Paul's Passing Thoughts

Graven Images

The famous “Touchdown Jesus” in Monroe, Ohio is perhaps the best illustration we have of contemporary idol worship. The icon of a Charismatic church, the sixty-foot high statue of Jesus was, according to the opinions of the local unregenerate, “Burned down by God” about two years ago. Comments by Christians who were interviewed by local news organizations immediately following the event were instructive; the image meant many different things to many different people. And that’s the crux of idol worship: the image portrays the truth of your own desires.

Christian Rock Music

Like graven images, the nebulous lyrics of contemporary Christian music can be interpreted according to ones preference. For example:

“And all your words fall to the floor and break like China cups

And the waitress grabs a broom and tries to sweep them up

I reach for my tea and slowly drink in

Cause it’s not the way that it has to be

Don’t trade our love for tea and sympathy”

Huh?

Nebulous Preaching/Teaching

Or, fill in the blanks yourself preaching/teaching. What God said is not the issue—supposedly, what it means to you is the issue. After all, “Christ is not a cognitive concept that we apply as a formula for life, he comes to us as a person.” And with all persons, people will have different opinions about them. And, “Christ isn’t a quiz, He’s a person.”

paul