So our local crummy church sign church finally got around to changing their sign (since I last posted about them). Here’s the newest display (recreated of course) –
Unlike the last sign, this one at least makes sense, but it is no less problematic. I’ve heard this phrase before. Actually, its usually said as “the Bible is God’s personal love letter to you,” but I guess they must have run out of room on the sign. Because I am more familiar with this phrase, my first thought as I drove past the new sign was that this one was at least harmless. Then I started to think about it.
How in the world is the Bible God’s personal letter to me? When did I become the center of the universe and God’s revelation?! Okay, so I understand that the probable intent of the sign is to make people feel all warm and fuzzy that God cares about them personally. And as much as I cringe at religion based on that which makes one feel good emotionally, I too believe that God does care for each of us. But to twist that idea into an individualistic philosophy that pretty much throws out the entire historic and cultural context of scripture is messed up. People start to read the passages as if they were written to them personally and not the church as a whole. (I’m assuming they will only actually take the time to read the epistles so I’m not too worried that they will think that God’s instructions to Hosea were a personal note intended for them…). The church then becomes focused on helping people continue feel like they are the center of God’s attention (and God help that church if that person doesn’t feel like they are getting the attention they deserve).
Sorry, but I can’t do that. The Bible is NOT God’s personal letter to me. The Gospel is not about ME. The church is not about ME. So __________ Baptist Church you once again win the crummy Church sign award. Congratulations!