At our house it’s just me and the dogs (and the bipolar kitten) by 9:30. And, since reading more than a couple hundred pages gets dull, you can only do so much origami before the paper cuts cause clinically significant blood loss, and since it makes little sense to continue training for the pro tiddly winks circuit until it surpasses mixed martial arts as the next nation wide alternative sports craze (when it does I’ll be ready), I find myself, and the dogs, watching a lot of late night television.
Something I’ve noticed lately as I’ve watched a number of different comedians is that more and more often the name of Jesus is featured highly in their “bits.” I find this to be both sad and troubling. It used to be that people would joke about some kind of generic “god”, heck there are whole genres of jokes based upon St Peter at the pearly gates, and the stereotypic all-powerful alternately smiting or chuckling at those he observes from his cloud (you know the one I mean, always has a long beard, white robe, looks like a benevolent yet sort of creepy department store Santa on his day off). But the name of Jesus was one that simply didn’t get used as more than an expletive, something that somehow seems more acceptable than what I’ve heard lately.
It used to be that the name of Jesus, the person, not the expletive, was one that people were unwilling to allow into conversation. I know that to be true when sharing spiritual discussions let alone humor. You could talk about “god” all day and not offend or turn off anyone, but the name Jesus triggered some kind of reaction in the unacquainted hearer -- and not usually laughter. Most people weren’t entirely sure why, but that name offended them, challenged and angered them, at the very least ended the conversation. Now maybe that’s changed.
Whether you accept Jesus the way Scripture names him, as God incarnate who died for the sins of men; as some religions might portray him, as a moral and wise teacher who was killed by those who disagreed with his teaching; or as history describes him, as a religious figure who, though loved by the masses made too many powerful enemies and was brutally silenced, his name and story ought to mean more than fruit for bad jokes.
On one hand I’m thankfully the name of Jesus is getting to be less taboo. It makes my job as a pastor easier, and people don’t run quite as quickly from conversations about him. But on the other hand, I’m deeply saddened that we could find it in our humor to laugh at a man who, Lord, liar or lunatic, gave so much.
The name of Jesus is more recognized than any president, movie star, athlete, or writer. Have you ever wondered why?
Ok, Dustin, I lied. Please forgive me. I have now read the entire blog...not just the first paragraph. It is interesting to note in the culture how it's ok to say, "God Bless You", or "May the Lord be with you", or "I pray for you", or "Lord willing". Sometimes I wonder if it's because the English word "Jesus" is kinda weird to say. Try saying it over and over 100 times and the ring to it just isn't the same. Kinda like saying bibliobibuli 100 times. After awhile it just becomes plain uncomfortable. By the way, that is a real word...I let you use your linguistic techniques to figure it out. Maybe you already know! Anyway, my point is, if Jesus'name had been Bob, or Brent or Dustin would we have the same feeling in uttering his name? Probably so...It's because he's done something that no one else on earth can claim. He's our Savior...
ReplyDeleteI'll even admit there have been times I was more comfortable saying everything but the sweet and precious name of Jesus...more because I cared too much what other people might think of me and I didn't want to make THEM uncomfortable or turn them away from the Lord. These are things I'd tell myself to justify it. "Or there goes that Jesus Freak Melissa," the might say. (I was actually referred to as MW Christian in high school, which doesn't bother me in the least). Well, who cares, I'm proud to be a "Jesus Freak" and the truth is - looking back, I think it made ME more uncomfortable. Now I've experienced the immeasurable power in His greatness over the last 16 months as He's delivered me from a slow death with alcohol. He's performed many miracles in my life that I don't deserve. I love Jesus so much and want to praise His holy name all day. Good thoughts, Dustin!
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