We westerners find it unthinkable when Muslims use a questionable depiction of Muhammad as a reason to act out in violence. And we are right to be taken back by such things. However, sometimes we should be a little more offended when our Lord is depicted in a blasphemous ways within our culture. No, we should not take up arms and cause violence. That would be unthinkable. But we should make it clear that we hold our Lord precious are offended when he is depicted in ways that are quite blasphemous. Take this skit from SNL last week.
Jesus depicted as a violent avenger of his crucifixion should be particularly offensive to us. When the skit says, "He is preaching anything but forgiveness," we should be offended since we know that forgiveness is the center of Jesus’ kingdom message. Should we simply laugh at the skit? I think not. This is our Lord’s name taken in vain in a rather extreme way. We should instead in whatever nonviolent ways we have, make clear that mocking the One who saved us is not acceptable.
And not only should it bother us because our Lord is portrayed in such a light, but we also must not miss the real reason this skit was ever penned or performed. This skit is meant to be a not so subtle shot (excuse the pun) at the Church in our day. It seeks through humor to suggest that while Jesus was all about forgiveness (you know, the ultimate never judging happy guy), his Church in this day is intolerant, racist, and violent. We should not let these lies go unchallenged. Such stereotypes once thoroughly entrenched in our culture will be used to persecute Christians. Those of us that hold to biblical teachings will be assumed to be all of these things and therefore deemed worthy of oppression if we do not challenge them constantly.
Phil,
With regards to your introduction, you will never ever see an SNL skit insulting Muslims though. They are a protected class. Their prophet is given a “Noli tangere” status by the media, both comedy and non.
I know that Chris. However, maybe they would be less prone to mock Christ if we acted as if we actually cared when they do.
Phil,
Mockers of Christ will always mock, regardless of whether it is popular or not. I wasn’t even aware of this until you posted about it (I haven’t watched SNL in many years). In fact, SNL’s ratings are so low that I doubt many people even saw it. Only because it has been brought up in the media has it garnered any attention and outcry. Christians will not go to the same levels that the Muslims have nor should they. Even if they did, it still would bring no change to the mentality of those who authored this sketch.
Phil, I agree with your comments and I am saddened to see the video. I have never watched SNL other than as I surfed through it. Such is the “comedy” of today. I do watch some of Leno and Letterman. I doubt that either of these wouild be reluctant toward Jesus bashing but mostly they make fun of the down-trodden as if drug abuse, divorce ad infinitum were laughing matters. These day’s there are many so called jokes about the pope and his retirement; though I of coures do not subscribe to popery, it saddens me also to hear fellow human beings degaded and defamed having their dignity taken away for the sake af a laugh or two. I suppose that if I were in an audience subjected to such I would walk out. I can certainly balk when personally confronted by such ill humor speaking of my faith and my creed. By the way, have you noticed the lack of respect in the youth of today? And many adults too. For waht it’s worth. Larry.
For those who wish to write a letter, I did already
http://www.nbc.com/contact/general/?__status=1
Thank you for this Phil. I’ve been watching from a distance as Christianity in the U.S. is increasingly mocked, stereotyped, and bashed… with more and more momentum. Judging from history, the way the tide against Christians is shifting at such a fast pace, it is very close to the point of now return (or maybe already crossed that point) where open persecution is a reality. Thank you for your loving apologetics! May all of us speak out in love!