A lesson to be learned from: Good Christian Belles(*****)

[mikhen7]

Good article with a lesson for us all.

By Robin Schumacher

The new ABC TV series “Good Christian Belles” or “GCB” originated from a book by Kim Gatlin, entitled “Good Christian *******." (My edit) ABC intended to air the series under its original name, but came under fire from several of its affiliates as well as a few women’s organizations, and so they renamed the show to something they considered less offensive. However, they stuck to the theme of Gatlin’s book, which follows the lives of professing Christian women who, in spectacular fashion, demonstrate they are anything but.

It goes without saying that had ABC substituted another category of women for the show – take your pick – “Muslim”, “Jewish”, “Lesbian”, etc., the show would have never seen the light of day. Predictably, though, some secular humanists are calling Christians who object to the series whiners, although one wonders how they would feel to have something they cherish mocked in such a way.

But this worldview that claims to cherish respect and tolerance and yet is blind to disrespect and intolerance aimed at those who don’t share its beliefs is to be expected. As noted Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias observes, "Is it not odd that whenever it has power, liberalism is anything but liberal, both in the area of religion and politics?"

But let’s look beyond this double standard and give some serious attention as to why shows like GCB appear in the first place.

By Your Standard of Measure…

In his book “Unchristian”, researcher and Barna group president David Kinnaman surveyed a wide U.S. demographic (those born between 1965 and 2002, which make up approximately 77% of the population) of non-Christians and found that only 3% had a positive impression of evangelical Christians.[1] Asked why they viewed Christians so negatively, 85% said it was because they believed that Christians were hypocrites; that they professed one thing and lived another.[2]

Just like the characters of Good Christian Belles.

Now, the question to ask is: are those surveyed by Kinnaman correct? Is the evangelical Christian community, by and large, one that is hypocritical in the things that it says and does? If it is, then it’s not surprising that we get openly called out by the world via things like ABC’s TV series. We can expect those in the world to assume the place of God in the statement made by Jesus, “By your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2), and react negatively when they perceive a mismatch in the Christian’s talk and walk.

The Biblical Mandate

So, just what is our standard in this area? Not surprisingly, the one showcased by Christ Himself. When Jesus was illegally put on trial by His opponents, they had a very tough time in one particular and crucial area: finding something with which to charge Him. Matthew tells us, “Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward” (Matthew 26:59-60).

Jesus came through His trials absolutely squeaky clean where His character was concerned. The rest of the New Testament holds this out as our standard as well, with just a few examples being:

“Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:6–8).

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom” (James 3:13).

“Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:15–16).

What happens when the Church doesn’t do this? We get tattooed by shows like Good Christian Belles, and God’s name is trampled on; something Paul talks about when he says: “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? For "THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU," just as it is written” (Romans 2:21-24).

Our Lesson

To be sure, the Church gets slandered and lied about on a regular basis, with the work of real saints being conveniently and consistently overlooked by the world. But if we’re to be honest, we sometimes get the treatment we deserve because we fail to follow Christ’s example and forget that, while many in the world won’t read the first four gospels in the New Testament, they definitely read the fifth gospel, which is the life that we live before them.

The atheistic philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once remarked, “I’ll believe in the Redeemer when the Christians look a little more redeemed.” Whether we like it or not, he’s got a point. Ravi Zacharias explains: "How do you communicate with a generation that listens with its eyes and thinks with its feelings? You will need an apologetic that is not merely heard, but is also seen. If my Christian life is not visible to my neighbor, no amount of prophetic utterance is going to convince that neighbor that Christianity is true. Is your life in private that which you claim in public?”

Ravi’s statement is very Biblical. When Paul came to the people of Thessalonica, he explains how he brought the gospel to them in this way: “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Don’t miss that last part – Paul lived out Christ before them and “proved” among them the truth of the message he carried via the life he displayed each and every day in their midst.

Make no mistake – I don’t like Good Christian Belles at all. But I think it can serve as something we can learn from. As we protest the new ABC series, let us also look at ourselves, remember Jesus’ moral example, and recall the simple truth He gave us that would stop shows like this from ever appearing in the first place: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 15:16).

[mikhen7]

It is a sad fact that those who do live honorably have to take the rap for those who do not. But remember, God knows the truth. Ultimately those who come to Christ must respond to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. That said, I do believe our witness is of utmost importance but I do not take away the merciful and powerful work of God in the heart of another.
God Bless

[Meg]

One of the most educational books I have read about how Christians are perceived was The Unlikely Disciple by Kevin Roose. He went well out of his way to point up the failures of compromised Christians while conveniently dodging or subtly mocking serious Christians. While that is typical of unbelievers, the inadvertent mistakes of college age Christians can and should be learned from. We would also do well to teach young and not-so-young people to dismiss the mockery of unbelievers and stand our ground. I did, and I am glad I did. The testimony of my life as a Christian stands to those who know me in person, and if I have done anything to serve the Lord, I think the way I live matters.

In my life as an unbeliever, I used to mock Christian hypocrisy openly. Jim and Tammy Bakker, Oral Roberts and some people I had met who were professing Christians were the source of my ire, but I do remember how little the genuine believers affected me too. To this day, I wonder about that... But it is well to carefully consider how we live. Even if it matters to only one person, the Eternal impact of that one changed life of that one person we might influence can be inestimable... Let us pray...

[Any Minute]

Thanks for posting this. What a wretched show and another attempt at smearing the name of Jesus and those that follow Him. I enjoyed the article and it brought out many great truths of the scriptures.

