Magic 8-Ball Jesus

[Carl Thomas Gladstone]

1/11/07 For Christmas I was given a Magic 8-Ball Jesus and I am not making that up.  Standing about a foot tall, this big pink, plastic statue answers your deepest spiritual questions with answers like, "Hypocrite!" "For Christ's Sake."  and "No Chance in Hell." For some reason I don't think that Urban Outfitters was selling this product because of a fundamental desire to evangelize.  Rather, for many the description of Jesus they receive from Christian media and etc is just like this piece of kitsch.  Jesus is a magical being who floats through our lives like a bad fortune cookie. I'm glad that the stories I've heard and try to retell about Jesus don't conform to that picture of him.  Instead Jesus is the one who came, loved us deeply, developed deep and abiding relationships with his followers, through whom we are able to know him deeply even now. So, what do you have to say about that Magic 8-Ball Jesus? Response: "I Forgive You." Hmmm. Yours in Christ, Carl Thomas Gladstone READ Matthew 26:6-13  How does this picture of Jesus differ from the wispy, spiritual being picture pop culture sometimes sees/portrays?  What does this scripture tell us about loving deeply even if it doesn't feel like a "great" or "effective" ministry? PS - Calling all talkers.  emergedetroit.org is in need of some forum contributers.  If you have any thoughts about discussion topics like "intentional community living," "God-talk/theology," or "Serving God" would you please visit the "Discussion Board" link on the right side of this email?  Thanks!	GATHER the EMERGE community Royal Oak Friends in Faith YAFF: Rochester Newburg YA Fellowship Wesley Foundation UofM Metro Detroit Emergent Cohort etc. GROW Bible  Discussion Guides Podcast Discussion Board The Wesley Project Soulstretch GO The NOAH Proj. Cass Community Baldwin Center Sierra Service Project City Year: Detroit Project Transformation PT: Oklahoma PT: Virginia US-2 Program Peace Corps Jesuit Volunteer Corps Young Leaders Initiative etc.
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*For those new to this email list - each week we send an e-message to students and young adults connected with B'Ham First UMC, and with the developing EMERGE DETROIT community for young adults.  These emails are meant to stay in touch with you, encourage you in your Christian journey, and pose some faith-filled questions that might spark some email correspondence.  If you have any questions about this list, just drop me an email at the address above. Peace.
carl thomas gladstone | deacon, first umc, birmingham, mi | 248.646.1200 | cglad...@fumcbirmingham.org