they like jesus…

I’ve been a part of a small group study at church for the last six weeks called “They Like Jesus, but Not the Church”. To summarize super-briefly, the study intended to give Christians a glimpse of how the church appears to those outside the Christian “bubble” – specifically that the church today is mostly known for things that Jesus would likely oppose.

First of all, I highly recommend the book to all my Christian friends in the south – no place on earth is more deeply immersed in the Christian “bubble”. I don’t care how you feel about Dan Kimball, but pausing to consider how you are viewed among non-Christians is an exercise ALL churches should take. The gospel is only good news if it’s good news for everyone… right?

I know I can be tough on the bible belt… but I’m a Christian and in less than one year, the church down south drove ME away. I’ll post the story of my LAST visit to church in Alabama sometime soon.

Anyway, back to my point. I think my somewhat unique childhood has enabled me to maintain an outsider’s perspective to the church. My dad (a Hindu) would come with the family to church from time to time – and would always participate (as any good dad would) in my youth programs, services, etc. I was always immensely concerned about how he would treated, and worried that someone would say something that would insult or anger him. It happened from time to time, and I would catch my dad’s eye as he smirked. I knew exactly what he was thinking, and I hated that I was a part of a group that made him feel that way.

Today, my concern isn’t Sunday mornings… I know my dad isn’t coming with me today. But instead, I fret over the vocal, angry, minority of Christians who reach him through other mediums. Every time my dad and I get together, I feel I have work hard to differentiate my faith from that of Sarah Palin, Pat Robertson, and schmucks like this.

Now, of course, I have not been a perfect example of Christ either – but believe my dad has seen me grow into man he respects and understands. I’d like to trust other Christians with my dad… but I’m not there yet. Memories like the church in Alabama are too raw, too recent, and too real.

My dad likes Jesus. He smirks at the church.