Yesterday, things got quite eventful in front of the Hill University Center at UAB. While I was finishing up a book by NT Wright, a friend spotted me in a nearby foyer. He and I chatted a bit until finally it was time for his class. As he was packing up, he asked if I had heard the “street preacher” who was outside. Intrigued. I walked out and spotted a growing crowd surrounding a young gentleman who was holding a sign which read – “JESUS CHRIST will cast ALL SINNERS into the LAKE OF FIRE on the DAY OF JUDGMENT.”
Hmmm… let’s see what the “preacher” is preaching.
A few quotes by the “preacher” (Jesse Morrell) that stand out:
- “If you voted for Obama, you need to repent of your sins… you are not born again.”
- “The bible says, ‘Thou shalt not be a socialist.’”…
- “God is a capitalist.”
- “I serve the ‘real’ Jesus.”
- “You all are sinners!” “I’m going to heaven!”
- “Obama is an anti-Christ!”
Well, there were other similar statements made, as well as numerous rebuttals offered by onlookers. Yet, after about 15-20 minutes of listening to the young man, I was still listening for the “Good news.” Granted, he was definitely “preaching” his opinion of things. But was it “biblical preaching”?
Furthermore, how effective is such “evangelism” which proclaims the love of God in a manner that seems to contradict the message. Understandably, the judgment of God is a grave and oftentimes neglected truth. However, do such methods of “sharing God’s love” invite others to forsake their sins and turn to Christ by faith? What are your thoughts? Might this method of “evangelism” win the lost? Or does it do more harm than good?
Also, I imagine Jesse isn’t alone in folks who consider God to be a Capitalist. But is this the case? What if God is not the capitalistic, democratic god that many in the western world have devised? Might the Kingdom of God exemplify a different politic? Does it matter that Jesus Christ offers a way of life that stands over against the fallen powers by which our world’s governments function?
Still thinking about things,
Shannon
