I doubt I’m ever really going to understand this. The iconic fish used by Christians as a kind of spiritual badge has roots in a lot of different things. Biblical, historical, social, literary. But why we put it on the bumper of our cars, I’m really not sure.

It’s really not clear to me what benefit there is in placing this on the back of your car. It’s not like they’ll see it. And Jesus isn’t a public figure running for office. Seeing a symbol of him everywhere isn’t going to sway people’s voting decisions. Neither is the gospel clearly wrapped up in it. Most people don’t even know why we use it.

As far as I can tell, all it does is say, “hey, you, I’m a Christian!”. In that, I suppose there’s some miniscule value. But hardly enough to balance out the damage it does in the minds of hurt people who’re already skeptical or critical of Christianity—usually with fairly good reason.

For example, take a look at the backlash from the other side of the fence. I’m sure you’ve seen this one too.

The Darwin fish. For Christians, it’s offensive. It’s supposed to be. Of course, I  disagree with its meaning, but its more subtle social commentary is quite good. “Why the hell are all you Christians putting those stupid badges on your car?”

Offensive as it might be, parts of the Christian culture have responded poorly. No, downright wrong. You’ve probably seen these too.

This is a massive, massive oversight. Christians may be offended, slandered, even put to death. But we’re absolutely not to seek revenge. But that is the most plain meaning here. A wise-crack, a jab in return. It’s completely devoid of grace.

I have to wonder what the maker of these was thinking and if he or she was even a Christian. But what’s more, I have to wonder what Christians are thinking when they choose to put these on the back of their car.

Souls are not won for Christ on reason and fact alone—but with truth in love, grace, patience and compassion. These barely demonstrate fact and reason, let alone the rest of it. All these badges do is say is, “Hey, you, I’m a Christian… and probably not one you’d want to meet.” And I wish it would stop.