The truth, but…
Published by Matt Glover February 1st, 2007 in Articles of InterestRead this interesting article in today’s paper…
A small snippet:
MANY Australians will question the priority of churches which have posted signs saying “Jesus loves Osama”, Prime Minister John Howard says.
Several churches, including Baptist churches, in inner-Sydney have the message on signs which also feature a Bible extract saying, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”.
I’m all for stirring the pot a bit, but I don’t think I’d put this out the front of my church.
13 Responses to “The truth, but…”
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There’s a big part of me that likes this. I think that the church has to play some sort of a role in subverting the thinking that demonises and de-humanises terrorists and recognise that we’re called first to love. But I can also understand not putting this in front of your church
“Jesus loves Osama” is ambiguous because we have to supply a meaning for the word love. I probably wouldn’t put it on a sign either, but I would want to interogate John Howard’s assumptions as well.
Maybe we could, however, say something like “God can forgive Osama…”
???
I like your thinking Fernando, but also wonder if just the sight of Osama’s name is enough to over shadow any other message.
I have no doubt God loves him, and can forgive him. But most of the folks I know couldn’t care less if God loves Osama or not - what they really need to hear is that God loves them.
The sign is too open for misinterpretation. It makes it sound like Jesus thinks that Osama’s a great bloke doing a great job.
The church needs to realise that communication is not just about what is meant but what is understood.
Don’t forget, the Bible distinguishes between the love God has for all his creation (Mt.5:45) and electing, saving love.
Some enjoy both kinds of love, some only the former on whom the wrath of God remains (John 3:36). Christ died for his sheep and his death is efficacious only for those the father draws to him (John 6:44).
We don’t know if Osama is of the elect because he may at some future time bear fruit in keeping with repentance. I too was once lost and dead in transgressions too. But I was made alive in Christ as potentially Osama can be. But without repentance and faith in Christ he, like all others lacking faith in Christ, face eternal damnation.
Let’s get out there and share the love of God with a Muslim and non-Muslim neighbour.
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. (Romans 9)
God Bless, Jim, Sheffield, England
I’m surpries that you wouldn’t put it out the front of Mitcham Matt-please tell me more?
G’day Digs,
Like I said above, I think the mention of Osama’s name overshadows the message of love. Yes it’s thr truth, but I think it’s an inappropriate way to tell it.
For instance, all these signs are the truth, based on Scripture, but I doubt they would get an airing on any church sign:
“Kill a guy. Sleep with his wife. Become a King!”
“Drown your enemies. Moses did.”
“Long hair give strength”
…and so on. You get the picture.
I should say that I hate church signs anyway. Regardless of what they say, I think some communities think they’ll somehow magically make stacks of people turn up at their gatherings. A waste of time if you ask me.
That’s part of my problem with the Osama thing. I reckon there would be some churchs who are all but silent in their communities, and thus have no right to display such a message and expect an opportuntity to explain it.
I still think being part of a community and telling the story of a God that loves THEM will always do more for the Kingdom than an attempt at stirring needless controversy.
What do you reckon?
Annoying nitpicking: David was king, and he slept with her first, then killed her husband. And the long hair… you’re just jealous.
1 Corinthians 14:34, anyone? (women should stay silent in church) (he didn’t say anything about blogs…)
While God does love you, the message has become cliché and wouldn’t be an effective sign.
I think that signs can become a mechanism for fulfilling the “community involvement” quota (let us sleep at night). What is needed, in this society where Christians are definitively not displayed in a positive light (TV, etc) is for REAL interaction with REAL people.
Honestly, I don’t think we should be able to sleep at night. How can we?
Hey mate, first off, I totally agree on the church signs thing. Tried having one out the front of my house, but Mum wasn’t too keen
But seriously, they are a bit of a wank, just another thing to make people feel like they’re doing something.
Liked what u said about whether or not ur doing something in the community to earn the right to put up such a signa nd be able to explain it
Yeah I dunno, I just reckon if it stimulates people to think, thats gott abe a good thing. Sure some people will poo-poo it, but they’re probably not interested at all anyway, so prob couldn’t make things worse.
But if it makes somebody who’s tossing around ideas about God and faith think about the idea of God’s love, then thats a good thing. I guess its the same reason i wear my Jesus Loves Porn Stars tee.
I guess the problem is when people think that love menas approve of, thats the main problem i run into with my shirt. But it gives u chance to explain it, which is always good.
So one day, when I’m a rich megachurch pastor I’ll put that sign up!