I recently have been observing more and more “Christian” bumper stickers, and feeling my spirit just shudder.  really…  I am not sure what part of scripture has convince Believers that offending those who are not following, on the rear-end 1982 pinto.  I really want to know – why do Christians feel that offensive slogan are going to drive others to the mercy seat?

Please understand, my faith is too large to be reduced to a sticker.  Anyone who has actually read the Word (and not just the overheads on Sunday mornings) understands that Christ ministered through His life and how he engaged people.  He built relationships and encouraged us to do the same. 

You cannot build a relationship with your vehicular chastisements.   Personally, my driving ability is never 100% perfect and I’d rather those not of my faith to judge the Church by my inability to always maintain the speed limit…

I’ve collected a few bumper stickers, and would you to view them through my eyes: 

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For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~John 3:16

I am comforted by the fact that God knows me, and chose to love (to the point of death) me anyway.

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  Anti-Abortion bumper stickers are the worst.  Do you REALLY think you’re going to change this difficult choice, by referring to the desperate woman as a murderer?  Of course, I don’t believe in Abortion, but it is only the power of Christ (not a sticker) that will sway someone away from this decision.  If anything, angry “Christians” yelling at this person will convince them even more that it’s the “right” thing to do.  After all, who wants to make angry, hurtful, judgmental people happy? 

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. ~ John 13:25

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What does this even mean?  With the exception of those who care about Church politics, this is non-sense.

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves ~1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

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I am not convinced that you can be a Libertarian and have any statement such as this.  My understanding is that Libertarians believe that they should be self to self governance and do not need a government to oversee them.  Yet, most Christian movements believe in the total depravity of man.  If we believe that we are total deprived with Christ, than how could we not need some level of governance?

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks be made for all men for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ~1 Timothy 2:1-2

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I like this… I’m glad that Christ is not religious – He’s relational.

 

 

This was mainly just for fun, but the truth of the matter is, that Christ did not use one line sarcastic and offense bumper stickers to build relationships and to show His love for others – and neither should we. 

This is yet one more example where the Church has lost touch with it’s true mission, which is to love others and to share the Gospel.  You can’t minister to those who you’ve offended and I’ve yet to meet anyone who said they came to Christ, because you said they were otherwise going to hell on the tail end of your car….