Who Creates Distortions of Jesus?

They pulled it. NBC, that is. Their new show, "The Book of Daniel" that stirred no small controversy, was canceled after only three weeks. Our local paper, The News-Gazette, carried a story about it on Friday (Feb 24, 2006, C-2), written by AP Religion Writer, Richard N. Ostling.

I had read about the show in e-mail blurbs floating around. But here it was in print. Some of the chatter that appeared on a couple of Websites was sadly interesting. "It was as if the character of Christ was there for comic relief. . . . It's all a gospel of self-help." Or, "Jesus, 'acts like a wacky Dr. Phil.'" Or, "Nothing about Jesus bearing our pain, shame, sin." Another: "I was amazed at the lack of respect or reverence for the holy Son of God. He is portrayed as if he were an old college pal. . . . To portray Jesus in this comedy as unable to heal, and tolerant to sin, is wrong." Sounds like blasphemy. Nothing short of it.

There is a pressing question, however. Where do people get these distortions of Jesus? Part of it is sloppy research, as stated in The News-Gazette article. "Apparently, television exerts little effort on religious accuracy." Obviously.

But here's what troubles me. What about the in-your-face living-out of who Jesus is by those who follow him? You and me. It's hard to deny the truth in someone who is living in a compelling relationship with Jesus Christ. A transformed Christ follower is the best persuasion for following Jesus Christ.

I am as angry as any Christ-follower about this show even being thought-up, much less aired. The best response, however, may not be to hop on the bandwagon to go beat up NBC. Sure; protest. Put your name on a list that says, I oppose this. But the best response may be to look in the mirror. Ponder. Reflect. What kind of Jesus do I portray to others? Do I distort who he is? When I do remind myself that I am always in need of a Savior by my shortcomings and sin, do I make it clear that I am the sinner and Jesus is the Savior?

Imagine it. Christians across our community, in our state, all over our country, living in such a way that it is crystal clear that we follow a loving, forgiving, holy, powerfully transforming Jesus Christ. At the very least it would make it more difficult for people - be they your neighbor, or a Hollywood producer - to get distortions of Jesus.