There’s a fantastic post at “Letters from Kamp Krusty“. Brant Hansen is a Christian radio host in the states, and as such has some fantastic insights on Christian culture. But I think he’s peaked with his latest post:
“I know you think I may be exaggerating. I’m not. Not in the least. Today, I read where Jesus told us that when we’re praying, we shouldn’t babble on “like the pagans do”.
I got three very Christian emails of protest, citing scripture to rebut Jesus.”
via Letters from Kamp Krusty: Can Jesus and Christian Radio Co-Exist?.
It’s the same point that (if I’ve read the blurb correctly) Hirsch and Frost are getting at in their latest book (which I’ll read really soon): ReJesus. We’re really quite OK with Christianity as we’ve fashioned it over the years, and as such can’t afford to have Jesus’ words get in the way.
They don’t like it. I’m serious. “You know, all the commandments can be summed up with love the Lord your God with all your heart, and mind, and soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said that, and…”
Ringing phones. “Hello?”
“You forgot one: Evangelize.”
Jesus stands corrected.
Ring.
“Well, it’s not quite that simple, you see, because…”
No, no. It can’t be that simple. Not here.
Theology is a beautiful thing. As is church tradition. But we’ve got to be able to see the times when we’re wanting to use scripture to contradict Jesus.
(Aside – Brant’s review of U2′s new album is spot on the money. If I was funnier, I’d have written it).