When I was younger you knew exactly when a celebrities career had peaked and had begun to spiral slowly downward. That career reversal could be duly noted when a one time big star was booked on the Love Boat. So it is with some reluctance that I address the brouhaha surrounding the comments by talk show host Rosie O’Donnell. I am reluctant to discuss this because I think that Rosie is in the Love Boat phase of her career. To be fair, she has forged a career that garners her national attention. My career has made me a household name only in my household. Nonetheless, her comments conveyed a common misconception (make that lie) about the “agenda” of Christians in this country. Here is what the always genteel Rosie had to say during a recent episode of The View.
“Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of church and state.”
Perhaps part of the problem is a lack of clarity in definition. Unfortunately the sacred name of Christian has been compromised. People who clearly do not follow the directives of Christ are still reported as Christians in many media stories. And frankly, many have taken the name on themselves who are not representing Christ in their lives or beliefs. So when Rosie throws out the term “radical Christianity” I really don’t know what or who she is talking about. If she is talking about the millions of people in this country who call themselves “born-again” Christians then I believe she is sadly misinformed.
The predictable (and likely hoped for outrage) is happening. Already there are calls from Christian organizations for her removal from the show. Some are demanding that Rosie apologize. Regular readers of these humble ramblings know that I take a different approach to situations like this. I don’t call for boycotts or dismissals. Instead I look to stick my foot in the cultural debate door that situations like this inevitably open to discuss my faith. I was disappointed when The Book of Daniel was removed so quickly because I was having a field day sharing my beliefs with others because of that truly bad television show.
And now, because of this incident, I am willing to totally outline my “agenda” for Rosie O’Donnell. Am I a radical Christian? By my definition I would like to be but I am still trying to get there. My definition of a radical Christian is one who lives everyday trying to become more like Jesus. That makes you pretty darn radical in this self-absorbed and materialistic culture.
I had written an earlier post after I had been outed by an internet blogger as being “apparently religious” in my viewpoints. I was stunned at his intellectual prowess in figuring out that a blog called “Confessions of a Bad Christian” was written from a religious perspective. How did I ever get discovered? I thought my cover was airtight! At that time I wrote about my agenda and those words are appropriate today.
When I became aware that word of my Evangelical Christianity was out I went to the secret underground bunker where we all meet to plan how to advance our agenda.
“I have been Valerie Plumed!” I told the group.
“They know?”, they asked.
“I’m afraid so. Should I come clean?”
They looked horrified. “You mean tell them your agenda?”
“Yes,” I said boldly. “I am going to lay out my entire agenda so there will be no doubt.”
So here it is. I certainly don’t speak for all Evangelical Christians but I think I just might represent a number of them. Rosie, I am coming clean. Here is what I believe and my entire agenda.
I believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. I believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, His sinless life, and miracles. I believe in His atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. I believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
Let me tell you what this particular evangelical Christian does not believe…
I do not believe you have to be a Republican to be a Christian despited accusations to the contrary by some of my critics. Like it or not, heaven will be bipartisan and I am totally fine that there will not be sides of the golden aisles.
I do not believe that God is “judging” America for any particular sin. But if He is judging this country I would suspect it is for the massive squandering of wealth and resources that we have been blessed with while giving back an average of less than three percent.
I do not believe in ranking sins for their offensiveness to a Holy God. Some things are more offensive to us but all sin is equally intolerable to a Holy God.
I do not believe that censorship, boycotts, or politics will redeem this culture…only a spiritual renewal can accomplish such redemption.
I do not believe that it is my place to relish or desire eternal punishment for others. I am willing to leave that to a righteous and just God who sees the real heart and motives for each one of us and Who will judge justly.
And finally, here is my complete agenda.
- To try and see everyone through the eyes of Jesus because my eyes are prejudiced and prideful.
- To try and love them like Jesus because my love is selfish.
- To let them others know that my relationship with Jesus has changed my life, given my life purpose, given me strength to endure tragedy, and real hope for the future.
- To authentically relate how this personal relationship with the living God saved my marriage and made me a better father to my sons.
- To be gentle in relating the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to people in every situation and mired in any sin. My goal is to introduce them to Jesus and let them work out their salvation in fear and trembling.
- To exhibit grace and forgiveness to those who attack me for not sharing their views.
- To be an example of the living Christ to everyone I come in contact so that I can be salt and light to my little circle of influence.
- To be a advocate for those wounded by the church and other Christians. Our lack of unity must grieve the Lord who prayed for unity of the body during His final agonizing hours before His betrayal, mock trial, and crucifixion.
- To try to never be surprised or repulsed by the actions of those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. The Lord Himself was always gentle with sinners and always tough on religious hypocrites. We have reversed his example far too often. We are too tough on sinners and too gentle with the hypocrites.
