I've been saying that this world is mad quite a lot lately. Perhaps that has less to do with the state of the world and more to do with the fact that I get stuck on certain phrases, but that's not entirely the point.
This morning I read a post that featured a picture of two smiling girls who were carrying posters that said things like, "God Hates America." And that just threw me for a loop. Smiling. Apparently genuinely happy. Declaring God's intense hatred toward us.
Huh?
After a very brief Google search [read: I didn't have to leave page 1], I came to the conclusion that Westboro Baptist Church is actively setting fire to bridges.
Burning Bridges
And they seem to be burning the bridge on both sides: I don't think they're acting very Christ-like.
In fact, Rob Bell makes some good points about how it doesn't seem to be working. If you're not so much into Rob, perhaps you'll find Yancey a bit more compelling.
...
On the other hand, how do we build toward those who focus on passages like Malachi 1:2-3?
Back in high school I was rather... pushy... in how I talked with others about my beliefs. I was vocal. I cared. I really wanted people to see the truth. And one day I started to say something and a girl near me said, "Stop it, Luke. I don't want to hear it. Just stop."
That was probably the first time I had to consider the option of keeping quiet.
And perhaps this all comes down to a question that I mentioned yesterday: Who cares more about your soul: The person who lets you come to your own conclusions, or the one who says, "Turn or burn"? And who thinks they are more effective?
Smiling girls. Bullhorns. Bridges.
That's a recipe for madness if I've ever seen one.
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Expectant Father
Lisa, may you have everything you need and more despite what is happening in the economy. <smile>
~Luke
It took me a lot of years to learn its sometimes better to keep quiet! We have inevitable problems with our business a recession brings, and much stress and worry as a family but my faith is quiet and strong, and hopefully it will see us through.
Jenn, agreed.
Mrs. C, I'm so glad you liked my sketch <smile>. I like them, but I rarely hear that others appreciate them too. Thanks for telling me! And I'm totally in the same boat: Trying to figure out what to say, and when.
Angi, "Egads! How can it be both ways??" Ah, one of those beautiful aspects of Proverbs that I have come to love: Since Proverbs is a bunch of observations about life we often have those maddening bits of contradictory bits of wisdom. It is absolutely enough to make me join you: {mutter, mutter, madness, mutter!} <smile>
Kim, I agree: Jesus "Loved the sinner-hated the sin." The difficulty arises when we start to disagree on how best to love others, and when people don't see you as loving at all (something I feel I need to post about soon... perhaps on my personal blog...).
Bryan, thanks so much for commenting. I hadn't found your blog before now, and I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming days. Hope to see you again soon!
Heather, "It's nowhere near the medium of those two ends of the spectrum. It's much closer to staying completely silent." I agree with you.
"I immediately though 'Oh, my!'" <laughing> Good stuff.
~Luke
You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. And even too much honey can get irritating after a while. There's a happy medium between staying completely silent and Westboro Baptist Church. Actually, I take that back. It's nowhere near the medium of those two ends of the spectrum. It's much closer to staying completely silent.
(And when I read "Smiling girls. Bullhorns. Bridges." I immediately though "Oh, my!"
Great post. I have found myself struggling with this issue a great deal over the past few years. Thanks for the perspective.
I grew up fairly close to that church.... Those people do not have the love of Christ.....I don't believe. Jesus never treated people the way they do-& yet, He did not tolerate sin. Loved the sinner-hated the sin.
Luke said: "Smiling girls. Bullhorns. Bridges."
Makes me want to break out into [theme] song: "Who ya gonna call? GhostBusters!"
Well, there I go, showing my age, but with madness such as you've described, one feels like responding to a fool with his own folly. Which, of course, if we hearken unto Scripture is a maddening position in and of itself!
Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit. Proverbs 26:4-5
Egads! How can it be both ways??
{mutter, mutter, madness, mutter!}
One thing is certain, Luke . . .the days are growing darker, and both vessels of honor and dishonor are at work by His hand.
*Very* true, Luke. There IS a time to speak, and also to listen. There is a time when not speaking is cowardice, and a time when speaking is unhelpful. I am *trying* to instill that idea in my children and myself, not always successfully. :]
PS Cute pic!
To me this world is confused, lost and like you said "mad". But we, as Christians, can shine with God's light and make a difference.
I agree with you sometimes our being silent, not pushing our faith, but taking the time to build a relationship with someone is the way to open doors into other peoples hearts. We need to wait for God's timing, then and only then will people's hearts be softened to God's love and soverienty.