Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Uncomfortable

I was talking to a friend the other day about a concert we had been to, when he said, "This might sound weird, but I realized that I'm really uncomfortable in large crowds of Christians."

I know this might sound weird, but I totally agree.

Have you seen the movie "Saved"?

My favorite line was when three of the girls kidnap the one who has "gone astray" and try to "pray her back to salvation" while she is bound and gagged in the back of a van. When she gets free and is walking away, one of the girls throws a Bible at her, hitting it with her. The girl turns around and says, "this is not meant to be a weapon."

I thought the movie, while a little crass an inappropriate at times, was also biting in it's honesty about Christian sub-culture.

4 comments:

Phil said...

Matthew 5:14...
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Jesus said this to a group of people sitting on a hillside who sought him out for any number of reasons, but I think the point is that they sought him.
Today, Christians aren't necessarily the ones who seek God, but they are the ones who know how to blend into the flock. They might not know how to show their light, or they may not even have a light to begin with.
It is up to those who are skilled with their lights to help shine them out, even if this way is misunderstood by the rest of the flock. But there will be those who are also skilled with their lights who will come along side, and give strenth ...In His Grace

Kara Newby said...

I'm not sure that i understand you.

Anonymous said...

I think my main point is that the distinctive that make a person a Christian is that they are following Christ. At this time in American Culture, and the history of the Church, you can be called a Christian and actually follow something other than Christ...To most people being called a Christian means you go to church on Sunday, give some of your money to that church and be a good person.
I think what I'm trying to say, is Christian sub-culture might not be all that Christ-like.
But there are still lights in the darkness...we just can't "throw out the baby with the bath water"

Brian T. Murphy said...

Phil - I'm not nearly as reasonable as you. I hate Christian sub-culture, and most Christians. Maybe someday I'll modify. Actually I can feel myself modifying a little, in part because of conversations with people like kara, which means I will probably try to talk less with kara in the future.

Kara - I love that movie. I love when she throws the bible at her and says "I am filled with the love of Jesus!" and when the pregnant girl looks up at the huge wooden Jesus and just cusses. I really resonated with that scene. And regarding feeling uncomfortable in large crowds of Christians, ditto. Usually I get in fights with people in those situations. It's amazing how hard it is for me to get along with Christians. Funny, because ever since I started increasing the frequency of my fights with Christians, I've been feeling closer to Jesus.

Are you still in Birmingham?

Brian T. Murphy