In Reply to: Re: Reality Check? posted by Mr. Don on May 02, 2006 at 18:12:24:
Mr. Don, what CB says resonates with me. I'm all for modern parables too, but when I read this some days ago, something about it just didn't sit right with me. I couldn't quite figure out what it was about it, but I think CB spelled it out. It doesn't have that raw edge of "truth" to it that Jesus' parables always did.
To understand where I'm coming from, I can't stand the writing of the famous Christian author Max Lucado. He makes some good points, but far too often Lucado's work is over-flourished, over-stated and comes across as artificial. I know Lucado's writings have helped many people, but I can barely read his stuff. Sorry. It's too oratorical.
I'm also the kind of guy who can't stand listening to a worship song that gives an unrealistic bent to reality. For e.g. the song that says, "suffering children are safe in His hands." That line makes me furious. Millions of suffering children are NOT kept safe and sheltered in Jesus' hands in the world today. The reality is that we are Jesus' hands today and unless Christians get motivated and reach out and give, suffering children will continue to suffer. So I literally hate that worship song. I know that sounds strong, but it bothers me that deeply.
Thanks for posting this modern parable, and I don't hate it, but somehow the original version rang more true and powerful.