Anger and The Gospel of Jesus

Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

SUNDAY THOUGHTS:

We went to see the movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once” last night.

What a TRIP of a movie!! I’ll have to say, it isn’t a movie that I would normally think I would like, but man …. It honestly blew me away. One of the most unique movies I’ve ever seen, and with a beautiful message about life thrown in. I don’t want to give anything away, but it really added to a topic I have been thinking about this week: The way so many Christian leaders are using fear and anger to preach “the gospel”.

Oh yes, they justify their anger, calling it “righteous anger” and always, always, ALWAYS, defend it by saying “Jesus got angry too! Remember when he turned the tables!” If you didn’t see the post I shared earlier this week about the “Fetiishization of Angry Jesus”, I encourage you to check that out.

Too many preachers, like Greg Locke, are riling up their congregations using fear as their base. They scream in anger, call people names, attack those they don’t agree with, and tell their followers to do the same. It’s sickening, really… and not “Christian” behavior in my opinion.

David Cassidy, pastor and author of the book, “Indispensable: The Basics of Christian Belief” recently tweeted:

“In nearly forty years of ministry, I have yet to meet a single convert who was brought to Christ through the anger of a Christian. Never. Millions, however, may be won by love.”

I wonder how many people are being brought to Christ by the tactics of these angry preachers? Yes, some of their congregations are growing (way too many in my opinion) - but I believe they are growing because they are attracting those who already believe what they are preaching. This is no way to disciple. No way to evangelize. This is not the way of Jesus. His example was the opposite.

Jesus told us to love our enemies.

Jesus said to turn the other cheek.

Jesus said to let the fruits of the spirit lead us (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)

Jesus’ anger was rare, and it was always aimed at leaders who were leading people astray. Even the devil could quote scripture and use it for his gain. I say beware of leaders who preach with anger and contempt for those who don’t agree with him or her.

I’ll close by saying that I found this week’s David French blog to be really insightful on this issue and I’d love you to read it if you have time. It’s become more and more apparent to me that the *way* you preach your message matters as much as the message. Seriously. Trying to preach the love of Jesus with hatred in your voice is a dangerous, dangerous trend.

A Commitment to Kindness Does Not Mean Surrendering Your Convictions