- To try and give generously of my time and treasure to those who have not been as materially blessed in my neighborhood, my country, and around the world.
- To let people know that I love Jesus and I am not at all ashamed of that fact.
In short, I am praying to be a “troublesome” Christian. It is easy to dismiss the hypocrite. No problem to ignore the angry and judgmental religious types. But I was troubled when I saw some Christians who displayed something different in their lives. I could not dismiss so readily the joy, peace, strength, courage, and love they modeled. They were “troublesome” Christians to me. I could not ignore them because their lives were authentic and different (different good, not weird). I want to be that kind of Christian. That is my agenda. Sorry if I have disappointed you conspiracy types. But I have come completely clean with you. My entire agenda is to be a “troublesome” Christian because Jesus is transforming my life every day. My prayer for Rosie O’Donnell is that she meets one of these troublesome Christians and then that she encounter Jesus. That’s it. End of agenda. That’s all I’ve got. I am so relieved that you finally know the truth.
Vernon
Wow! Great piece! Very well articulated!
A straight forward biblical approach is much more preferred then the religious rhetoric we so often hear these days. Keep up the good word!
John
Nicely done, sir. I am quite weary of the all the hubris hurled toward those of us who don’t ask for much, try to live a good life (as examples to our children and our communities) and who basically go about our own business as best we know how.
I am wondering what sort of home she actually came from, being that her bio mentions that her father is an “Irish Catholic”.
Did he take her to church on Sundays?
Did he send her to catechism classes – as he should have?
Or was he a twice-a-year Catholic, as in attending Mass only Easter and Christmas?
Maybe he didn’t even attend Mass at all himself?
There seems to be no info on this level at all. If he never took her to Mass, that’s sad. Faith is such a wonderful and special gift – too great not to share with your children.
Hosana In The Highest!
Gingersnap
"Radical Christian"
Yes, there are many, and unfortunately somehow they found a stage, television cameras, and microphones but I don’t think they are as threatening as "Radical Muslims" to our country or the world in this day and time. Christianity has a violent past unfortunately.
I agree with commentor Cheryl though. Rosie was probably defending herself against the "Radical Christians" who will not give her a chance since she is a SINNER! SINNER! SINNER!, as if we are not all sinners.
Donnell
Lord,
Teach us to "do justly, lover mercy, and walk humbly…" with You!
Karina Black
"Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of church and state."
I’m sorry, but I completely agree with Rosie. I don’t take he statement personally because I understand what she’s saying by Radical Christianity. In likening it to Radical Islam (a concept we know and associate with terrorists,) we can understand her definition of Radical Christianity.
It’s the people BLOWING UP abortion clinics. Committing murder in God’s name, molesting children in God’s name, I agree wholeheartedly with commentor Lisa above.
I think these are things you’ve forgotten, commentor Cheryl 🙁
Christians slitting each others’ throats in Ireland? Holy wars of the Crusades? Christianity’s war on the Native Americans? Yes, there have been Christian terrorists. There still are today, in my opinion. And no, not all Muslims believe you should be put to death for not worshipping their Allah, just as not all Christians believe you should be stoned to death for working on the Sabbath. That’s just flagrant ignorance and ethnocentricity. 🙁
I also agree with Jeremy- just as only the "bad" followers are Islam are given the press and turning minds and hearts against Islam, so are "bad" Christians, foaming at the mouth and out the ears, turning public opinion against Christianity.
Rosie is Not a hate-monger. I didn’t hear what she said (I don’t watch much tv- I work ;b,) but I know that much from hearing her viewpoint on various other issues. The response she’s getting is probably solidifying this view she holds on "Radical Christianity." And I’m sad for that. Rosie would make one helluva Good Christian, if she’s not already (I’m not informed on her faith of choice.) She’s a great speaker, very charismatic, very loving, loyal (if not entirely open and honest 100% of the time- and I do understand why)… I’m definitely a fan.
I hope she’ll go on air to qualify her statement, but she also seems to be very stubborn, and when backed into a corner I believe she’ll come out swinging. No one ever changed anyone’s mind for the better by sending hate mail. I sincerely hope True Christians have sent her enough love mail to overcome negative response to that *single* statement.
patti
This is to Ed, who posted comment #8
In response to your question on who gets to decide who becomes a christian.
Ed, it is Jesus who lays down the ground rules on who becomes a christian.
Not us. It is just our incrediable priviledge to accept Him and his rules and to become followers of Christ.
They are good rules, given for our protection, out of His amazing love
for mankind. Read the Bible and you will understand that it is not our rules
that decide, and while sometimes we may misrepresent God, for the truly born again christian, we don’t mean to. We have a God who is so awesome and wonderful and is so patient with us, He truly desires for all to come in to the saving knowledge of who He is and His son Jesus Christ.
