This post is in response to an article by New York Magazine entitled: “God Loves Jay Bakker” by Alex Morris.
“Jay Bakker is certain that if Christianity actually modeled itself on the life of Christ, then many contradictions would disappear, leaving behind the most basic tenets: Jesus resurrected, and he died for our sins.”
While simple, Bakker’s comment is definite. We, as the church, often find ourselves disheveled in complications around certain hot-button issues rather than united in praise around our Lord, the one whose death guarantees our life. Rather than a faith based on legalism, Bakker and his church/movement Revolution seek to build and support a community of believers centered on the love of Christ, not on specific issues that tear individuals down.
Bakker, the son of former televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, knows all to well how religion can often be a spectacle. When religion is pursued purely for show it all too quickly loses its concern for people and forgets Christ’s teaching. Christ’s teachings such as that found in Matthew 6:1 unmistakably speak against such practices, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Therefore, to Jay Bakker and to others like him throughout the Christian community I say carry on! Pursue love of your neighbor and always keep in the forefront of your mind the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Lord, Christ Jesus.
To read the New York Magazine article of Jay Bakker click here »