Comments on: Don’t Make Me Come Down There!

By: Ben Sternke

Ben Sternke — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:57:25 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Jon. It is ironic to think that this sign actually makes the Incarnation a very threatening idea!

By: Ben Sternke

Ben Sternke — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:56:14 +0000

So true, clara. I do think there is a place to lovingly label things “blasphemous,” actually. But to do so without a hint of condemnation is where it gets tricky, which is what Jesus did so beautifully. It’s interesting to think that Jesus loved the Pharisees just as much as he loved the tax collectors, but that love expressed itself very differently toward those two groups of people.

By: Ben Sternke

Ben Sternke — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:53:30 +0000

Thanks for commenting. Glad it’s been helpful.

By: jon swanson

jon swanson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:31:07 +0000

Now I don’t have to write this post. I have a picture of the same sign and have been planning all week to write an apology. Now I don’t have to.

You have captured the key challenges of the sign well. The irony of this sign less that two months before our celebration of the Incarnation made be want to run weeping to my friends saying, “no, no, please ignore that view.”

By: clara

clara — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:05:44 +0000

maybe the very definition of blasphemy is when we present God in a way that is false (untrue)???? An old Webster dictionary says “Blasphemy is an injury offered to God,by denying that which is due and belonging to Him, or attributing to Him that which is not agreeable to His nature.” I like this.

But then I wonder if, by labeling that sign “blasphemous”, I am being critical and judgmental toward those who have not yet seen Him as the father who loves them so much. And then will I be one who is not presenting Him as He really is? And yet, Jesus spoke harsh words to those misrepresenting Him and the Father!!

How hard it is to present the truth about such an awesome Father from a pure heart!!!!

By: the_exile

the_exile — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:34:07 +0000

Great post! I've been quietly enjoying (and sometimes forwarding) your posts since you started your plant - great stuff. I have also despaired in the past at what churches choose to put on their signs. Really astonishing!