Heath Ledger’s Death – How Should Christians Respond?
The death of actor Heath Ledger has been major news for the past day. He was in such movies at 4 Feathers, Brokeback Mountain, The Patriot and The Dark Knight (new Batman). There is a radical Baptist church in Kansas that pickets at the funerals of soldiers killed in combat because the army allows homosexuals.
I would love to hear your thoughts, how do we as Christians respond to the news of Ledger’s death? Personally, I am sickened that someone would plaster Jesus’ name along with this crap (see below). I don’t know that this is what is meant by God’s love? I will stop now, because I don’t want to say horrible things.
But I keep wondering, when people see Christians produce this type of thing, what do they think of Jesus? No wonder recent studies show that people are okay with Jesus, but not Christians.
For me, this is a great opportunity for us to show God’s love and say, God does love everybody. He doesn’t accept everyone’s behavior or condone it, but he doesn’t hate them. The Bible does say that homosexuality is wrong, but it also says that adultery, hatred, racism, gossipping, and judging are sins as well. I wonder if the culture would be more accepting of Christianity if we were louder about what we are for instead of what we are against.
Thanks Scott for the link.
I am sickened as well. I looked up WBC on wikipedia see here and I found it very interesting. They call themselves a Baptist Church, but they have no affiliation with any Baptist organization. I can’t believe that the members of this “church” would be so hateful. It really saddens me that so few, reportedly only about 100 members, can further stain the reputation of legitimate Christians. Wow…
the sad thing is that perhaps thousands of christians share a similar posture as WBC (albeit without the picket signs and venom). why are people so focused on heaven and hell? silly people, those things make no difference right now. does an idea feed someone? does an idea provide comfort? no. only action does. one can be informed by ideas. but holding a thought in your head does NOTHING.
focus on right now.
They shouldn’t be hateful.
That’s not how God is and that’s not how they should be.
You’re not supposed to judge. Period. And well it doesn’t seem like they are representing God or Christianity very well at all.
That’s pretty much the reason why I’ve not stepped foot in church in years now. Except for like a funeral or something.
It’s sad. Heath Ledger was a person. He was not a bad person either…
As a Christian I guess you just don’t judge. You pray for Heaths family and friends, that they can get through this rough time as easily as they possibly can.
If I am not mistaken isn’t the verse is,(Be not deceived God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.)
Just curious if we sow hatred, and judgement, then the rest of that verse says we will reap it also.
How very sad and twisted the words of God can become by people who are trying to be more than what they are (sinners, saved only by the grace of God).
The one thing I love about Jesus is his ability to meet people in the midst of their sin and love them for who they are. 1John 4:19 says that we love Him because He first loved us. I don’t understand how anyone in the “christian” community can screw something so simple up so royally.
The frustrating thing about WBC is the impact it has on God’s desire for the lost. Speaking as a reformed legalist, WBC fits the bill for what Jesus accused the Pharisee, Saddusees, and lawyers of. They know the truth, but refuse to enter heaven and prevent others from entering also.
I believe it’s true that people need to understand they are sick before they will desire a cure. Jesus approached the lost that way. That is why Peter and James say God opposes the proud (in their self-righteous thinking) and gives grace to the humble (those that already see their need).
Unfortunately, if you stand on the corner and yell at people about breaking the speed limit or parking in a handicapped spot, they’ll only get mad. Disrespecting people just makes them angry and closed.