One of the things I love about the internet is the chaotic nature of my feed. I guess that because I am interested in so many different things – who isn’t? – I get lots of stuff sent my way. One of the recent deluges of video clips I have received is of a young woman named Whitney Lynn. I looked at her profile, and it reminds me of when you ask a little kid what they want to be when the grow up – a lawyer, astronaut, chef, etc. – and at the top of her list is Jesus (?). She is also an actress, a recording artist, and a CEO – who knew? Her videos are generally the same thing; she’s on a plane or in a train station or at a street corner and she’s shouting, “Jesus loves you! God bless America! Make America Great Again! Repent and believe!” and so on. Occasionally, someone will acknowledge her in some way, but most people seem to quicken their steps so they can get to anywhere but there.
I ask myself regularly what Jesus did and what He would want us to do. When He sent His disciples out to tell people that the Kingdom of God was near, He sent them to heal illnesses and cast out demons. He told them that if people didn’t want to listen to them, they should knock the dust of that town off their shoes and move on. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t remember Jesus telling anyone to scream at people with the amp up to 11! He told them to share their story, feed people, give the naked clothing, visit the prisoners and heal the sick. Do good stuff to help people, Jesus generally told His followers. What Whitney Lynn doesn’t seem to understand is that she doesn’t seem to be helping anybody; it is performative religion – it is Spiritual Narcissism – it is toxic and rude.
Now, I have no trouble talking about God. I do it a couple times a week in different ways, and I will discuss my faith with anyone who asks or needs me to. And there is the difference; sharing with people because they want to know is different from forcing one’s faith on them. Whitney Lynn is using Jesus in a time-honored and incredibly annoying way – she is forcing people to hear her version of faith whether they want to or not. If I was there, I would engage her by asking questions about what she believes. I would listen, give an alternative take, and move on. She, and people like her, are a big part of why my religion is struggling. We are not called to be rude – we are called to be kind. We are not called to be abrasive – we are called to heal. Do you want to know about my walk with God? I am glad to tell you. Otherwise, have a great day – you are loved, not condemned. Peace.
Prayer – Merciful God, help each one of us to share our faith when people need us, not when we need to do it. Amen.
Today’s art is a medieval illustration from the Encyclopedia Britannica depicting the Siege of Antioch during the First Crusade, showing heavily armored knights clashing in a brutal close-quarters battle. I could not find the name of the artist. Talk about toxic evangelism!