Life Coach Or Life Saver

It is true that I can't feel, but I am unaware of my lack of feeling. It is a start. At least I am not oblivious to my indifference. But it's not really indifference as much as it is numbness. There is an intentionality about indifference; whereas numbness is seemingly beyond one's control.

I did feel a flash of discomfort last night when Jeremy pointed out an article in the local newspaper about Frank's church. The picture on the front page must have been 4x6, taking up most of the space beneath the header. It was a photograph of the side of the church, the one that faces the highway. Draped next to the church's name was a banner depicting some feet poking out from beneath a sheet along with the head of child. The caption read, "ourrottensex.com." The article went on to explain that Pastor Jones believes that God wants us to have a great sex life and that although this could deemed a risque or inappropriate topic to discuss from the pulpit, for him, it held great significance.

I was not surprised or appalled by write up, those emotions have long since become redundant in regards to Frank's church but I was still a bit amazed. Out of all the stories in the Old Testament detailing dedication and sacrifice, out of all the teachings of Jesus in the gospels regarding sin and commitment and out of all the exhortations from the Pauline, Petrine and Johannine epistles regarding holiness and servanthood and Brian chooses one of the most narcissist topics for this campaign.

Arguably it is shocking, but I venture to guess that it would have been even more shocking to proclaim that Christ does promise you a better life. Not only would it be scandalous but I think it would come as a surprise to many in the pews. It was not what they were lead to believe when they received that postcard in the mail, or saw that commercial on cable or even when their friend invited them to see the band on Sunday morning. No, God is there to help us organize our lives, entertain our kids and find us parking spaces near the mall entrance on rainy days. As it turns out, He's more a life coach than a life saver.

I know it's silly but this makes me think of that bumper sticker you see sometimes, mostly in the parking lots of fundamentalist churches that read, "if God is your co-pilot, switch seats." But it does make you think, following seems to imply that your will is subjugated to His; He calls the shots and determines the path forward not you.