MattGlover.com

I’ve mentioned my internet cartooning friend Dean a few times now. A great man and great cartoonist, with an edgy style that brings the message of Jesus right into the midst of a culture that would otherwise never hear it. Earlier this year he released a comic book called “Open Your Heart When They Hate Your Guts” which is basically the gospel story, based in our time and told through the comic book medium. Jesus is a dread-locked, no-nonsense guy who wears a “No Nukes” t-shirt. I love it!

Anyway, in one of the latest entries on his blog, Dean tells of an interesting week. Firstly, his site was target by some fairly weighty opposition to all things God. I’ve had this happen a few times now, and while the increaed web traffic is nice (over 10000 in two days for me) the abuse you receive tends to get you down a bit. But the really disappointing thing is that his site was also targetted by a supposedly Christian site, labeling him an apostate, a heretic and calling down on him every curse from heaven. The Christian site is one of the more popular conservative blogs on the net and seems to be anti anything that might even hint at being used by God - if they don’t initiate or condone it, then it’s wrong. Sheesh!

It makes me wonder what take Jesus would have on all of this. Would he be on the side of the “Christian” site and wave his fingers at the artist for daring to engage in relevant evangelism to the comic fan community? Would he be on the side of those opposing anything to do with Christian faith? Would he have another view altogether?

Thinking about it, Jesus copped his fair share of criticism. There were plenty that wrote him off as a nut and ignored what he had to say, ridiculing anybody that followed him. There were the religious leaders who plotted to take his life. There were others that accused him of doing the wrong things, saying the wrong things and hanging out with the wrong people…sounds a little familiar to me.

Dean my friend, what they say of you is what was said of Jesus. I don’t think you can get better company than that. Keep doing what you do.

Why is it that when somebody is doing their best to use the gifts God has given to the best of their ability, they come under fire from all sides? I’m left, once again, astounded at the lack of grace and the attitude to diversity that some “Christians” seem to hold as God’s truth.

Vsit Dean’s site here and send him an email to perk him up a bit.