Fire and brimstone signs undermine Christ’s message

4/8/2009 - staff

While brushing up on Easter history via the Internet, a member of the Progress’ editorial board stumbled on a church marquee with one of those pithy, pun-laden, one-liners now all the rage––this sign in particular brandishing a seasonal, Easter motif. The sign, located in Fort Myers, Florida, read, “THE EASTER BUNNY DIDN’T RISE FROM THE DEAD.” This quirky religious aphorism makes a bold yet subdued statement about some Christians’ tendencies (especially Christians with children of candy-eating age) to get so caught up in hollow chocolate bunnies, malted milk balls and egg dying that family discussion of the Resurrection oftentimes comes last on a busy day’s to-do list. Along these lines, it was nice to see both the Jasper Merchants and the Town of Talking Rock hold their egg hunts well in advance of the Easter weekend, freeing-up some time for families this Sunday. But the Fort Myers sign, (angled to attract congregants favoring a down-with-secular-traditions stance) also spurred thoughts of other not-so-subdued slogans some churches select to represent themselves and, more tragically, that come to represent Christianity to some folks who drive by and read them. Here are a few phrases spotted in this area: “YOU THINK IT’S HOT UP HERE?” (This one, of course, posted during the blazing summer months when anything hotter could hardly be imagined.) “ETERNITY: SMOKING OR NON-SMOKING?” (Our guess is two-pack-a-day-ers might still go for “smoking”.) “FORBIDDEN FRUIT LEADS TO JAMS.” (Admittedly, this one is good for a little chuckle.) When a pastor or the church sign slogan committee puts these sayings on the church marquee, they take the easy way out by using a centuries-old shock-jock preaching style that frightens “non-believers” into a relationship with God; a relationship rooted in fear, not love. Essentially the implication of these phrases is join us as Christians or go to Hell. While this, of course, is a truth for many Christians, presenting it as the calling card out front is probably a disservice to many non-believers. Surely some news of compassion and love might be spread as easily on a marquee. Words, especially those regarding religion, are powerful. When they are used recklessly, they can do more harm than good. Elaine Pagels, Professor of Religion at Princeton University and author, says, “Religious language is unifying, but it can be divisive since it bypasses the brain and goes straight to the gut.” She goes on: “The sense of having the moral high ground can justify extreme acts.” Indeed. What’s more troubling about churches that practice the in-your-face approach is they may alienate people (including children), people who may have sincere questions about God. Parents, teachers and pastors concerned with the afterlife of fellow travelers should, if they feel they have some wisdom to share, approach folks in a way that doesn’t hijack Christ’s message and cloak it in guilt, shame and complete terror. Although we can’t think of anything with quite the pizzazz of some signs noted, we’d ask that churches maybe apply their own poetic abilities with some of the sentiments listed below: • We’re a nice bunch of people who will do our best to help you with any problems. • We’ll share our views with you every Sunday in a respectful manner, and you are most welcome here. • If you know of anyone who has needs, the Christians here would like to hear and help – no strings attached. Christ’s message (which can be inspiring whether you are a Christian or not) is wholly uplifting and ripe with material packed to spread some much needed compassion and understanding in this world­­––if even through a back-lit sign. So, pastors and priests, be mindful of the power you hold. Please “Keep Your Marquees Fear-Monger Free.” Happy Easter from the Progress