#165of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney

Are you a Jesus Fan or a Jesus Believer?

Before we get started, I wanted to thank one of my friends for sending me an article about Star Wars Fandom as well as how that relates to Jesus.(https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1682964248418784&id=562540463794507)  I really appreciate everyone who sends me thoughts and ideas. And now, onto Faithbites.\

I love science fiction. I love how I can be anything, go anywhere, and do anything in the realm of sci-fi. Superheros and Star Wars have always been top in my book. As anyone who knows me, and they will say my favorite superhero is Superman. I love him. Being sent from another planet for safety and becoming the savior of another planet. Fighting for Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Having his secret identity being human whereas most other heroes the reverse is true. I loved the Christopher Reeve movies, even the Brandon Routh one. The current DC Universe, I hate. I hate the portrayal of Superman. I think it’s awful. I think this is ruining my childhood. Superman doesn’t kill. (Well, he doesn’t unless he has too, but that’s another story). I have refused to watch the movies more than once, and really don’t want to see the next one. (Wonder Woman was the exception, she was great).

I also love Star Wars. I disliked the prequels but really like the new ones as well. The article that my friend sent me, talks about fandom. And how Star Wars has a White Male Fandom problem. It shows how people hated the new movies. That they were ‘raping their childhood’. They were destroying everything the loved about Star Wars. Much of it related to new, non-white male characters. It’s a good read.

Fandom, in general, is great. We get to share our love with other fans. We get to delve deeper into the universe, exploring ideas, what ifs, and have fun. At the same time, we become protective of our fandom. We say things like we loved it before it was popular or you’re not a true fan because of x,y,z. Or my favorite, you don’t know every nth degree about it so you aren’t a true fan like I am.

You may be wondering how this idea of fandom and sides relates to faith and Jesus. As one of my friends said in the comments of that article (it was shared in a Christian group): “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ” – Mahatma Gandhi. Another comment on the facebook page I liked “Jesus has never been the problem. He seems pretty chill. It’s his toxic fanbase I take issue with”.

Are we believers in the Christ of the Bible or are we Fanboys and FanGirls of Christ? Do we have a Christ problem?

“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did” – 1 John 2:6

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” – Matthew 11:29

Do we as Christians have a fanboy/fangirl problem? Let’s see. Do we criticize people for not living like we do? Sure we do, all the time. We say terrible things like ‘God Hates Fags’. Last time I checked, God loves everyone. (Romans 5:8). He doesn’t condone certain behaviors and sin but he loves everyone. We talk terribly about our youth. Those millennials are lazy, stupid, don’t get the real world. But we don’t open our arms to help them. Jesus said let the little children come to me. (Matthew 19:14). We say terrible things about immigrants and foreign-born people. Jesus talked welcomed in people and helped them. (Matthew 25:35, Hebrews 13:2). Let’s look at what some groups, such as the Westboro Baptist Church as done.

We do all of these things from an assumed high place of moral authority. We act as if we know who God is and exactly what Jesus told us to do. The problem is, often we are using our Christianity and not being followers of Christ. We have taken on a group think to understand scripture and can use that to defame, humiliate, segregate, and cause harm to so many.

I am a sinner. I sin on a daily basis. I do not know the Bible inside and out. I can’t interpret God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I am not like them. I do try to live Christ-like by loving God and loving People. I try to not get caught up in the fandom, pomp and circumstance, and trappings of Christianity. I try to learn about his word and share that. I try not to judge. I do not have the skills. I hope to always be a follower and admirer of Christ. I hope not to get caught up in the fandom of Christ that I sour people’s perceptions of his awesome nature and his death that bridge the divide between man and God.

Are you a Christian? If so, are you willing to live as Christ lived? Are you willing to be gentle and humble in your heart towards other?

I am willing to do all these things with the help of God.