Fishy Fishy Fishy Fish

Living in the western world is a blessing in itself. We are one of the richest countries on earth, we have every luxury one can imagine, and its obtainable by everyone. But we live in a society that is driven by commercialism, by media hype, the latest thing. Our t-shirts are billboards for our favorite corporations logo, the kind of car we drive determines our status too. It's tells something about a person. It's interesting that Christianity is also driven by commercial. Christian t-shirts, fancy bibles, bumperstickers with catchy phrases (ya gotta love of those! I've written a few myself) Christian radio, rock concerts, big name superstars and of course, the Christian Fish logo for our cars.

If you have a Fish symbol on the back of your vehicle, it is known by a majority who see it that you are a Christian. Perhaps fanatical to some, a right wing fundi who shares their zeal for the faith for everyone to see. The ones who crack me up the most are those who paste two big fish on the back of the vehicle, with little fish trailing representing the fact they are a Christian family and how many Christian kids they have. I laugh at that one everytime I see it.

Big churches advertise themselves in a similar manner with bumperstickers and window logos. After all, if you don't let them know you are there, they won't come to your service on Sunday. It is hoped that the stray driver on Sunday morning will follow you to church because of the bumpersticker. I'm sure it works all the time.

Ok, my point. While the idea of the fish is noble enough, that it originally was a symbol for rouge Christians (hiding from the government) to identify themselves and not be caught by roman soldiers, the word "IXOYE" (ichthus). Thus continuing the mission set by Jesus before His departure. You knew that a Christian household was nearby, a safe zone, a place that could be trusted with your very life. The faithful took care of each other, fed and clothed each other, even at the risk of prosecution or even death. Does our Christian fish symbol carry with it today such nobility? And are we the passionate examples of a follower of Jesus Christ, even putting ourselves at risk for the life of our brother or sister? More often than not, the risk is only behind the wheel when we cut off the slow driver in the middle lane, roll though stop lights, and are general pains in the butt to others on the road. When they see the fish, they equate your behavior to Christianity. Remember that next time you're running 85mph on the highway in the right shoulder passing people so you won't be late for church. You may be the only example they see, and they might hate us for it.

Jews for Jesus

There is a disturbing trend happening in the Western Christian church. It's been around for a while, but like most media events it comes on as the latest thing - what every good Christian believer should be doing - turning to our Jewish roots.

Excuse me?

Maybe the huddled masses of lemming pew sitters have accepted this dogma openly. "We should follow jewish customs and beliefs, after all Jesus was a jew by birth."

Uhm, NO.

"Why not?" Because I'M NOT JEWISH! MY family didn't come from Isreal, and there's not a hint of Jewish ancestory in me. As a matter of fact, My ancestory is predominately celtic and pagan. Those dang 'gentiles' of the bible always causing trouble. Evangelical churches have been so inspired as to have guys dressed up in the priestly robes and such, blowing a ceremonial 'shafar' horn before service. I must admit, the horn has an awe inspiring sound. But blow that thing again and I'm beating you over the head with it. The biggest problem with this movement is that it shows our boredom with the basics of our faith. Our core belief in Jesus just isn't good enough to keep people motivated to believe so we inspire them with 'profound' wisdom to keep the fire burning. All the while slipping further from where we first started. A simple belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus said "unless you come to me like a little child, you won't get it." (I paraphrased that a bit, but it's the same) Why should we add to an already perfect gospel? Because the perfect gospel doesn't fill auditoriums. It doesn't stir the intellect.

Ok, back to the Jews for Jesus thing. What's wrong with that movement? Obviously it started as a bunch of jewish converts to Christianity. Does their acceptance of Jesus Christ negate their jewish heritage? Of course not. Those are the legal 'Jews for Jesus'. It's the goobers who blindly follow teachers who say we all should celebrate Purim and passover and the feasts and be observers of jewish tradition to get us closer to God. (buzzer sounds loudly) oh, wrong answer - thank you for playing. Get off the stage. Fact is, you don't need all that stuff to understand God. You just need to understand God loves you regardless - whether jew or greek, black or white, brown, yellow. His sacrifice for us is all we need concentrate on.

My first post

This is my first post so I'll start with a rant I actually started with the pastor of my local church recently. Let me preface these rants with some factual data that may encourage or disturb you,. I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I believe in His miraculous birth, His miraculous life, His death and His resurrection. He is my mediator, my savior. My one hope for the afterlife. So it's not anything about the core belief in Jesus Christ or the afterlife or heaven that I will personally be ranting about. It's this life, and the incredibly dim witted souls who build corporations, tv stations, large facilities, write book series, make movies all in the name of our God. The tongue talking hairspray addicts on TV don't even require an article because they are so silly the whole world laughs at them already. It's the day to day representatives of Jesus Christ who if I had to make the call would have publicly flogged for being just plain stupid. "Aren't you afraid of casting a negative image on Christianity Chris?" Answer: No. People have done that already by themselves without my help. "Aren't you yourself being too negative? - Shouldn't you be a positive example for Christ?" Answer: Yes. Fact of the matter is every one of these blog entries should have a positive outcome, it should preach the message of Jesus Christ in a way that real people identify with it and feel comfortable believing Jesus. Jesus, in His own words to the people said "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened with troubles and I will give you peace - for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." The weight of believing and receiving Jesus Christ as your savior is an easy thing to do - not a twelve step program. God is not in a box, He created the box. He owns it. One Christian catch phrase that is correct - "Let Go, and Let God". I like that. He gave us this life to live He's in control. One catch phrase I really hate: "WWJD.. What would Jesus Do?" You know what I think He'd do? He'd kick somebody's butt for even asking that stupid question.

Blessings to You,
Chris Crane (2/16/03)