Give Him a chance to open your eyes and heart.
God Bless
A Real Radical Christian
I absolutely loved your article and your agenda. You know, when I heard about Rosie’s comments, it made me feel really bad. Then a bit later came the Madonna controversy. I talked to God about these things personally because I did feel so upset and even a little angry. Why are all these people bashing Christians? Why do they mock us? Then I heard God say, "Pay attention to what you love and not what you hate." Of course, He’s right. Why should I let myself get involved in all of this hate? As a Christian, I need to rise above all of this mudslinging and do what I was meant to do- follow Jesus. If I want to be like Jesus, I need to take this special opportunity to pray for those who persecute me. This is not an opportunity that I can or would want to create myself, but a unique and unexpected one-this is my chance to show grace.
Wendell Fry
I also am a Bad Christian too often. I think I took over Paul’s title of "Chief" of sinners at times, but that does not preclude the fact that as Christians, sometimes we do have to proclaim what Paul did, and that also scared Felix "25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened" (Acts 24:25). The Law must first open the eyes of unbelievers to the fact that God doesn’t grade on the curve, that there is a judgment coming for those who do not know God, and those who do not OBEY the gospel of our Lord Jesus (II Thess. 1:8,9). Jesus’ warning to the virgins to have their oil ready in their lamps was to the Jews, and to all, — "Behold, I am coming as a Thief in the night. In an hour you do not expect I will come. . ." (Rev.3:3) Sometimes, we get too used to Jesus’ forgiveness and forget the Fear of the Lord. "10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. 11 Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. 12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish {in} the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!" (Psalms 2:10-12) "22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. " (Romans 11:22).
Now among these harsh words of reality is the very pervasive Grace of God, able to reach down into the darkest heart and turn on the light, and soften the stoniness with willingness and joy. God’s Grace is the key, and is not dealt sparingly, however without the Law and understanding of the judgment to come, our sense of urgency in repentance (whether for the first time in receiving Christ, or in our daily keeping of short accounts with the Lord [hopefully]) and our sense of gratitude and relief in receiving forgiveness will be shortchanged and shallow.
Now for those who are fearful and guilty and have a painful awareness of the distance between God and them, they do not need the Law first, because they are already aware of their sinful state and thus the Law (to some extent) which testifies as such, but they’re not aware of or know the Grace of God. Think of Zacchaeus or Mary Magdalene. These heard of the grace and responded in repentance, since the Law was already written in their minds through either learning, or conscience, or both, and then seeing Jesus and His Grace, well, who could resist?
A good healthy dose of the fear of God is good for all of us, because it exposes our vulnerability and need for His Grace which He freely bestows on those who respondingly cry out to Him, "Woe is me, I am undone! Jesus, Save Me, the sinner!" His message is not one of scathing condemnation, but of grace — to whoever will believe. Those who disbelieve are condemned already (John 3:18), but we can’t judge ultimate condemnation, or any condemnation, but be gracious bearers of the Good News along with the serious warning for disbeleiving. The condemnation contained in that message should come as from God with tears, His and ours, not from our frustration with unbelievers.
Patricia
I agree with you, Dave. I don’t think, sadly enough, that Rosie O’Donell knows any real Christians. I am glad that you are striving to live for Christ. I too love your perspective on being a troublesome Christian. I, too, strive to be like you want to be. 🙂
barb
interesting how Rosie’s comments might in actuality produce the reverse effects than she had intended…..love the perspective here on being a troublesome Christian. 🙂 keep up the great work and sharing your ideas!
barb
Dave
I agree with your agenda. I want to be a "troublesome" Christian too!
Donnie
Dave,
I have never replied to any of the automatic subscriptions that I get until now. It is always refreshing to hear someone articulate so well what I have been been saying poorly for some time.
As a pastor and life long Christian approaching his 40’s, I am ashamed of myself when I think of the approach I took to the world 10 years ago. I blush when I think of the number of times I missed the opportunity of turning a controversial issue into a non-threatening dialogue about my faith in Christ.
I can say that I am unlearning some things that needed to be unlearned and that your blog has helped me shore up some issues that I was having a hard time communicating.
Is it okay if I indefinitely "borrow" your agenda?
Reverend James Hampton
Dave
I have read your book "When Bad Christians Happen to Good People" and found it to be right on. I recommend it often and to anyone that sees this blog and has not read your book. It is a real eye and heart opener.
I really like your blog and agree with your agenda and goals. I would like permission to adopt your agenda and share it with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I’ll be in prison this weekend and I was praying for sermon material and through this blog the Holy Spirit has given me a lot to work with, thanks for being obedient and coming out of the closet.
