Selling Jesus

There is a commercial that runs on local television stations.

Media Conglomerate presents Jesus Rocks.

This impresses as being particularly cynical and blasphemous. There is a fine line to be tread here, and the idea of a large stockholder-operated marketer vending music with the ostensible purpose of raising the soul and spreading the Gospel goes way past it. We're talking moneychangers in the temple past the line.

The gentle reader will not be compelled to understand, as happens so often in modern discourse, but is asked to consider for discussion what ministry this supports. The gentle reader does not have to understand squat. But the gentle reader is asked to consider the ramifications of the preceding thought.

One should not question the motivations of persons wishing to commit an expression of faith in musical form. That is certainly a worthwhile pursuit, and one hopes that the artists connect to people searching for a greater comprehension of something greater than themselves.

But somehow one doubts that this will come to pass. It would be nice to see faith-centered performers who exceed the talents of their secular counterparts, but that list begins and ends with U2 and Third Day.

Lamentably, what is found in the Contemporary Christian Industry is frequently comparable to post-millennial lite rock where male performers have become eunuchs begging for permission to reclaim their manhood. In place of being eunuchs, the Christian artists appear to be of tenuous salvation, hiding in praise communities in place of focusing their efforts upon the unsaved.

Apologies are offered, but the whole message gets a little lost here. If Christianity is devoid of risk, and followers do not dare to take a position that may be unpopular, then Christ has been abandoned. It does not mean acting stupidly or offensively; it means that the role of the church is to assure that all souls are treated as valuable in the eyes of God.

A life of blessings in an affluent enclave outside of a major city ministers to very few. The abundant life afforded to Americans of all faiths is a wonderful thing, but when there is no ministry to the least of Christ's brethren, one mocks the life of Jesus Christ. As many Contemporary Christians live more abundantly than most, it is appropriate to challenge their mission.

Piety is no substitute for active faith. Raising one's hands in an arena and proclaiming love for Christ, then returning to a comfortable home in the suburbs of a major city without action for those who have no tangible connection to the love of Christ, articulates a poverty of the spirit.

How are those who are separated from knowledge of the Lord to be brought to the pasture? Please do not tell them that God is awesome...that is part of the job description. Show those who question why God is awesome. That requires bravery.

Mother Teresa, and Dr. King are great examples of faith in action. True ministry requires action, and action demands risk. An individual of faith has no reason to fear death. His reward is with God.

And in some small way, buying songs about Jesus from a secular marketer defies the definition of faith in action. There is no ministry being served, besides profit. It becomes the choir preaching to itself, and Christ deserves better.

Tim Russert 1950-2008.

It is with great sadness that Mr. Russert's death is noted here. His was a life spent much too quickly.

One wishes that there had been more opportunity to see such a journalist in action. A fine interviewer, as well as a truly objective observer, the quality of his presentation never waivered from excellence. It was a view of reporting at its best.

A special message of condolence goes to Mr. Russert's family, particularly his son Luke. The premature loss of a journalist father is a unique pain, familiarity with which should not be visited upon anyone.

Rest in peace, Mr. Russert. Know that there will be room for you at a table with Murrow and Pulitzer, and the many who sacrificed their lives because the truth must be told. Only liars are inconvenienced by the truth, and we are better for your having inconvenienced your share.