Another thought...
After reading this article on the Servants to Asia's urban poor, again made me think deeply on my last post. I think there are many truthful words from both sides of the gun, but the durry is still out for me on the "Jesus. All about life" thing. I have the offer of talking more with Judy (who seems lovely and well meaning and an offer, which I intend to take her up on.)
I guess another question for me in light from the above article is this:
Should I base my stance on the topic simply on the fact that other pastors see it as a positive thing? Is it possible to think that there is an agenda attached? As a side comment the "family first" political party take a 'Christian' stand on things, and I am not brave enough to trust them with my vote, or even to speak fairly for ALL Christians.
Maybe I am wrong, maybe I am on the wrong track, but I am sure as hell not just going to bow down and let others (who may be right) make up my mind. I do not want to pretty Jesus up and make his words nice, because frankly, they are words that if looked at honestly are going to cost. Yes, even Jesus said that in him, life will be found, but not the life that we average Joes imagines.
More thoughts, someone help me understand.
posted by Josh and Melody @ 2:55 pm
5 comments
5 Comments:
Great to see a healthy debate about this JAAL stuff. When Jesus feed the 5000 in John 6 it says that the crowd followed Him across the lake when they realised that they were alone and He was on the other side. When thet got to Him, Jesus said 'you are only here because you had your beelies filled, don't work for food that spoils but for food that endures for eternal life'. I'm kind of wondering what kind of Life will people be thinking they will be getting when they see these adds? What do they hope they will be getting when/if they seek out Jesus? We hope that if they ask a believer about Jesus they will be told that following Jesus means you will need to die to self, to consumerism, to all that middle class stuff that we seek to mass around us. Jesus goes on to say at the end of John 6 that the Jewish fore-fathers ate Manna (God's abundant miraculous provision of life)and died, but if you eat this bread (Jesus Himself) you will live. I am wondering by a mass media coverage, what miracle will people be wanting; more of their daily wants met or Jesus?
Ive never heard of the JAAL. but...
i read some post by a dude in Canada recently that really flpped my lid.
He talks about following Jesus into Godforsakeness.I face a similar dilemna at the moment, as I am engaged in a recovery program that I am having some issues with. Are we called to be happy healthy satisfied westerners? Or to be exiles? Might we actually be called to places ( in ourselves) and in the world that appear Godforsaken?
That was how Jesus won victory, no? the man of sorrows, despised, rejected, godforsaken. To reject consumerism, could invite godforsakeness. Hows it going to look if you live in a bedsit with no computer or dvd player? these are the "forgotten ones" of our society.. Sorry bout the rant.. I really have no authority to do so..
The dudes name is poser or Prophet if your interested. Worth a look IMHO
I'm keen to reply but I haven't got any time this morning, so I'll chew on the thoughts. and I'll give it a crack tonight when I get home.
Just another note for those that haven't heard of the "Jesus, all about life" campaign their web site is:
http://www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au
as is often the case im in the middle..
at this stage im not against JAAL.. im for it.. that doesn't mean i think its perfect..
JAAL is hoping the adds will effect positive CHANGE in individuals + the community.. the issue is what CHANGE are they communicating needs to happen? The question is therefore what CHANGE is Jesus hoping for in our community at present.. What are the issues on Jesus mind?? What sort of adds would Jesus be impressed with on tv if he was to do so at all??
like u.. i have concern over the fact that large quantities of money allow someone to put adds on tv representing/misrepresenting the name of Jesus.
like u.. i have issues with presenting Jesus as someone who says narcistic lifestyles are ok.. + that narcissism is 'life'
JAAL would disagree with these statements + i understand their perspective.. however my point is that representing Jesus in the media is a massive, massive responsibility that should be done with utmost care + with rigorous endeavour. Labeling anything as 'christian' or 'what Jesus says' i think is dangerous. As mr anonymous stated above.. Jesus was incredibly attractive (large numbers following him) but he was also incredibly unattractive at times with some of the things he said (die to consumerism, middle classness etc).. lets work together to do our best to present the full Jesus to a world that needs change..
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