Another Look at Jesus and 'Porn Stars'
At Boundless Webzine, Matt Kauffman responds to objections from readers of his previous article questioning the evangelistic strategy of Pastor Craig Gross and other members of a ministry reaching out to erotic entertainers at a recent pornography trade show. At issue is the wisdom of leading with the message "Jesus Loves Porn Stars." (Gross and his ministry partners handed out about 3,000 Bibles whose covers sported those words at the convention.) Matt offers sound counsel for all of us who are prone to gloss over the issue of sin and judgment in order to quickly present the good news of God's love:
The greatest temptation for Christians today, however, is not to be too harsh, much as some may be guilty of that; it's to be too soft. In the name of being winsome, we're pulled to go along with a live-and-let-live society that seeks nothing so much as freedom from moral strictures and hard truths. And even when we may not intend to do so, we have to realize that society around us is all too eager to find the only "true" Christianity in a religion that fits comfortably into that worldview.
In the ears of most who hear it, "Jesus Loves Porn Stars" fits the bill. And that's why, whatever else may be said for or against the people who've chosen to lead their witness with those words, it's simply sending the wrong message.
1 comment:
Certainly Christ does care for and has even died for porn stars (even a TULIP would have to allow maybe one or two of the elect in there - prior to conversion, of course). I would agree, though, that putting the message "Jesus Loves Porn Stars" sends the wrong message to the "stars" (with apologies to all galaxies and universes created by God).
As Christians, of course, we are called to love these people and deliver the message of salvation in Christ alone to them. Should we approach them any differently? Perhaps, since they are one of the many leperous groups Christians shun, even when the lepers are clothed.
Perhaps a better approach would be a T-shirt that says boldy, "I Love Porn Stars"? Well, maybe not.
How about just treating them like any other sinful person, lovingly explaining their condition (dead in their sins), and confidently presenting the gospel of salvation? No T-shirts, Bible covers, or anything else. Just treating them as sinful people who need the Savior.
After all, they're really no different than the business executive or church-goer that cheat on their wives or molest their children. There is no one group of lost people that needs Jesus Christ as its Savior more than any other. All have sinned; all need the Savior. Period. No distinctions. At all. Zero. Nada. Nyet.
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