Praise be to God.
Rev James Hampton
Steve Goss
To Ed, who posted comment #8:
Not to words in Dave’s mouth, but I’m pretty sure that he would say that everyone (including you and especially me) can be a Bad Christian.
Tammy
I agree 100%!! Praise God!! We are to love one another…… that’s it, just love one another, not if they’re nice to us first, not if they give us stuff, just because they’re human and Jesus instructed us to do so. Jesus loved each and every person that ridiculed him, that physically tortured him, that betrayed him. We are to do the same. Rosie needs Jesus as her savior, not a bunch of Christians fueling her flame. So pray for her salvation, call her name out as you pray; let the enemy know she will not be his for much longer. Remember, God hates the sin, not the people.
God Bless and rejoice with joy unspeakable!
Cheryl
Hi there.
Rosie O’Donnell’s comment was ridiculous. I do not know of any Christian terrorist camps. I have never heard any Christian leaders call for the murder of all who do not follow Christ. Those planes that carried all those innocent people INCLUDING CHILDREN to a horrible death were not being piloted by radical Christians.
There are radical Christians who make stupid comments about the wrath of God Almighty on this group or that person for their sins, and this is stupid too, but what she said was so out of line. As a lesbian, she obviously feels hurt and judged by Christians and that is a shame.
Does she not realize that to those radical muslims she is an infidel and should be murdered, not because of her sexual preference but because she does not follow Allah?
Christians should not judge others or look down on anyone, that is wrong and very hurtful, but it is not torture or murder either.
Terry
Dave, thanks for these encouraging words. I agree and celebrate the Truth which is Christ! I celebrate and am thankful for the freedom we have in Him as well as in my home, "The Land of the Free", the United States of America to practice that truth without having to "hide". I am thankful for this opportunity to practice this freedom and agree wholeheartedly with your response to Rosie.
gloria
Amen, I am printing a copy of this for myself to remember. Thanks, for "coming out of the bunker". One part that really struck a cord, was using adversity as another way to reveal Jesus, not writing off that whole situation.
Ed
So who gets to decide who is a christian and who isn’t. Apparently you believe this is your job. Everyone is allowed to be a christian in your eyes until they do or say something you disagree with and then you decree that they are not or never were a christian. Convenient for you but not in any way related to the reality of the situation.
Tamilu
It’s very rare that I read someone’s opinion and agree with it word for word, but had I written this myself, it would look exactly the same. Perfectly stated.
Jeremy
I think the issue that surrounds the mentality that Rosie protrayed is that "real" Christians are not given the time of day. And when true Jesus-followers come along, they get thrown into some silly category (like "Emergent" or "Contemplative" or "Mystic") that automatically makes them out to be the enemy. Our brothers and sisters like Pat Robertson, Hal Lindsey, Lighthouse Trails Research Project (www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com) contribute to Rosie’s mentality, even if they don’t intend to.
I really liked this statement you made:
"The Lord Himself was always gentle with sinners and always tough on religious hypocrites. We have reversed his example far too often. We are too tough on sinners and too gentle with the hypocrites."
Amen and Amen!
Sharon
Loved your comments; I’m trying to adhere to the same agenda as well!
A S Hodel
If being a bad Christian means trying – but not yet succeeding – at your agenda…
I’m on the team.
Lisa
Unfortunately, so-called "Christians" who espouse your views have little to no voice regarding public discourse, nor much power to affect public policy.
She’s probably referring to the Pat Robertsons or Jerry Falwells of the world who blame 911 on gays and abortion policy, or how about Fred Phelps who profess to be Christian but shows up at the funerals of dead servicemen proclaiming God hates fags; or how about Eric Rudolph who saw fit to blow up abortion clinics and set a bomb off at the Atlanta Olympics, or how about Tim McVeigh who killed hundreds in OKC; or how about Pat Robertson suggesting that the leader of a sovereign nation be assassinated and then lying about it; or how about the millions upon millions who worship at the feet of a President whose administration has willfully and consistently lied about the conduct of a war and who willfully and consistently insist that those who dissent are terrorist appeasers; or have seen to it that those who have much will have that much more, while those who have less will have that much less. These are the Christians who unfortunately are front and center. Minus some of the sanctimony in your blog, I wish you would gain a bigger stage. Then maybe us Christians can affect real change that is more consistent with teachings of Christ.
Michael Cooper
Good word! Thanks for sharing so eloquently what many in the Kingdom are seeking to become.
Katie
Good. Good. Good. I LOVED that timely and proper response. That is how our God wants us to respond and act in a situation such as this. Patience, love, understanding, mercy and grace are not just for God to extend to us, but for us to extend to ALL people as well, no matter the situation. All I can say is that I am in total agreement.