Our Response to So-called "Art"

I've been getting emails lately about the "art" being displayed in New York City's Union Square by Michael D'Antuono. In it, our president is depicted as a Christ-figure. This work comes complete with a crown of thorns on his head, the ripping of veiled curtains in the background and arms uplifted, almost as if nailed to a cross. Obviously, this is offensive to any sincere believer. At least, I would hope so.

How do we respond? Are we supposed to join a crusade demanding that the Jesus we love be honored by those who do not know him? I think not. I read a quote today by Al Mohler that I'll pass along. Dr. Mohler is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

"Let me point out that we serve a Christ who was scorned and rejected of men. We are never called upon to defend the honor of the Gospel. We are called upon to defend the Gospel. God will defend His own honor."

I understand that some well meaning Christians will not understand this line of thinking. But frankly, I expect Jesus to be hated by the world because that is exactly what Jesus said would happen. I am not going to spend time protesting, boycotting, organizing, notifying, vilifying, etc. because Jesus' words were actually fulfilled!

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." John 15:18-21

Michael D'Antuono's so-called art fulfills Jesus' words as well as anything I have seen. So what do we do when men insult our Lord? Preach the gospel and love people. Overcome evil with good. No fuss required.

If "the Name" Offends You...

It has been reported that Georgetown University covered up an inscription representing the name "Jesus" during the president's recent speech in one of their halls. Georgetown Univeristy, a private Catholic institution, should have nothing to hide. When a president visits a religious institution, that institution does not have to temporarily abandon its faith or the expression thereof in order to avoid a government stamp of approval on a particular religion. Georgetown should have respectfully told the president, "If the name of Jesus offends you, give your speech somewhere else." God forbid that we be so willing to sacrifice the expression of our faith in order to appease political power.

Four's a Crowd!

Levi McCall Harden

Born: April 3, 12:19 PM

7 lbs. 10 oz.

Mommy and baby are home and doing great. And Levi only got up once his first night at home. (We'll see if that continues!)