So KOKF, a local Christian radio station, was having an afternoon call-in show yesterday and the topic was the Max Lucado/Third Day/Michael W. Smith “Come Together and Worship Tour” sponsored by Chevy. (soon to be in Oklahoma, though I can’t afford to go)
I really don’t see why so many Christians have a problem with this. God uses many means to spread His word, and as long as He is being glorified, what’s the big deal? You don’t get much more Christian than Max Lucado! And Third Day? Just listen to any of their songs and you know they will never be “sell outs.” And do I even need to defend Michael W Smith? I didn’t think so. Chevy may be secular, but they do not in any way appear to be telling these artists what to say.
So what does it boil down to? I think some Christians think that the “word” should be free of any corporate sponsorship. Others think that automobiles are bad for the environment and are corrupting God’s creation (does that mean all autos are not “of God?”). One group will even be running television and print ad to protest the tour with the theme “What Would Jesus Drive?” As Eva, one of the DJ’s, pointed out: couldn’t that money be better used to feed the needy, buy gifts for children at Christmas, or send out missionaries?
Would the tour reach as many without a sponsor? Would it be possible at all? Would tickets be too expensive without Chevy’s involvement? Who knows? And really, who cares? This should really be a non-issue.
I have my beliefs, but do I ever get radical about it? How often do I even go off about religion here? Have I ever once acted like I am unable to get along with those that don’t follow Christ? Nope. That’s because I am not like that. You have your beliefs and I have mine. We agree to disagree, end of story.
However, it bothers me tremendously to be affiliated with some of these radical Christians. You know the type, those who tell you that you are going to hell if you are gay, that you will be in eternal torment if you do not believe, those that try to ram their beliefs down your throat, those that blow up abortion clinics and shoot doctors. You’ve seen ‘em. So have I. Sure my religion proclaims Christ is the one true way to heaven. That’s what I choose to believe, if you choose not to, then ok, your choice. But I don’t feel the need to berate or belittle someone because they don’t agree. I don’t recall Jesus ever, ever acting the way some of these groups do. What Would Jesus Do indeed.
I personally have no problem with the tour. I wish I had two tickets so I could go, it would be great. But I don’t have any problems at all with Chevy sponsoring the event and helping spread the word of Christ. In fact, I hope it inspires a revolution and works the gospel into more media outlets from Madison Avenue to Hollywood. But some people just can’t see the big picture. “Let’s cut down that forest so we can see the trees!”
A much greater discussion of the topic can be found here at Christianity Today. There is also a good editorial from our local paper, as well as an article or two in USAToday.
But this whole mess now begs the question: What Would Jesus Drive?
What would Jesus Drive? I could see him in an old beat up pickup truck or anoher old car that isn't in the best shape. The money he could use for a nice car would go to help others.
Chevy is paying for the tour. Tours can get expensive and with a sponsorship, the artists are getting help offsetting the costs. If those going on and on about "What Would Jesus Drive?" stop and think about it even more, aren't all those Christian artists a little bit better off than normal middle class people. Sure, they are spreading the word of God and Jesus via music, but they are also cashing in on the word via music. Instead of going in an uproar of "What Would Jesus Drive?", why not "Would Jesus Profit Off His Word?"
Actually, I wouldn't be suprised if Christian artist did donate a lot of their time and money to helping others but it's still a question that could be rasied.
Amen to everything you said … if Chevy wants to help spread the word of Christ, more power to them! I wonder if the tour is coming anywhere near Nashville? I’ll have to look it up!
This reminds me so much of Steve Taylor’s song “Guilty by Association”. Remember that?
you only drink milk from a Christian cow
Shoot, this whole thing kind of puts Luke 16 into perspective, doesn’t it? Especially verse 9: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”
I drive a FIAT Marea Diesel and a FIAT Cinquecento. In my family are 3 driver: my wife and my eldest son.
The Diesel needs only 6.5 liter diesel.
But to be a Christ its not a question of the car, you drive, its a question of your thaughts and feelings for other people and creatures.