In a recent Q & A for his upcoming film, The Tree of Life, Brad Pitt said:
“I grew up with Christianity, and I remember questioning greatly some things that didn’t work for me, [and] some things did…I grew up being told that God’s gonna take care of everything and it doesn’t always work out that way, and when it doesn’t work out that way, then it’s God’s will. I got my issues man, don’t even get me started…I got my issues… Many people find religion to be something inspiring. . . . I myself find it very stifling as an individual.”
Clearly, this preaching/teaching that Brad Pitt received was way off base. If his perception of Christianity is about “God’s gonna take care of everything” then his church, parents, and pastor failed him. Has anyone listened to his issues? Or, have people just preach “at” him?
Is this why Christianity is failing people? Is the wrong message being communicated? Does no one want to listen? No one wants to listen to other people’s struggles?
If Brad Pitt has issues with this type of Christianity, then I do too.
There are many others who have stated, very well in fact, that Christianity needs new PR. The wrong message is being sent. Yes, Christianity has some absolute truths, but so do other religions. However, Christianity is more than just getting a get-out-of-hell-free-card. Getting to Heaven is a key message, but it is not the only message. Jesus speaks more about caring for the least of these than getting to heaven.
The message of Christianity is the Good News. God never guarantees an easy life, but that we might have an abundant life (John 10:10). Even in an abundant basket of fruit, there will be a few pieces of fruit that are bitter. In our abundant basket of life we must deal with the lemons. The lemons are not good for eating, but a lemon is useful to enhance the favor of a food. Often people struggle with what to do with the lemons… the bitter fruit in life.
Has Christianity become a religion that doesn’t listen? That doesn’t want to hear about how people are struggling with living an abundant life? Maybe it’s time Christians start listening and do less talking. More sharing than grabbing. More friendship than judgeship. Can’t we live in a word that because can walk with one another in disagreement, but still maintain a friendship?
Brad Pitt, it’s okay if you have issues with Christianity. I’d love to hear about them. To listen to your issues. I want to hear your story.
1 Comment
We should all have issues with this kind of Christianity!
Having been involved with jail ministry, I cannot tell you how many women I talk to inside who have been told to just “give your heart to Jesus, and everything will work out.”
Well, technically, that’s correct. But by and large, these women are praying that at their next court date, God will open the jailhouse doors for them. So what does that do to their new-found “belief” if it doesn’t happen?
It all needs to be undone and the importance of what Jesus Christ REALLY offers needs to be explained. Christ did not promise us a good or easy time here on earth. In fact, he promised us the exact opposite! “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.”
We need to emphasize to those new to the faith — and those who have been around for awhile — that following Christ does not mean a new car every year; it does not mean that doors will open for you automatically. Those things may happen, but they are not promised!
I blame the problem in part on those megachurch preachers who have corrupted the word “prosperity” to mean worldly riches and have, at the same time perverted God’s Word to the point that they have made THIS world the important one. Shame on all who know better!