The T-Shirt Guy
Dan Kimball has a very interesting post about a guy he saw wearing this t-shirt at the airport. I say it's "interesting" because the post has been in my head all weekend and has forced me to think.
Jet over there and weigh in on the disucussion. Take Dan's question seriously... "What would you say to this person?" Post your comment before you read everyone elses'. You'll see my remarks there, too.
Nice post, Dan. Thanks for sharing and getting into my head.
posted by steve @ 11:11 AM
13 comments
13 Comments:
can't see what's written on the shirt - what's the link to dan's Web site?
p.s. did you get our message from the slopes? :)
Sorry for the small picture!
Click on "The TShirt Guy" heading and you'll go right to Dan's site.
Message from the slopes? When, where?
I liked your post about the airport mix up!
Engaging him is exactly what he wants you to do. He obviously wants people to say something about his shirt so he can get into a conversation and proselytize. I would just look away and encourage others to do the same.
But that's not quite right, is it?
I have family and friends that are gay who I care for deeply; I have friends who are Muslims; I know that, for many, abortion can be a deeply ambiguous issue. It is hurts me to think of how others might be wounded or confused by that shirt; plus it offends me that my faith would be misused and lied about this way. It's easy for a white, straight, Christian, athletic guy to broadcast these things and claim they are "black and white." But it can be hurtful to a lot of people, espeically with those struggling with their sexual identity or a decision to carry a baby. He seems to misunderstand that Jesus died for his enemies and we who were sinners. I would misunderstand the same if I just ignored him. I would, if I were bold enough, offer him forgiveness for the way he offended me. But I would not engage him if he just wanted to argue.
Sean
Sean... nicely said. Thanks.
Steve - I read the comments on Dan's blog...couldn't bring myself to write something without it being emotionally charged - although that is when I am quickest with my tongue (how else could I survive teaching high school in the inner city!:)
p.s. check your voicemail at work - we left you a nice message...
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the link. Used it on my blog as well.
Many thoughts come to mind when seeing a t-shirt like this. Many of which may not be appropriate to write down. If I look at this man and label him 'ignorant', am I doing the same thing to him as he is doing to Jesus? Do I look upon this man with compassion and a longing to know him for who he is beyond a tshirt? I would have loved to engaged this man in conversation. I don't know if engaging this man in conversation while waiting in a boarding line would suffice to cover such a broad idea as Jesus being intolerant. This story makes my stomach churn with an array of emotions. I commend him though for wearing such a provacative statement acroos his chest. He obviously feels very strongly about it. But I think as a person who believes in a Jesus of tolerance, love, and acceptance, I should feel strongly about this as well.
Steve Argue - this has nothing to do with your current post, and everything to do with me just discovering your blog. Of course, you don't know who I am because my last name used to be Bruss! I just found your blog through Matt Glatzel's and was sitting here telling my husband about how influential you were in my life as a teenager. I read through some of your recent posts and things seem good with you Steve. I am glad to see it. I hope you visit my site when you have a minute.
Take care,
Laura Fernandez
Flower....
Thanks for this. Right on. Thanks for posting!
Laura...
You made my day :). Email me!
s
Here's another interesting cartoon T-shirt that turns the tides a bit for us Christians...
http://www.harpers.org/
Heather...
Ouch. Nice find.
I was actually looking for James Frey's Web site (a little current literary controversy) and that popped up...totally unrelated...and thought I'd share it. Yes, definitely an ouch.
Hey, im Katie Pearson and you dont really know me. Im one of Mike Rose's youth group kids in Minnesota before he left for Hong Kong. I really, really enjoyed when you came here to speak and you taught us a ton of stuff. And plus i like reading your blog because it's really insiteful (however u spell it) and it helps me a lot with my walk with God. As for the shirt, it kind of makes me mad because it's exactly what i think stereotypical "Christianity" is to unbelievers. They think christianity is about laws and "no fun" and about guilt and pressure to do the "right thing." But this shirt is missing the whole point on who our God really is. He's a God of love and patience and tolerance, and he loves everyone including homosexuals islamic people and people who have had abortion. I dont agree with wearing this shirt at all even though it states what i know is true, it also pushes away people who could potentially become Christians or people who are wondering about God. We want to draw people in with love, not yell at them about what they are doing wrong.
Just my opinion :D
katie
Kate...
Thanks for your kinds words. You all treated me so well when I was up to visit you. Thanks for still tracking with me!
I love your comments. The kingdom of God is about inclusion, not exclusion. Somewhere along the way, we seem to get this turned around.
Peace to you. Please stop "in" and keep writing!
s
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