Throw the book at it!

By now, in response to my previous post many devout Christians have deleted this blog feed, asked to be removed from my update alerts (this is a fact) and grumbled after considering my portrayal of God’s only son. “Pagan!” “Heretic!” “How dare you!” Some maybe even think this is pornographic.  Some are raising an eyebrow. Some are dismissing this as farce largely due to my theological stupidity, likely a result of my being just a “messy” Messianic Jew; “What does he know?” Others, very appreciatively, are praying for my soul’s salvation as it faces an 80/20 probability of burning in hell. And then, there are the rest of you. This book is written primarily for you.

You see, I am taking what will be a widely unpopular position; that the impediments to a healthy, biblical, relevant and grace-full expression of the Christianity of Christianity…are mostly those Christians who are hell bent on selling an organized religion, versus a way of living that seemed to be pure, until, well until it got “organized.”  I expressed the early seeds of this thinking in 2005 when I was asked to consult on the brand image development for an established (albeit troubled) Christian organization. It was led by a prominent group of religious leaders (pastors and other ministry leaders) who had asked my opinion of what the greatest problem we face as leaders guiding the future for the Evangelical movement. “The greatest problem I see facing the essence of Christianity… is sitting right here in this room. It’s you.” After a silence (that reminded me of one of those great western movie scenes; an open, sun bleached prairie in Arizona. All  you hear and see is the moaning wind and one, lonely tumbleweed rolling by. And by.) I continued addressing 23 of the world’s most influential Evangelical Christian leaders. A few of them sat back, puffed up their chests and dismissingly listened to what followed:

“When I was asked to facilitate this session I was noticeably shaken and disturbed. I broke out into a cold sweat. You see, I formed this image of spending two days speaking to 23 of the world’s leading EV-AN-GEL-I-CALS (I gave extra emphasis to the word Evangelicals), speaking to them about my evaluation and recommendations for how they cold more effectively brand the Evangelical Christian movement in America. You see, my immediate perception was that I would walk into a room of white, middle-aged-and-older-males.” I paused and looked slowly around the room. “Hmmm, it looks like no women or people of color have joined us today; but hold onto that thought while I continue.”

“My perception was that this group of men would come to this session bringing  their right-wing-exclusionary-political-activist-beliefs; certain that if I did not agree with their point-of-view I was going to die and go to hell. But, hold onto that thought as I go on, please.” Eyes were opening a bit wider than when I had begun the session. Their puffed chests emitted a faint hiss as they began deflating...."

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To be continued...shortly. Still there? Testing, testing...

For emphasis - (b)