Monday, October 10, 2022

Color me skeptical, but I think Jesus needs more than a new PR campaign:

“Lee is one of the chief architects of the “He Gets Us” campaign, a $100 million effort to redeem Jesus’ brand from the damage done by his followers, especially those who say one thing and then do another.

Launched earlier this year, ads featuring black-and-white online videos about Jesus as a rebel, an activist or a host of a dinner party have been viewed more than 300 million times, according to organizers. Billboards with messages like “Jesus let his hair down, too” and “Jesus went all in, too,” have also been posted in major markets like New York City and Las Vegas.”

This all sounds fine and dandy, but I suppose like with everything else evangelical, the devil is in the details. Does the He Gets Us Jesus love queer people as they are? Do they believe Jesus loves you even when your theology isn’t up to evangelical muster? Can you be woke and still have Jesus get you? Can you believe that humans didn’t walk the earth alongside dinosaurs? That critical race theory is US history and not an abomination to “correct theology?”

What stands out as a red flag for me is this bit:

“Those who see the ads can contact the campaign and get connected with Bible study resources to check out the story of Jesus for themselves, he said.”

So the answer to Jesus’ PR problem is… Bible Study? It’s not getting people connected to people who are trying to live out the teachings of Jesus through service or activism. It’s – more doctrine. Which is just about the most evangelical thing ever.