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Our job as Christians isn’t to protect God’s reputation, but to try and understand the truth that God really loves us, and to move into relationship with others. This is one of the key thoughts that author Russell Rathbun puts forth in his book, nuChristian, and he dialogues about it with Spencer Burke, host of TheOOZE.TV’s ThinkFwd.

His book was prompted as a response to books like UnChristian and other current writings that conclude that Jesus has an image problem and it’s our fault. We (Christians) are too judgmental, too hypocritical, and if we could fix these problems then the huge body of “post-moderns” who are disenchanted with Church and Christianity would come flocking back. One problem, says Rathbun: Christians ARE critical, judgmental and hypocritical because we are human. And, maybe God isn’t as concerned as we think about his reputation, our reputation, or even our behavior. Perhaps our focus should be on the transforming love of God rather than on “fixing” who we are and saving Jesus’ image.

The question shouldn’t be “How are we going to protect the integrity of the gospel?”—it speaks for itself. Our question is, “How do I live in relationship with my neighbor, and accept the truth of God’s transforming love in my life?”Let’s focus on seeing ourselves as we really are, accepting that God loves us as we are, and reaching out to love others as they are.

Our faith is a living, growing faith. It should change and grow and evolve and not remain stagnant for 2,000 years. Rathbun encourages us to not get caught up in trying to protect the gospel, or worry about what other people think and do and believe. Why not meet new people and engage in new things? Don’t get caught up in the thinking that Christians are different, can’t make mistakes, and have to fix Jesus’ image—instead, open ourselves up to something new, to new relationships, and to God’s transforming love.

Personal Reflections:

1. Do you think Jesus has an image problem, and if so, can it be fixed by better Public Relations?
2. What are ways that I can embrace the messiness of being human, and let go of trying to project a false image by trying to meet other’s expectations?

Group or Staff Questions:

1. How can we as a group embrace a living God, and be open to change and growth?
2. How will an authentic relationship, living with God and others, ultimately have an impact on your reputation and community?

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