Thursday
Apr252013

Yes, We’ve Gutted All the Gospels

“The word 'heresy' not only means no longer being wrong; it practically means being clear-headed and courageous. The word 'orthodoxy' not only no longer means being right; it practically means being wrong.”
— G.K. Chesterton


“.....the violence that the cross symbolizes and the patriarchal image of an almighty invincible Father God needs to be challenged and reconstructed1."
— Aruna Gnanadason, Executive Director for Planning and Integration, World Council of Churches




Yes, We’ve Gutted All the Gospels
(Re-Imagined Every word)


We’re the Church of Easy-Breezy,
Fluffy cushions in the pews…
If your goal is Feelin’ Happy,
We’re the church you ought to choose!

We’ve got bright and smiley faces
Who will make your day complete….
You won’t really need a Bible…
(And we think that’s pretty neat!)

We think Jesus was a good guy…
(Well,….except when he was wrong);
When he messes up, we tell him:
"Look here, son,...just run along."

“Sin”?....We’ve taken off the table…
Sin’s a notion best denied!
Talk of “hell” and “condemnation2”…
Two more things we can’t abide.

We promote what’s therapeutic ,
Cutting edge psychologies….
”No Repentance!” is our motto.
Oh my, yes!...We aim to please3!

We brush by the Ten Commandments,
‘Cause we feel they’re just not fun!
Yep, last year we voted on ‘em…
And, guess what !?....We’re down to one!

Yes, we’re here to make you comfy,
No harsh Words to make you squirm….
Please come join us…What’s your pleasure?
What you’re doing….. we’ll affirm!

Yes, we’ve gutted all the Gospels,
Re-Imagined every word,
Deconstructed pesky verses,
Every one that might disturb!

We’ve eliminated singing
All the classic Christian hymns…
We don’t pray the name of Jesus4,
Because…frankly…it offends.

We don’t sweat things like “false teaching” ,
‘Cause we think ALL teaching’s true!
Be subjective!....You’re the Boss here!
Man, our goal is pleasing you!

We’re conforming to the pattern5
That the world today esteems …
We think “All You Need Is Love” now;
We’re committed to the dream.




“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will .”
—Romans 12:1-2


“Secularization—that is, the gradual conformity of our thinking, beliefs, commitments, and practices to the pattern of this fading age—is not just something that happens to the church; it is something that happens in the church. In fact, it’s difficult to think of secularism as anything other than a Christian heresy.”
—Michael S. Horton

“It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is that they can't see the problem.”
—GK Chesterton


"Jesus...Light of the World", Wm. Holman Hunt, 1853

“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. ere I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
—Christ Jesus the Lord (Revelation 3:14-22)




1Matthew 7:15

2John 3:18

3Matthew 7:13-15

4Luke 9:26

5Romans 12:1-2