I don't mean to steer this off the direction it was going, so feel free to continue that. I did want to ask, however, about something I've been noticing lately. I'd be curious as to some non-Christians (and Christians who'd like to add) perspectives on the new "methods" of evangelizing. By that I mean, the edgy, hip, ministries such as Stephen Baldwin's extreme sports for Jesus ( there's many other ministries like his; I just wanted one to attach a name too), Ron Luce's "Battlecry For A Generation"/"Acquire The Fire" ministries (you can Google him/them if you're not familiar with them) etc. All of them are boasting about having teenagers "on fire for Jesus!!" etc. However, what I see is people trying to make Jesus "cool" and "edgy" and "hip" I am all for using these methods of relevance in today's culture. However, most of these people are trying so hard to make Jesus relevant, they end up making themselves and Christianity seem hollow and fake. If they used them to simply present the bare message of Jesus, "Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself." Christianity would probably have a much better face in the world. However, too many of these ministries are teaching "Jesus+ Kick-Ass Morality Guyz!!111"
Most of the time, it's centered on the morality issue. I have nothing against morality or trying to prevent young people from drinking too young or too much, trying to prevent drug use, promiscuity etc. Yet, it's touted as the cure for whatever ails you, and it's just not. For example, I could never have sex until I get married, never taste a sip of alcohol, never let another swear word pass my lips; and still be broken, miserable, judgemental, intolerant, self-righteous, and an all-around jerk. That's what so many of these "on fire for Jesus" teens are. Their hearts may be in the right place, but they're so wrong. They hold impossible standards for themselves and others and they can't handle it if they or others make those mistakes. They don't know how to relate to anyone outside the little Christian club, and they make everyone around them feel bad for being the way they are. How do I feel qualified to make these observations? It's because up until about a year and a half ago, I was one of those people I just described. Thankfully, God used people like Bono, Brennnan Manning, Jay Bakker, and numerous others along with His own voice to reach into my heart and grip it with grace. It's a stunning, yet painful thing to realize that, pardon the expression, "everything you know is wrong." All I'd been taught about God, being a good Christian was simply...wrong. Now, my heart breaks every time I see another Christian judging, and trampling, and hurting people. I used to be that person, and that's who Non-Christians thought Jesus was. I want them to see the real Jesus in me; the Jesus who loves them just the way they are, and has no ulterior motives, except to love them unconditionally forever.