Jesus Loves Osama (?)
February 2nd, 2007Not according to Proverbs 6:16-18:
6:16 There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven things that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans,feet that are swift to run to evil.
Ok, I understand that this opens a kettle of fish. And, so I must relent and admit that I do understand the context of the verse. God really does love Osama. It’s just his hands and his heart that he hates. A handless and heartless Osama makes the grade.
Enough, already - this really isn’t actually meant to be a theological rebuttal of the message that some Sydney churches are displaying on billboards around that city. Though, I would like to see some discussion on this.
The message is well meaning I’m sure. And I do believe that the unconditional love of God does extend to Osama. I need to, because otherwise I’d be without hope. I’m no terrorist, but I’ve done by share of naughty things in my time.
But c’mon!!
When will the Church learn that one line cliches aren’t going to turn the hearts of a jaded and desensitized society. And controversial messages designed to offend are going to do just that, offend. And offended it has. And don’t give me that ‘The Gospel offends’ crap (another cliche), because there is a difference between being disliked because of the Message, and being disdained because of stupidity.
Surely when someone pens a statement like this, they must realise that it will offend.. It’s just like the group gunning down Santa in the middle of Brisbane CBD. Whether or not their message was correct, their method of delivery destroys any ability to convey that message. It’s just stupidity.
One line slogans belong to the domain of mass-market corporations and intelligent marketers, when they are trying to sell you something that you probably don’t need. The person who has lost his job and family because of his alcohol addiction doesn’t need to know that Jesus loves Osama. He needs to know that God loves him. And he needs someone to look him in the eyes and tell him that, and then an offer to walk beside him and demonstrate that it is actually true.
But for those of us who are too lazy and proud to be that messenger, we can always buy a t-shirt. Surely it will bring hope to someone. Somewhere.
Great post. Thanks.
Comment by Kester — February 5, 2007 @ 3:26 am
Hey Matt,
While the message is true it is also very inappropriate.
While it is true God loves us all - the bill board message directs people away from the real message of Jesus’ love for us.
You asked me how old I was on Alan’s blog -now I look to my left and see this guy in a blue shirt and hair standing straight up on his head like he has his finger in the electrical outlet and I wonder is that you? How long have you been in Melbourne?
Comment by Bob Carder — February 5, 2007 @ 4:08 am
I’ve stuck my hands in a few powerpoints in my time, but trust me - the hair really is some desperate attempt at holding on to my youth. As is pointing out others when they are older than me
Comment by shmatt — February 5, 2007 @ 8:45 am
“…don’t give me that ‘The Gospel offends’ crap (another cliche), because there is a difference between being disliked because of the Message, and being disdained because of stupidity.”
Nice… Matthew 18:6-7 comes to mind.
It is truly tragic when peoples desire to relevant supersedes their common sense (both mental and spiritual). They probably think that they are working to overcome Sydney’s racial tension between the Lebanese vs ‘Anglo’s, highlighted for the world during the Cronulla riots a year and a half ago. The sad thing is, the moment a Muslim walks in their door, they need to follow up by denying Jesus’ and the Holy Spirit’s divinity, or all their hard work will be for nothing.
“If we were to love the world the way that God loves the world, we wouldn’t have to worry about loving the world the way that we shouldn’t.” - Vance Havner
Interestingly, Havner was a Baptist. I guess they never heard him speak before.
Keep up the good work.
Comment by Aaron Ireland — March 26, 2007 @ 2:08 am