re: “Christian belief can not be boiled down to WWJD. I’ve heard this phrase used to justify all kinds of dubious beliefs and actions.”
I agree with you on this statement, but I don’t think the “WWJD” phrase should take the blame for people who use it to justify whacky ideas. I know you are not claiming that and you only picked out that phrase because a lot of people know about it - but, I think there are always going to be people who take things - especially religious ideas - to places never intended.
Heck, the Bible itself is used to justify all sorts of un-Godly ideas and actions - yet, the Bible is not to blame for that - people are (I know - I stole that from “Guns don’t kill people”, etc.).
As to the “Jesus” Tbow shirts - well, I wouldn’t wear one as a Christian because I don’t think it’s a very clear message. Is the person wearing it simply making a joke? Is the person claiming Jesus and Tebow are one and the same? And, as has been pointed out, the name “Jesus” is quite common among our hispanic brethren and therefore many people will simply think the person wearing it is named “Jesus”. Any so-called evangelical value is flaky at best.
On the other hand, are we saying they shouldn’t be allowed to make the shirts? What authority would do that? Maybe good taste and solid theology would say they shouldn’t, but as has been mentioned - just walk into any Christian bookstore and you will see all kinds of dubious “Christian” trinkets with equally dubious evangelical value.
Still, the name “Jesus” makes people uncomfortable. You can talk with people about God or even use the word Christ and no one gets upset, but as soon as you say the name “Jesus” - things get much more tense. So, are people upset with these shirts because of taste or because the name Jesus is unsettleing to them?
Just some thoughts.
It is true, Jesus’ name makes people uncomfortable. In this generation, statistics are at their all time worst. Why? Because society has control of The Church (The body of believers.) And we have been convinced that, “ I might offend someone, therefore I can’t talk about Jesus outside of church.”
Jesus told us to make disciples of ALL nations in the great commission and to share the good news. The reason people get offended is because many people who are sharing the good news don’t have a relationship with Jesus and don’t know The Word.
We are NOT called to save the world. We cant do it. The ONLY way is Jesus. ALL that we are called to do is “deliver the message” and live it. The Holy Spirit does the rest.
What often happens is some guy who, like I said, does not really know Jesus (just knows about him) tries to convert someone (ig: scaring them into saying a prayer, buying a bible, going to church by telling them they are gonna burn in hell)
2 Timothy 2:24-25 tells us not to be quarrelsome, but to gently lead those who oppose Him to The Truth.
Because many churches have moved away from teaching truth and have become dogmatic with God’s Word, “Jesus” has become a name that offends people. We shouldn’t let that stop us from sharing His truth! I know I went WAY off topic but I get so excited about Jesus haha.
Be Blessed!
Ben
Very well thought out post. Thanks.