There was a Nightline Faceoff over the question of whether or not the devil is real. It featured thinkers from across the spectrum—including Mark Driscoll.
Most of the debate was fine. However, when the microphone was opened for audience participation, it became difficult to listen to. I’ve included a 55 second snippet from a question coming from a young woman, a Christian, in the audience. The question is unimportant. The digression is striking.
Give the clip a listen.
[podcast]http://www.petruzzo.com/sub_william/wp-content/uploads/nightline-argument.mp3[/podcast]
The Indian voice is new age philosopher Deepak Chopra—an unbeliever. Yet even still, his question to her is almost shattering.
“Is [Jesus] in so much trouble that you need to rescue him?”
Well, is he?
Comment by Connor — March 30, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
This whole series was really interesting to watch. I thought it was interesting to note the body language of the people on the stage: both Deepak and the ‘Bishop’ were reclined by the end, content to just sit and demonstrate their ‘higher understanding.’
At any rate… the question at hand. Does Jesus need us to rescue him? Just in the small amount of time I’ve been able to spend thinking about this question, my initial thoughts would be that Jesus is not in trouble, per se: He can accomplish anything He wants… and that could indeed be through the people “rescuing” Him. So, as popular skepticism and distaste for religion grow, His Church and disciples must strive to be faithful representatives, speaking for Him (and about Him) to those who refuse to even accept His existence.
In trouble? No. Asking for our help? I think so.
And of course please feel free to let me know what you think. I’m just coming up with this in like 10 minutes.
Comment by William — March 31, 2009 @ 5:56 pm
I kind of think it has to do with where our faith is. Jesus definitely doesn’t need to be “rescued”. But he does use his people as representatives. But the glory he gleans from his people comes from their faith and trust in him. When we fail to realize that Jesus doesn’t need us to rescue him and think that his defense is on our shoulders, we make him out to be weak and there’s little glory in that.
I think on the debate at night line, that was some of the problem.