No, it's not far-fetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: He was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius.
But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says, No, I'm not saying I'm a teacher; don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: 'I'm the Messiah.' I'm saying: 'I'm God incarnate'. And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet we can take. You're a bit eccentric. We've had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don't mention the 'M' word! Because, you know, we're gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no, I know you're expecting me to come back with an army and se you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah.
At this point, everyone starts staring at their shoes, and says: Oh my God, he's gonna keep saying this. So what you're left with is either Christ was who he said he was -- the Messiah -- or a complete nutcase. I mean, we're talking a nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that's far-fetched.
Who is this world-renowned Christian apologist?
I guess Bono's read Mere Christianity.
Enjoyed this post Lar - I also think "More Than A Carpenter" mentions something similiar that Bono may have read. Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic or Lord, he writes. I'm glad I've chosen the third choice.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Kev. I think the author of More than A Carpenter (Josh McDowell) was influenced by Mere Christianity when he wrote his book.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post!