A progressive christian church in Indianapolis is beginning an aggressive marketing campaign asking “Who Stole Jesus?” They p
oint out (rightly in my opinion) how the Jesus of the gospels is unrecognizable by the Jesus who is characterized in the preaching and teaching of many modern day churches.
I appreciate the way they have framed this discussion and believe they have put together some of the freshest and clearest language to explain this distinction. For example:
- The real Jesus taught that his followers should take a flexible approach, doing what love requires in any situation (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 3:1-6). Many churches today teach that rules are more important than love.
- The real Jesus offered hope (Luke 4:18-19); one of his most common statements was, “Be not afraid” (Luke 12:32). Many churches today actively promote fear.
- The real Jesus defended sinners from attack (John 8:1-11). Many churches today lead the charge against them.
- The real Jesus empowered women spiritually (Luke 8:1-4; John 20:11-18). Many churches today teach that only men are worthy of spiritual leadership.
- The real Jesus encouraged simple living (Luke 12:13-34). Many churches today celebrate flashy materialism.
- The real Jesus celebrated diversity in God’s creation, including gay and transgender people (Matthew 8:5-13; Matthew 19:1-12). Many churches today call diversity an abomination. (For more info, explore these resources.)
- The real Jesus boldly crossed racial and ethnic boundaries (John 4:1-30; Luke 10:25-37). Many churches today are segregated by race and ethnicity.
- The real Jesus celebrated life and loved having a good time (Matthew 11:16-19). His first miracle was to create wine (John 2:1-11). Many churches today give the impression that fun is dangerous.
From their website
This list prompts me to think of few other examples.
- The real Jesus rejected earthly shows of power. Many churches today embrace secular and political means of power.
- The real Jesus was never into a numbers game to prove his worth. Many churches today evaluate their authority by their popularity.
- The real Jesus spent a lot of his ministry in the outdoors. Many churches today operate exclusively within their own walls.
- The real Jesus never played it safe and was constantly on the move. Many churches today are content to do the same thing over and over again.
How about you? What differences and comparisons would you add? In any event, this exercise makes for a great and interesting discussion.
In your opinion, “Who stole Jesus?”
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Posted by Phil Sampley on October 5, 2011 at 2:34 am
The Real Jesus never excused sin but always loved the sinner. The practice of homosexuality however is a sin but Jesus died for those that recognize their sin, repent from their sin and are baptized into HIM. The only sin that cannot be forgiven “blasphemy of the Holy Sprit”, or in laymans terms, dying without ever accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Please pray for those in sin that they will see the light and come to Christ!
Posted by markdjohnson on October 7, 2011 at 1:20 am
Thank you Phil for your reply and your obvious commitment and love for Jesus, whom we both confess as our Savior and Lord. My challenge for you would be to appreciate how many Christians are not so quick to suggest homosexuality is a sin – a complex topic too broad for this quick reply – but instead an integral aspect of personal identity. For these Christians-among whom I consider myself- how we redemptively treat all persons fairly and equally is a greater value that how we might judge or condemn one specific group. As the scriptures teach, we are all sinners and must rely on the grace of God. In my understanding, homosexuality is no more a sin than say, heterosexuality. It is how we all act or behave that might better be classified as “sin.” I am not asking for your agreement, but only to realize how other Christians might see this issue differently than you. Blessings.