Jim and Casper
I had the opportunity to interview Jim Henderson and Matt Casper, the authors of the book, Jim and Casper Go to Church. Jim is a former pastor and Matt is an athiest. They went across the country and evaluated different church experiences. In part of the conversation Matt talks about what he feels when people try to get him to come to church by threatening him with hell. His answer is provactive and insightful.
(CASPER) “I’m not interested in going to your church because I’m scared about hell. What kind of starting point for any kind of relationship is that?”
(JIM) “For example, when you hear that question, it’s like someone coming up to you and saying…”
(CASPER) “What would you do if I told you your wife was screwing around on you right now? It’s really a very uncomfortable, negative thing to say to someone. And it’s definitely not a starting point for a friendship or any type of relationship. And so I’ve never been a big subscriber of that when people threaten me with hell. C’mon, give me a break. So the nature of communicating with anybody is about finding common ground.”
This is the personal blog of Jeremy Jernigan. Husband, father, teaching pastor, and student of truth.
I’m appalalled that you said screwing arround!!!!!!!!!!! Children will be veiwing this area, Right? Just reading that sure ruined my aspectations about this site!! I didn’t like your example!!!!
Huh?
i think sharyn is a good example why I think I won’t be posting the link to my blog on your site! haha.
Sharyn,
What word would you have him use? You must remember that this guy, Casper, is not a Christian, so why should we expect him to be sensitive to what may be offensive to a Christian? Being appalled is a little on the dramatic side, what are your feelings when you watch the evening news.
I have also read this book, but I guess I have a different perspective after reading it. Yes, there are some valuable things about how some churches “do church,” but let us not forget that this guy is an atheist and his worldview is from an atheist perspective. How can he, Casper, be sure that what he is viewing is not the Holy Spirit working? My guess is that he cannot be sure, but is willing to offer up a critique nonetheless. I can only hope the guy he is partnered with, Jim is taking the time to engage Casper in a discussion about the existence of God.