Connected Christianity

Here’s a recent quote from a pastor in California: “I guess there was just a concern for the values of our society, being too caught up in what doesn’t last.” Good point; I agree with him. He went on, “Even in the church we get caught up in temporal things.” Another good point; I definitely agree. So what does he do about it? He paints the word “ETERNITY” in big, red letters on the roof of his church, so that everyone who drives by can read it. Now that’s something that would not have occurred to me.

Pastor Jim Nimmons apparently thought it would inspire people to deeply examine the complexities of the afterlife, salvation, and their own mortality–all while speeding by in their cars. If I drove by, I’d probably think something like, “Wow, that church is named ‘Eternity’? That’s an interesting name, and an odd way to advertise it.” Now that I’ve read Pastor Nimmons’s rationale behind painting it, I think, “Well that’s goofy.” Local residents, however, have complained to the city council that the church is in violation of city ordinances that prohibit such large advertising nuisances (aka. “tackiness”).

Pastor Nimmons insists that his tacky signage is not commercial, since “all the church is selling is faith” (har har! I’m sure it’s discounted), and it therefore is not applicable to city laws prohibiting signs on top of buildings. The rest of the city disagrees. The pastor says he doesn’t have money for court fees and is willing to go to jail since, “The message is worth standing up for and worth dying for.” Really? A tacky sign that doesn’t do much to build up the kingdom of God is worth dying for? Really??

I think he should take the sign down not because it violates the law, but because it makes Christians look stupid (as if we needed the help), since we apparently think a vague billboard-type message will cause immediate, deep soul searching. Although, one local commented on an internet message board was very pertinent: “I’m far more offended by the gang activity…the lack of fire and police service, the 4 families living in a 2 bdrm house…. If we’re making a list of things that need attention, the church roof is small potatoes.” I gotta say, that’s a fair point. What do you think?