comment. I did understand the point of your post, and agree completely. I don't think such statues do anything good in the minds of the people we're supposed to be trying to reach - and particularly in this case, where the cross is erected near an adult bookstore, I think it does exactly what you suspect: alienating people and driving them further from the church when we should be trying to welcome them. Shame and guilt should not be considered good motivators for evangelism - certainly not in the sense that they are used in this situation.
My wife took a picture of the cross/porn shop juxtaposition that George mentions. I thought it was pretty striking.
I could see how it would make for a striking photograph. Does that mean you think its in some way effective?
Absolutely not. The photo was interesting from a cultural perspective and an aesthetic perspective. I personally don't want to see either giant sign erected (pardon the pun).
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