Labels
Yesterday, Chad Estes brought to my attention that Anne Rice recently made a public statement about her faith that has caused quite a stir. I read Chad’s follow-up post today and these thoughts came to mind.
Somebody “famous” doesn’t want to be associated with people that are the anti-thesis of Jesus? And?…
I agree whole-heartedly (with Chad); we would do well to stop focusing on labels and focus more on The Mission.
I think another interesting point about Anne Rice making this declaration on Facebook is the fact that Facebook has done so much to have us put labels on ourselves; ie- relationship status, political views, religious views.
I love the myriad of responses I’ve seen in response to the later: everything from the very specific, “Christian–Protestant-Wesleyan-Nazarene” to just simply “Love” (both of those from people that I know attend the same local church).
If Anne Rice wants to throw off the label that so easily entangles, that is her prerogative; as far as I can see, she hasn’t demanded that anyone else join her (ie- if you really love Jesus you’ll do this too); nor has she condemned anyone that would prefer the monicker still.
To the haters: Get some freakin perspective people! If you have beef with an individual’s choice and honestly want to have something to stick in your craw, try one of these: In the time it’s taken you to read this, over 197 children have died throughout the world, or, An average of over 307,000 Americans spent that last hour looking at porn on the internet.*
There, now you have something to be upset about.
*Sources:
Compassion Hunger Facts (PDF download link)
HeartSupport.com
Nick-I agree with you about the constitution of the real tragedies you have identified. I’d love to be educated, though, on how the mechanics of your presentation of these facts is fundamentally congruent with Paul’s instruction on and examples of apologetics and evangelism. Especially in your last post on porn…
I’m certain that indicting “labels” in one paragraph and in the next paragraph invoking the term “haters” isn’t going to find a great deal of traction outside of emotional responders.
We may agree that emotional sobriety and humility seem to be undervalued at times…
Ahh- yes I see the irony of it now. Thanks for mentioning it.
As for the stuff about Paul, et cetera, sorry man- I don’t get where you’re coming from. Honestly- the big words are confusing me.
I just can’t see “In Your F***ING Face” being quite the ‘tude Paul would adopt. Could be my problem. You prolly know Scripture as well or better than I do so I won’t try to play the Father Figure (I’m old…really, really old…and creaky) and list out all the verses. However, Pauline Evangelism is generally characterized as meek, polite, reasoned…with no element of taunting or coarse expression. Well, I guess there are the references to “filthy (menstrual) rags” and “dung,” but they don’t strike me quite the same nature. And just so it’s above table, I’m about the last person to be “above reproach,” so this is not presented as a “View From A Height,” but a submission.
I hear where you’re coming from Leo, but I would also say that Paul is not our lone example for evangelism. You’re absolutely spot on about Paul in general, however, the references to rags and dung are actually VERY course in the original language when context AND period history are taken into account. Paul isn’t being counter to his modus operandi in those cases, just choosing his words carefully, through the Holy Spirit, to make the point.
While I will not make the comparison of myself to him (Paul), I will say that the Holy Spirit is the same then and now. As a believer it would have been irresponsible of me at best to drive forward with my previous post’s title without considerate, prayerful thought first.
I realize these are things (my thought process; me personally, et cetera) that are not available to us in our hyper connected world. And, as a blogger, that is the “risk” I take in talking about the issues of our day.
Very much appreciate your points man and thank you so much for taking time to seek me out on it!