Feb 16, 2008
I saw these posters online and thought they provoked many thoughts and ideas. However, I find these sorts of statements, though provocative, to be far too simplistic. I have no issue with the center poster - it is beautiful to me...the outer images however make me ask a few deeper questions.
These two images obviously are using the extreme to teach a point. They are using a form of visual hyperbole. Yet this is the problem when taken in a very wooden fashion. In other words, if we must examine what we mean by "love" or we can stoop into mere sentimentalism.
A few quick questions:
- Did Jesus love the Pharisees? I would say “yes” - was he “nice to them” - well, he was pretty harsh with them. He said some of the most searing hot things to them. Why?
- Additionally in Acts 13 did Paul “love” the sorcerer Elymus? I would say “yes” but he was not nice to him.
- We also see Jesus talk about people perishing, the reality of divine wrath and judgment from his Father, etc. Was God failing to "love his enemies" as some revisionist theologians would have us believe?
One of the artists who designed this poster wrote the following:
I have so much anger in my heart at the very sight of a swastika. And I had to draw one to make these posters. It infuriated me. I’ve been trained to hate Hitler and Osama. Yet, Christ tells me to love these people—how? why? what? These people deserve justice and death! Look at what they’ve done. Look at these atrocities.
Before we turn off the outrage and anger in our consciences, let me encourage the designer. The swastika should not make us feel and think nice thoughts. It ought to make us angry for what it stood for. There is a righteous anger throughout the Old and New Testaments and exhibited in the very life of Jesus. To feel good about swastikas is a different kind of wickedness - that of a seared conscience. It may disguise itself in sentimentalism, but it is not love.
May God give us love for our enemies and righteous anger in the face of evil. The cross of Christ is actually the perfect union of fierce wrath and justice as well as mercy, grace and love. It is where righteousness and justice kiss - let us not forget to come to God in repentance and marvel at grace. But the evil in our own hearts and all around us should not be welcomed with a fuzzy embrace.
Comments
I'm quite proud of the fact that I have had a hand in 3 of your last 4 posts. Now, if only I could be as quick and thoughtful on my OWN blog, I'd be in business! :)
-Jason
Posted by: Jason Seville | February 16, 2008 06:17 PM
The KJV guy I had sent to me two times before you :) But the video games deal is all you. Your blog is great - keep at it, God will use it to bless friends and those you serve. Thanks Jason.
Posted by: Reid Monaghan | February 16, 2008 08:02 PM
Hey Reid,
Do you think it's possible the artist has taken at least some of the things you've said into consideration? As in, maybe he's not suggesting the simplistic view you mention but maybe he really wants us to think about what it would mean to "love" these guys. I think too many people take the stance that you have (which is a good one I think) and use to essentially write off the obligation to love them. I agree the love will look different, especially in these kinds of situations but I don't think the art itself necessarily takes the stance you portray it as.
However, I do not know the artist or where you got this from, so maybe you're spot on as far as his goals and intentions in painting these.
Jared
Posted by: Jared Olinger | February 21, 2008 12:09 PM
Jared, I have since been interacting with the guys at that site and they are not being simplistic and are very much pushing us like you have said. Real good guys. Point taken about my remarks as well.
What I will still say is that today - many younger Christians lean towards pacifism and thinking love means "be nice to" So this is my concern in writing this post and while I stand by it still.
Yet you are very right, as are those who did the posters, that we are to love these men. To me that means we show grace, see them as in need of repentance and Jesus as we are...and work towards that with our enemies.
Yes any pedophile can find repentance and redemption in Christ - he just won't ever be alone in my house with my kids...and temporal justice must be done.
Great comment.
Posted by: Reid | February 21, 2008 12:39 PM