So, on the JKL episode after Lost, Jimmy started off by saying: So in my religions, Christianity being one of them, they see life as a Test.
Here's the deal. Most of the modern media has no idea what Christians really believe or think. For someone to have the impression that as Christians we believe life is a test to be "passed" is so missing the point. But, how do we respond?
I feel like often we respond in anger, or frustration, or just dismiss the media as wrong and move on. But we can't. The modern American Media is portraying Christianity inaccurately. They portray us as mean-spirited, judgmental, and often put statements or beliefs in our mouth which are nowhere accurate or true.
In my opinion, the bestway to change that is to live out an authentic Christian lifestyle that is different than this perception. As Christians we need to be seen as bringing joy to dark places. We need to be seen as welcoming and gracious. We need to articulate our core beliefs, and not worry so much about the minor stuff. If we can do that right, people will notice. They'll notice because we won't be acting like we're portrayed to be. And when we're noticed, people are drawn to find out more about the one who we live for, which is the whole point in the first place.
I really hope Jimmy Kimmel has a solid Christian somewhere in his life who politely corrected his statement about life being a test. But, more importantly, I hope that Christian lives life in such a way to make Jimmy really watch, and wonder. That his pre-conceptions are challenged. And that he comes to want to know more about the real Jesus in whom we have faith and belief. Who are the Jimmy's in your life?
Don't go to church, Be the church.
Bill Walles
Saw the same JKL, and I knew exactly what comment you were going to talk about at the mere mention of the show. My impression is not that the media is absolutely wrong, but that they are working on perception-based knowledge rather than actual research. It's simply easier to make assumptions based on what "that guy" said rather than learn yourself.
ReplyDeleteThen again, there are so many flavors of being a Christian, while the core belief is still the same, it has to be very confusing for the non-Christian. So, it all boils down to a lowest-common-denominator perception.
As a Catholic, you have to confess and atone for your sins- therefor, ALL Christians must do that.
If you frequent a televangelist, you'd better have a moment where you're rolling on the floor speaking in tongues, or you're not a real Christian!
The Baptists like to take people down to a river for a full immersion baptism-- if you don't get baptized as an adult in that way, you're not really a baptized Christian!
Santa Claus is from Christmas, and if you're good, Santa brings you presents. So Christians strive to be good!
Heck- we even have at least three major flavors of Lutheranism, ELCA, LCMS, WELS. It's no wonder there's a mixed perception out there- Christians, in general, worry too much about the differences instead of the commonality. While all demoninations will never agree on everything, it's the common ground that never seems to be established.
It's a perception that I'm afraid even the greatest PR effort in the world would have a very hard time changing.
Well said. Especially the stuff about Santa Claus :)
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