Thursday, March 13, 2008

Pick Your Jesus Stereotype

"Just War" Jesus







OR





"Pacifist" Jesus

6 comments:

Unknown said...

terrible how we distort Jesus to our political ends...

Here is my favorite Jesus image.

Brett Probert said...

What complete manipulation...as if this is fair representation or as if there is no other choice. This is akin to saying "you do it your way and I'll do it God's way."

Keith H. McIlwain said...

My title of "stereotype" was meant to suggest that NEITHER view is completely accurate. We ALL can run into the trap of stereotyping Jesus...remaking God in our own image...and we can miss the real Jesus, who is far greater and far more complex than any generalization. That was my point, dingbat. In the love of Jesus.

Keith H. McIlwain said...

And, by the way, what's wrong with saying, "You do it your way and I'll do it God's way"? Surely God has a way...Jesus. And, surely, Jesus has a way. Do we always need to give equal cred to every viewpoint, whether or not it complies with the gospel? Aren't there times to knock over tables in the Temple and times to say, "Woe unto you, you den of vipers"?

Brett Probert said...

My point is that when we use that phrase, we negate anyone else's interpretation of God's way. We become the ultimate authority...a scary thought.

And we all do stereotype Jesus. I think that is why He wants us all...to fairly represent Him.

Keith H. McIlwain said...

I agree. This post was meant to be sarcasm.