Read the amazing adventures of Jesus!
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by Jason Hagerty on November 18, 2009 at 11:22 pm under Opinion
It’s an average, run-of-the-mill day; I’m at work ringing up people at a cash register. All of a sudden, a random customer hands me a small booklet.
What does this booklet contain? Is it some sort of informative business handout aimed at selling me a product?
Kind of. Except in this case the product they’re selling me is Jesus Christ.
Yes, I’m talking about those ever-annoying pamphlets churches have the tendency to hand out. No, not the ones that simply invite you to attend a service or provide you with an address in case you wanted to swing by some Sunday. I’m talking about those amazing little stories they provide you with.
Like, say, the touching story of Lord Winthorp, who spills some ink on a priceless rug. Of course, the rug is simply an analogy for the lord’s soul, and the ink represents his sin.
This leads Lord Winthorp’s manservant to share with him the tale of Jesus and how, unless Lord Winthorp becomes a God-fearing man, he will go to hell — thus leading to the good lord’s conversion to Christianity.
Really, people? Is this the kind of garbage you expect to convert people to your faith? Every time I see small comics like this, I die a little inside.
If this is what churches think will reach out and convert people, then frankly, I’m insulted. Religion is a complex set of personal beliefs and values everyone must find for his or herself.
You’re going to have a hard time convincing me that a small, poorly-written comic is going to be the turning point in someone’s life.
If anything, readers might just think the whole thing is a joke. After all, what religion would be stupid enough to sum up their faith in a hokey little comic? Certainly not one that takes itself seriously.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t reach out and try to spread the word of God; just don’t do it in such a mindless and stupid way. You want to spread the word of God to the lost and the downtrodden? Then try going to a shelter and speaking with the people who live there every night, or putting in time at a soup kitchen. Or, better yet, hop on a plane and fly to someplace that’s never even heard of Jesus.
But handing out comics at a local retailer? Yeah. I’m sure God will appreciate all that extra effort you put into spreading his word.
1 Comment
I wanted to respond to your article. While you may be insulted by this bible track. That is what the story you are referring to is called. While it is meant to get the name of Jesus around it is not meant be save someone right then and there. It is to be used as a tool for salvation or to lead someone that way. Let me try explaining it. A bible track is suppose to be used to get someone who isnt a church goer to begin asking questions, to begin to seek those answers. While sometimes someone will accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior when they read one this is very rare. In fact, a majority of the time they are meet with the attitude you have shown. I have been on the recieving end of the bible track many times in my life and I am a christian. I actually had two handed to me while I was waiting for a tow truck to come and save me from the middle of no where. While it isnt the greatest way as you pointed out. God’s name is getting out there. Look at how this was used. You meant it to bash the bible track, and I am now typing this to you to help explain it. God’s word has promised to never return void. Somewhere someone responds to what they hear it may not be at that time (when a track is handed or even from a spiritual conversation) it may not be till years from that point and sadly some never meet their Lord and Savior.
A bible track is meant to tell a story but more for gettin those questions coming. “Am I a sinner?” “What do these people believe?” and even some not so friendly responses. Not all bible tracks are designed to be a comic. They are the easiest to give out and get quick responses. Though not all positive.
Passing out a bible track is not a mindless act. Many people pray before they give them out. At my church we pass out bible tracks with Halloween candy. We know that some time some where someone may read that and a seed is sown. They may not know it but God does. There are many christians that do what you recommended and it is a way to spread God’s name and hopping on a plane is a good way as well.. NO matter where a Christian lives that is their mission field. You may not see it as such but there are many Americans that do not know Christ as their Lord and Savior. Do you know that other countries are sending their Christian missionaries to the United States.
As long as We are proclaming God’s name to this we are being obedient and he will honor that. Also religion is mans attempt to bind ourselves back to God something we humanly cannot do. We are not strong enough nor powerful enough. It is a relationship one where we respond to our need for God and let him come in and have is power in our lives.
I hope you dont take any of this the wrong way. I honestly hope that you continue on your search. YOu made some great points in your article.