Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Root, root, root for the home team...and Jesus
This article describes the expanding trend of "Faith Nights" at minor, and now major, league baseball games. I had no idea these even happenned. Apparently, minor league teams in Bible Belt states started including player testimonies, pre-game "fellowship", and prayer at specified games that were themed "Faith Nights". The purpose? Two-fold - minor league teams that were grasping for fans get increased attendance, and Christians get to send the message, "Hey, we don't all stand on the corner and wave a Bible and say if you don't come to Jesus, you're going to hell", as stated by a Faith Night participant. Now, the Atlanta Braves have scheduled three such nights for this season. Hmmmmm. I can't say I'm very comfortable with this idea. Altar calls would definitely take longer the 7th-inning stretch usually lasts. Seriously, though, I don't know if this is good for Christianity in America. Maybe this satirical article isn't as far-fetched as I hoped.
# posted by G-rant @ 4:17 PM 
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Was your comment finished, or did it get cut off? Either way, I think the most important point you made (which is made by Rob Bell in Velvet Elvis in terms of the Christian music industry) is that the word "Christian" is meant to be a noun. Christian - one who is like Christ, or a "little Christ". When we try to use it as an adjective, we go beyond not being "of the world", and act like we're not even "in the world".
Also, I think there is something to be said for subtlety (word?) in the lives of Christians. Jesus, while bold in his words to religious leaders, was oftentimes subtle and more discreet in how He revealed the Kingdom to those not a part of it yet. To me, "Faith Nights" are in your face, and leave little to imagination or curiosity. This is dangerous when dealing with something as mysteriously beautiful and complex as the Gospel of the Christ and the way of life that follows it. Not to say we shouldn't talk about the Gospel, but how we talk about it should reflect how Christ lived it, and how we're learning to live it.
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Also, I think there is something to be said for subtlety (word?) in the lives of Christians. Jesus, while bold in his words to religious leaders, was oftentimes subtle and more discreet in how He revealed the Kingdom to those not a part of it yet. To me, "Faith Nights" are in your face, and leave little to imagination or curiosity. This is dangerous when dealing with something as mysteriously beautiful and complex as the Gospel of the Christ and the way of life that follows it. Not to say we shouldn't talk about the Gospel, but how we talk about it should reflect how Christ lived it, and how we're learning to live it.
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