I recently watched an interview with Paul Verhoeven on MTV. Verhoeven is the director of such classics as Robocop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers, making him the perfect person to tackle the definitive take on...Jesus?!?!? That's right, Mr Verhoeven was interviewed about his upcoming book, and possible adaptation, about the life of Christ. He admits the book is controversial (shocker!) but insists that it is a work of scholarship and true. In the interview, Verhoeven denies that the suffering of Jesus resulted in forgiveness of sin as well as suggesting that Crucifixion is nothing compared with other suffering such as having lost a limb. At this point, my sarcastic nature is straining to lash out, like a rabid pit-bull after a fat kid, but, in an attempt to not be offensive toward the genius who brought us Basic Instinct, I am going to try to restrain myself and simply say...STOP USING JESUS FOR YOUR AGENDA!!!!
Don't get me wrong, it's not just Verhoeven. A couple of years ago, James Cameron tried to jump start a post-Titanic career by claiming to have found the bones of Jesus. (luckily for James, he has since gone on to save the earth himself through the power of blockbuster films) The Oscars, and every other award show for that matter, is filled with "Thank you, Jesus" acceptance speeches by people who wouldn't know Him if He was making wine for the after party. Athletes, Rap Stars, Politicians...they all use Jesus if they think the mention of Him can further their personal agenda. And look, I can understand, you want to be successful, you want to accomplish your goals. All I'm asking is that you leave Jesus out of it! Stop pretending you have the inside scoop on Him, that you have the true story, that He won you some rewards, or that He approves of your message.
And don't think I'm not calling you out as well, church! Jesus is not your personal brand to market. Slapping a fish on something does not make it Jesus approved. And for you guys and gals who are using Him to line your pockets every Sunday by playing on the desperation of of broken people, knock it off! I understand that its a cash cow for you, but stop suggesting that Jesus wants everyone to be rich. He and his first followers were all poor. Work that out, scholar! Yeah, I know you like the bling and just can't get comfortable in anything but Armani and the easiest way to get that is to fleece the faithful. Just stop using Jesus to do it! Try an ponzi scheme. It's somehow less...dirty.
Look, Jesus had an agenda. He was rather clear about it. He told His disciples that He was going to the cross. He told them He was here to save the lost. He called people to repent of their sin and accept the Good News that there could be reunion with God. He asked people to believe in Him. Pretty straight forward actually. You don't have to like it, you don't have to believe it, but He was transparent about it.
So have your agenda. Just don't use Him to promote it. He's doing His own thing.
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