POPULAR IDEAS OF JESUS
As we consider the risk of following Jesus, we must acknowledge the same thing; we must acknowledge that Jesus is THE Christ, not some popularized version we hear about today.
In a posting just this last June, Kevin DeYoung, in his Restless and Reformed blog, describes what people say about Jesus today.
"There's the Republican Jesus—who is against tax increases and activist judges, for family values and owning firearms.
“There's Democrat Jesus—who is against Wall Street and Wal-Mart, for reducing our carbon footprint and printing money.
“There's Therapist Jesus—who helps us cope with life’s problems, heals our past, tells us how valuable we are and not to be so hard on ourselves.
"There's Starbucks Jesus—who drinks fair trade coffee, loves spiritual conversations, drives a hybrid, and goes to film festivals.
"There's Open-minded Jesus—who loves everyone all the time no matter what (except for people who are not as open-minded as you).
"There's Touchdown Jesus—who helps athletes run faster and jump higher than non-Christians and determines the outcomes of Super Bowls.
"There's Martyr Jesus—a good man who died a cruel death so we can feel sorry for him.
"There's Gentle Jesus—who was meek and mild, with high cheek bones, flowing hair, and walks around barefoot, wearing a sash (while looking very German).
"There's Hippie Jesus—who teaches everyone to give peace a chance, imagines a world without religion, and helps us remember that ‘all you need is love.’
"There's Yuppie Jesus—who encourages us to reach our full potential, reach for the stars, and buy a boat.
"There's Spirituality Jesus—who hates religion, churches, pastors, priests, and doctrine, and would rather have people out in nature, finding ‘the god within’ while listening to ambiguously spiritual music.
"There's Platitude Jesus—good for Christmas specials, greeting cards, and bad sermons, inspiring people to believe in themselves.
"There's Revolutionary Jesus—who teaches us to rebel against the status quo, stick it to the man, and blame things on 'the system.'
"There's Guru Jesus—a wise, inspirational teacher who believes in you and helps you find your center.
"There's Boyfriend Jesus—who wraps his arms around us as we sing about his intoxicating love in our secret place.
"There's Good Example Jesus—who shows you how to help people, change the planet, and become a better you.
"And then," DeYoung says, "there’s Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Not just another prophet. Not just another Rabbi.
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