I have received some negative comments in regards to my post entitled "Christianity Cheat Sheet." I hope that my readers read the entire post and did note the link at the bottom of the page.
Click HERE for the link again:
This post was purely intended as a satirical observation of North American evangelicalism... and isn't even my words. Sometimes I think we as Christians need to take a step back and look closely at how the world sees us--Christianity. Maybe satire isn't everyone's favourite style of humour, but I think that there were parts of that post that do hold elements of truth. If anyone was offended, then I apologize... but I don't that I'm embarrasing anyone.
If satire is your thing...then check out this book: Field Guide to Evangelicals and their Habitat
I picked it up recently and have enjoyed the good laugh. The author is Joel Kilpatrick who is the creator of Lark News. If you enjoy this site, then you'll get what I was going after. I hope this post brings closure to this whole thing.
Enjoy the Long Weekend,
Ty
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4 comments:
Hey!
I think that perhaps some of the worst trends in North American Evangelicalism is that Christians are not taking some of the core doctrines of the Bible as seriously as we need to be. I agree that we do need to step back and see how the world see us, but isn't it more important for us to take a step back and see how God sees us?
However, the stated intention of this cheat sheet was "to help my secular people as they navigate the confused waters..."
My question is then... does this cheat sheet really help anyone?(especially those who do not know Christ!)
How does the world see us:
Well, with the "cheat sheet" 's descriptions of some of the major parts of Christianity, most people reading this would see Christianity as a joke and Christians as hypocrites. While these accusations might be true in part, I pray that it is not true as a whole. (and in the very least, not something to laugh about, but something that is a very serious problem!)
The last statement, "I hope this helps clear up some easily-made misconceptions about Christianity" makes me embarrased. I know that it was trying to be sarcastic, and I don't want to say that humor is something that we shouldn't engage in, but I guess I am asking when is enough enough? When have we gone too far and made our faith something too little or something too trite that we can make fun of the Bible or the Trinity? (God Himself!!)
I do see that most of the sarcasm was pointed at all of the disagreement on issues in Christendom... but even then, some of those people are our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I hope that what has been said can be a challenge to all of us... There is definitely humor in life, and there is incredible joy... but these must come with the right things! Tyler, you know we're total dorks!
All of this can be debated and talked about... and that is the best thing that could come about from this comment and the post that was originally made. Let us all examine ourselves and make sure that we have not crossed a line with regards to joking about God or our faith or our brothers and sisters.
So, I hope that this clarifies what our point was originally. Know that even though we disagree with that one post, we think you are an awesome guy and we look forward to seeing future posts!
Preston and Tara
Tyler... Did I warn you that not everyone would appreciate the humour in this? Anyways. It's an interesting take when you realize that this is how some of the world views Christianity.
BUT, if you're looking for a real "cheat sheet" on Christianity, check out this amazing podcast from the UK. It's called The Bluffer's Guide to Christian Doctrine. (That's English-speak for cheet sheet, or cliff notes, or idiot's guide".
It's an 8 part series done live in the summer of 2005. The first day was actually the day of the London bombing - 7/7. There are two guys who lead it: Simon Taylor (a Parish Priest in Bristol who taught theology at universities in Oxford and Sheffield.) and Paul Roberts (a tutor in worship and Christian doctrine at Trinity College Bristol, and current the minister of two Church of England parishes in Bristol.)
The topics they covered were:
* God – why he doesn’t exist! (it sounds heritical but makes sense when you hear it explained)
* Jesus – who is he?
* Jesus – what did he do?
* Holy Spirit – the eternal gooseberry?
* Why bother with the church?
* The end of the world and other stories …
* Reading scripture with the creed
* Keeping faith with doctrine
This series is simply amazing. Find all 8 mp3s and pdf notes at virtualtheology.net
Heathen! Miss you!
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