| Attractive Jesus |
| Attractive Jesus |
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Christianity has lasted almost 2,000 years. That's pretty impressive. Of course there's been some help from Roman emperors, popes, and various kings, queens and other assorted functionaries. Why'd Christianity last so long? Surely it has to be attractive. Ah, let us count the many, many ways. Not Dying When you read the New Testament, you really get the feeling that they didn't expect to die. They would personally witness the messiah's coming. Persecution could be survived. Dying But Getting Resurrected 'Real Soon Now' Paul kind of got caught by surprise, when the Thessolinikans wondered about dieing first, and then missing out. Paul promised they would just 'sleep' and then be raised first, plus watch all your hated friends get their due ... who could refuse that deal?! Dieing and Being Resurrected 'Whenever' Unfortunately, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed, which was to be the messiah's landing zone. Now what? John and 'Peter' had to CLARIFY the promises. John assured his group that Jesus was God, and had been hanging around from 'the start' (but not before that). Plus the dead 'in Christ' would literally come out of their tombs. Pre-4th century believers were careful to have tombs, even including special easy-out openings in the catacombs. Jews however didn't have the nifty easy-exit tombs ... for OBVIOUS reasons. 'Peter' finished up, resetting the messiah-clock. God-years were MUCH longer than man-years (obviously 'someone' was calculating the end-time). Plus Jesus HAD said even he didn't know the date (being co-God doesn't include that little tidbit ... Jesus would be surprised just like everyone else). Roman Emperors Make It 'Worth Your While' Things can be VERY attractive, when the primo- boss says so. And with the new rules, tombs in church graveyards became 'the thing'. Interestingly the new tombs were not 'easy opening'. I think they figured out death kind of looks pretty dead. Popes and the Spiritual Walmart It wasn't long before the church leadership connected up eternal life, and money. Gosh those fancy churches cost money. So yes, go ahead ... sin a little ... just be ready to pay-up! Luther got suspicious and said noooooo, same deal but no pope. Literary Agents Without the authoritative 'church traditions' to keep the ball rolling, the Bible came into focus. Whoa, boy! The Bible? The one that no one can quite tie down? Multiple copy errors and conflicting stories? At least it attracted a whole lot of 'bibical criticism'. In fact, instead of 'traditions', we now have a whole industry of Bible translations! Woo-hoo!! Today's Attraction With the Bible in tatters, the emperors dead, and the popes trying to rein in their over-sexed priests, Christianity is still going strong and even expanding! Huh? I think Christianity is impervious to destruction. And Jesus is the reason. He's quite unique in being 'your friend' and God too! (1) For the Men They like Jesus because he talked to Paul, and Paul is truly a man's man. Keeps the women quiet and home with the babies. Submissive to ... men. (2) For the Women Paul who? They like Jesus because he liked women. He shared their values. Whenever there was a good Jesus-story, the women came out as the smart ones. The men (disciples) almost never caught on. Plus the women seemed to have the money. Yes! (3) For the Conservatives They like Jesus AND Paul. Jesus said the law was in- force till the end and that's just the easy part. Paul said the end was here and 'forget the law!'. Plus he adds even more rules (especially if you'e one of those talky young women or lazy widows). (4) For the Liberals They memorize the word 'grace' and dream of Jesus' healing gifts. They don't even need Jesus to be divine, he's so wise and historical. (5) For the Rich Ah, Matthew! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now let's turn to the Old Testament for all those YHWH blessings (money). The poor? Only if they deserve it. No slaves? Well, okaaaay. (6) For the Poor Thank you Jesus, thank you. They know no matter how bad life is, things are going to get better. Jesus said so. In fact, 'the last shall be first' (and the first last). For EVERYONE! Yes, Jesus has something for everyone. Jesus literally reflects everyone's desires and needs. Jesus gives you what you think you want. And so, another 1,000 years in God-time soon begins. What do YOU need from Jesus? |
| Copyright ©, 2008, dmbarnhart |
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