How They See Us
Posted by C. Holland on Dec 03, 2009I know this video is a huge generalisation, but it answers the question people have asked about how Christians are regarded in Western Europe. Unfortunately, it is a massive barrier to break down when attempting to establish relationships, and only time and consistency can erase this judgment by stereotype.
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December 3rd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
While not persecution per-se the clip is degrading. I think you’re right however, only time and consistency will change perception. Then again Jesus did promise this sort of behaviour:
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Ah well, the media doesn’t get it but there’s an easy way to fix that, turn off the telly and just go on about our business. Thanks for the heads up C.
Kevin´s last blog ..Scoping Your Mission: Getting to Know Them
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I agree with you & Kevin… and would add these thoughts…
#1 – in the US, the same is seen through the media and through programing… perhaps not quite so mockingly, but definitely there…
#2 – the Holy Spirit is the One who changes hearts and draws people to God. Yes, time, consistency, being real, and prayer will change lives – one at a time…
#3 – Offended as I was by what I watched, and other things that I have accidentally found on Google images (while searching for for images for “Jesus” “Jesus’ Birthda”) I also was reminded to “bless them that persecute, bless and curse not.” Love as Christ loved…
#4 – I find, as a missionary among Native Americans in the US, that I shy away from things that would stereotype me… and wonder if I shy away too much…
December 4th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Kevin, They will persecute us because of Jesus yes, but most of the time they are persecuting us because of what we have done to Jesus. ie. testamints, wwjd, and my personal favourite the $100 salvation tract that you leave at a restaurant instead of a tip.
Maybe if we started listening to peoples lives, hurts, and ideas they would WANT to hear our option. I like this option much better than trying to turn every conversation into a spiritual one…as this video so beautifully portrayed.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
brightstarblackhole, Totally agree. Testamints not only cheapen the gospel they taste horrible. I’ve not heard of (thankfully) the $100 tract. What a joke.
I think that the video portrayed two levels of insult. The insult to obnoxious religious folk but also an underlying insult and mockery of Jesus. The first we can help change, the second is a guarantee.
Kevin´s last blog ..Scoping Your Mission: Getting to Know Them
December 4th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I am saddened by the video but it is sadly an accurate portrayal of most Christians I have met and those out there. I do get sick of the Christians who will pray (after all, how much work does it take to pray for something) for something but refuses to do anything about it when it’s within their power to do so. I seen many Christians so “on fire” that they talk endlessly (with someone they have only met for three minutes) about how great Jesus is but not listen to what the other person has to say. I have to say none of those “on fire” Christians is what brought me to knowing Jesus, in fact if anything they only caused me to go further away from the Gospel. It is those very few (I can only name two in my life) real Christians that never preaches his own religion (one of them is a very active Christian in fact) that made an impact in my life and while they never directly led me to the Lord, they maintained a relationship with me that stood out when I looked back on the time that I wasn’t Christian.
Remember that Jesus rarely preached to the common people that he dealt with, only time he preached to really is the Pharisees and other religious elites at the time. When he met common people he simply tried to understand what the needs are (paralysis, death, lepersy, skin diseases, demon possession, even financial issues) and when it is within his powers to help (which he has lots of) he solved them. You know what, all of them knew he was for real after that.
Remember don’t be like the Pharisees who just tries to look good on the outside (by constantly talking about Jesus just to sound spiritual) but on the inside there are still darkness. Instead we are called to not only preach the gospel but disciple them in the name of Jesus. The church done a decent job of preaching the gospel but not such a good job at discipling. Please, don’t talk about Jesus but simply just be like Jesus, you will notice a difference. Maybe right away it might seem like you’re not doing much (compared to people going door to door preaching the gospel) but sooner or later people will see your character or the love you give them and know that you are real.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Thank you all for your comments. While Kevin’s right that it’s insulting to Christians, brightstarblackhole summed it up for me: “trying to turn every conversation into a spiritual one.” I can tell that some Christians think that missionaries are to be like this (maybe dialed down a bit from the video, which is admittedly extreme), yet it can take time in a relational culture. Of course, I’m not suggesting we never talk of Jesus; we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in discernment when the time is right to speak of such things.
When I was in high school, a friend’s mother was almost exactly like the men portrayed in the video–and she knew/accepted that I was a Christian! Just having a conversation with her was so exasperating and even difficult to understand because she felt she had to say “Praise God” 2-3 times per sentence, and I’m not over-exaggerating.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:01 am
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December 9th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Sounds like I am in the minority here, but I found this very funny. Lots to learn here. I don’t think the video is a commentary on Jesus as much as it is about us and how we have interwoven our beliefs and our capitalist culture.
C., who made the video? Knowing that may help better understand their intent. Still, I confess I was laughing…
almost an M´s last blog ..If a tree fell…
December 10th, 2009 at 3:28 am
almost an M, you are not alone, I laughed my head off when I saw this, and I’m a pastor in Western Europe.
I believe this video reveals a truth with how some Christians behave, looking for every opportunity to “share” without ever taking the time to listen. I’m not worried about stereotypes like this, I believe the world can recognize authentic life changing Christianity when they see it. What I’m worried about is how little they are seeing it.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:20 am
@Almost an M and Simon D: Actually, your reaction was my reaction. Glad I’m not the only one.
Almost an M, it’s from a 90’s British show called “The Fast Show”. BBC America viewers would know it by its American title, “Brilliant”.
January 26th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Awesome video. I am stealing that for my blog!