Last week, I argued that one reason it is difficult for Christians to respond when events around us cry out for prophecy is that the wall between church and state has been severely damaged. Let me analyze a rather crude example to illustrate another cause.
For some reason, probably because I read right-wing publications, I receive two or three short AI videos featuring Jesus and Donald Trump daily.
They present the two in all sorts of scenarios, from calm conversation to quiet walks in the woods to wild motorcycle rides. Jesus often has his arm around Trump. They sometimes shake hands, sometimes embrace. They might just be enjoying an exhilarating experience together.
Trump sometimes asks and receives Jesus’ blessing. Jesus promises to continue guiding Trump. Trump expresses his admiration for Jesus, and Jesus says he feels the same about Trump. Jesus claims he is protecting Trump, who says he knows and appreciates this. You get the idea.
The message is always that they are working together to make America great again, using their power to support the good and defeat the bad guys. Jesus clearly endorses the America First approach.
These videos are so blatantly sacrilegious I would consider critiquing them in a sermon if I was still preaching regularly. However, I would hesitate for several reasons that illustrate the new world in which we find ourselves.
The videos are sent to me online. I have no idea who is responsible. Trump might not approve of them at all. Indeed, they could be a setup by Trump haters. As a public speaker, I should know and trust the sources of my illustrations.
I have no idea how many people receive them. I could be spreading trash, making matters worse rather than better by citing them in a public address.
There is no way to attack the videos without attacking Donald Trump. Sermons should focus on the sin, not the sinner, the issue, not the politician. They are not an appropriate place to denigrate persons.
Moreover, to use this illustration inevitably brings politics into the pulpit in a way that is clearly partisan. I, at least, still think this violates the separation of church and state.
After considering these things, I probably would not use the videos. That in itself is no big deal; however, my reasoning points to a greater problem. So much political conversation is taking place online, and all of the things I noted above come into play to suppress prophecy of more dangerous evils.
Prophecy, by its nature, is always met with resistance. That takes a new form with social media, whose features we are just beginning to understand.
