I think there is a difference between Christianity (what we call it – the brand) and being a follower of Jesus. More and more, I’m convinced that following Jesus has to do with participating in an alternative system, a different Kingdom – one where God’s ways are becoming our priority. It’s less of a belief system or “faith,” and more of a subversive way of life. But maybe I’m all wrong and confused.

I do wonder if Jesus was on the earth today, would anyone recognize Him? Especially Christians? I know this bit by comedian John Fugelsang is exaggerated (to make a point), but I think it does make a point – lots of Christians would freaked out by Jesus.

For the “bit” I’m talking about, skip ahead to 4:35 (it’s just under a minute long). The whole video is funny and interesting though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJXtCUBwBCI

… I have a question that’s kinda related to the topic of our church lingo/culture… Do you ever wonder if Christianity has forgotten that it’s based on an ancient belief system from halfway across the world? I ask that because it seems to me that in our country Christians can tend to worship “Christianity” more than Christ. Or at least they promote “the Christian lifestyle”, rather than “promote” the gospel, and message of Christ. It’s so sooo weird!! I’m like, “Christianity, go take a look at your family photo album.. I think you may have forgotten where you came from. You’re not a white American.. You’re Not a symbol of Capitalism.” Our religion is so detached from what it actually is. It’s not like The Bible is actually about living as a profitable churchgoing Christian. It’s so much waaaayy deeper than that. It’s so completely on a different level than that.

Lmao, but oh well, I’m still thankful that every single day I am seeing more people who are trying to help us all find our way back to our religions basic truths. Like the people you link on your Sunday Shout Outs. Love reading all the interesting ideas in these progressive Christian blogs nowadays! People are getting a lot better at conveying the more important points about salvation. It’s fun to see that changing, and it makes me think there’s hope for the rest of us Christians, the weird & misunderstood ones & all the other ones too!!!

It’s like a high pressure auction combined with an infomercial.
But wait… there’s more! If you respond in the next 2 minutes, we’re gonna throw in a FREE Holy Spirit baptism. That’s right! Tongues and interpretation will be yours for FREE if you hurry.

I’ll give an example. So the pastor preaches an amazing sermon, many people feel like it applies to their own lives, and they start feeling interested in learning more… well there are altar calls, and ‘eyes closed, hands raised’ moments for those people. And it’s like clockwork that the gimmicky ineffective advertising slogans start popping up around that time. I don’t understand the need to hype the gospel into some type of infomercial, which promises quick results & a no-worry guarantee. “Accept Jesus Now, it’s a limited time offer folks. If you let Jesus into your heart now, the price is free, and the rewards are spectacular. Don’t walk out the door today without your own certified relationship with Jesus… He will heal your heart, erase your sins, change your life, you will never be the same person from this moment on! Take a moment to stop by our booth on your way out so you can sign up, and sign the contract without reading the fine print.”….. haha, ok so it’s not exactly like that, but it’s kinda like that… We promise extraordinary results, and require a low level of commitment.

Maybe it’s effective at getting people out of their shell, by making them excited enough to raise their hand in a room of strangers. But it’s also extremely false advertising. When I got saved, nothing in my life changed. I mean, I did join the church, and over a short amount of time I changed my friends, and my social
engagements. But all of my problems were still there, and everyone else in my life was exactly the same. So, over time I think I formed a really unhealthy personal belief system about who Jesus was, why He was there, and what He could do for me. And Jesus didn’t really come through for me on that level. He didn’t seem to show an interest in instantly fixing my problems. He didn’t make me super successful & take away every semblance of my f**ked up family life lol.

I think we need to have an alter call that’s not geared toward the super Christians in the room, and instead geared toward the ‘still not quite sure I believe, but I’m interested in learning more’ people in the room. Maybe less of Jesus Magic, more of Jesus Normal? So people know what they’re getting into. “Sign up after the service so we can stay in contact with you. We have a lot of resources for you to learn what it means, scripturally, to be in close relationship with God. We welcome people of all kinds, and whether you’re looking for a place to belong and create relationships, or if you’re just looking for a place to boost your faith once per week, we can help you out. Whether you want to find people with good character who you can play basketball with on the weekends, or if you’re just looking to make friends with other people who like to discuss spiritual ideas and have existential conversations. Whether you’re a single dad who wants to provide an environment to teach your child about values, or if you’re a teenager who’s just sick and tired of being bullied, and spending every afternoon alone in your bedroom- we want to welcome you to come back and spend some time with us. This is a place to belong, to find healing, and most importantly to learn how real God is, and how much God loves you. This is a place to learn what it means to be loved individually by God- regardless of where you have been, where you are, or where you will go. God wants to be with you, and living your life with you everyday, and we’re all about finding ways to help you achieve that.” It seems simple enough for me, and there’s no false promises based on hype and quick results. Just real life Jesus stuff. Whaddaya think?

I hate to be manipulated. I think most people do. Some times I can see it when it is happening, and the smart aleck in me will do everything I can to confuse the manipulator – or I will just call them out for it. Most of the time however, I don’t realize I’ve been manipulated until after the fact, and it makes me angry – angry with the manipulator for not being honest with their agenda and angry with myself for being naive and used for something I don’t believe or support.

I like how you strive to keep the main thing the main thing – Jesus is the hero, it’s all about Him and all He said and did.