Ok, you know I like science fiction, so I gave ABC's new series "V" a chance to grab my attention, and it did, though not like I anticipated. It's a remake of a series done in the early 80's about aliens showing up in big spaceships, proclaiming peace while having a much more sinister purpose. So this big, really big spaceship slowly makes its way over New York City, causing everything to shake. One of the shaking scenes is in a church where a homeless man in a wheelchair is sitting under a crucifix situated in the balcony. Here's the sequence:
I'm sure ABC was NOT inferring that Christianity is useless against the onslaught of alien invaders! Still, it was a bit disconcerting to see the priest having to rescue the homeless guy from the falling crucifix. So is their message that Christianity is pretty much useless in a crisis; or even dangerous in a crisis?
Sure, I'm offended, but how does Christ want me to respond to a world so quick to mock our beliefs? Peter lived in a culture that was mocking Christ and His followers long before America or ABC were even in someone's imagination. He lives in a culture that went so far as to murder and torture Christians as entertainment. Peter's Spirit-inspired response? He said, "14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:14-16)
We will not have to answer for the sins of ABC or the writers of "V," but we will have to answer for whether or not each of us set apart Christ as Lord and followed Him; when our culture was kind to Him, and especially when our culture was not. So don't make it easier for someone to slander Christ and His church; set apart Christ as Lord!
I'm sure ABC was NOT inferring that Christianity is useless against the onslaught of alien invaders! Still, it was a bit disconcerting to see the priest having to rescue the homeless guy from the falling crucifix. So is their message that Christianity is pretty much useless in a crisis; or even dangerous in a crisis?Sure, I'm offended, but how does Christ want me to respond to a world so quick to mock our beliefs? Peter lived in a culture that was mocking Christ and His followers long before America or ABC were even in someone's imagination. He lives in a culture that went so far as to murder and torture Christians as entertainment. Peter's Spirit-inspired response? He said, "14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:14-16)
We will not have to answer for the sins of ABC or the writers of "V," but we will have to answer for whether or not each of us set apart Christ as Lord and followed Him; when our culture was kind to Him, and especially when our culture was not. So don't make it easier for someone to slander Christ and His church; set apart Christ as Lord!
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