I can remember a time before I was a born again Christian when to my shame, I too looked at Christians as hypocrites. This isn't meant to minimize the importance of a believers need to walk out what they believe as they grow and mature in the faith. Speaking from a time when I wasn't able to spiritually discern the word by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the unsaved also speak of things they know nothing about, judging Christians by a standard they certainly can't understand. We have all probably experienced something simular or done it ourselves, either stood in judgement or judged others before we knew anthing about what it meant to be born again.

I guess what I mean is, How can the lost possibly tell a Christian what the standard is? At best they might have heard something or even read the Bible but unless they are born again, they haven't a clue what they talk about. Most everyone has heard some portion of the Law whether a believer or not, and they try to judge Christians by what they think a Christian should be. Jesus is the standard, not how we walk out our faith accourding to those who have no faith. Jesus is also the fulfillment of all that He requires, we either receive the free gift of salvation by faith or we die in our sins.

Like I said above, I'm not trying at all to give the impression that how we live out, walk out, our faith isn't important because it is. The world is watching. Mostly to ridicule and judge us, but some will take notice and be shown the error of their ways before it's too late. I praise God that I was.

One of the many parts of the article that stood out to me was the poll, and 85% of non-christians having a negative view because they think we are hypocrites. I wanted to point out that if they know and understand what the standard or measure is to be considered a Christian and can point out our failures in the flesh and yet they aren't saved, who's the hypocrite? They know better....... and yet refuse to believe? Of course they don't, the blind pointing out all the potholes and don't even realize they've already fallen in the ditch.

[Any Minute]

Hey Meg, I didn't see your post or I could have saved myself alot of fumbling around on my keyboard to write a few incoherent paragraphs.
I agree with your post.

[SonSeeker]

I think another reason Christians get a bad rap is unbelievers think Christians are supposed to be perfect, when in reality we are simply forgiven. Though we strive for perfection, we must be satisfied with progress.

One of the ways I practice progress is to never tune in that show you mentioned.

On a side note, I wish there were some good Christian shows on the tube. Not the talk shows on GTV which is really a televised Bible study, or the televangelists screaming into the mic in front of a huge audience. But why can't there be some good, Christian, heart-warming family shows on the tube? I mean after-all, how many cop shows are there?

[mattfivefour]

They can change the name all they like, but the theme of the entire series has not changed. Just another reinforcement of Satan's efforts to paint Christians as sanctimonious hypocrites.

[micah719]

The old hypocrisy excuse. Of course, if you look into Scripture you'll find that it is only the sick that The Physician came to heal, not the healthy. The true hypocrite is the sinner that knows it (they all do) but insists on standing on his own righteousness. Ask a true Christian and he'll readily admit wretchedness and failure....but he will also point the way to The Lord. No amount of lifestyle evangelism will ever win anyone. Faith comes by hearing The Word of God, not observing the lifestyles of saints. This is not to malign the pursuit of holiness, but to emphasise that unless the sinner gets to hear Biblical preaching of Law and Gospel, they are not going to repent. Our failures in our wicked walks dishonour The Lord and give occasion to the unregenerate to blaspheme, but they do not justify anyone disobeying The Gospel.

Watch any pre-glorification redeemed sinner long enough and you'll find something to criticise.....but that won't do the critic any good in front of The Great White Throne (of Sentencing).

There has been no TV in the Hovel of Micah for ten years now. Not a moment too soon, and good riddance!

[FaithInChrist]

Make no mistake – I don’t like Good Christian Belles at all. But I think it can serve as something we can learn from. As we protest the new ABC series, let us also look at ourselves, remember Jesus’ moral example, and recall the simple truth He gave us that would stop shows like this from ever appearing in the first place: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 15:16).

Humble us Dear Lord, may we seek Your will in every minute of every day.

[Meg]

On one hand, 1 Peter 4:1-4 applies:

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

On the other hand, since Christians have strong opinions about other people's behavior, we should try our best to not resemble people we denounce. The way it works is when we do right they never remember, but when some high profile Christian makes a mess of things they never forget. This was definitely reflected in Roose's book and in his stubborn atheism.

[Robert]

They can change the name all they like, but the theme of the entire series has not changed. Just another reinforcement of Satan's efforts to paint Christians as sanctimonious hypocrites.

Yeah, but how much "ammunition" has been given to them to fire at us? Paul states in Romans that sin is no longer our master, yet far too many who say they are "Christian" live as if the Gospel has made no difference whatsoever in their lives. This is not to exonerate, by any means, those who fire at us: they find examples to use and then apply them to everyone who names the name of Christ.

[Any Minute]

On one hand, 1 Peter 4:1-4 applies:



On the other hand, since Christians have strong opinions about other people's behavior, we should try our best to not resemble people we denounce. The way it works is when we do right they never remember, but when some high profile Christian makes a mess of things they never forget. This was definitely reflected in Roose's book and in his stubborn atheism.

Good point and it's not just the high profile Christians. I've noticed that even some of my family like to point out my past sins or times when I might stumble now and claim I must not be a Christian. They refuse to see that I'm not saved because of what I do, but because of what Jesus did. Of course there is nothing biblical about abusing His grace and trying to justify continuing in blatant sin. I'm learning that i can't be a good enough Christian to win anyone over, I fail everytime. I think God uses that to keep me always looking to and relying on Him, always and only pointing the way to Jesus, the only One who can save. The only one who can clean us up.

The world loves to remember us by the worst things we do, I guess it makes them feel better about their own sin.

[Hannah]

Of course there is nothing biblical about abusing His grace and trying to justify continuing in blatant sin. I'm learning that i can't be a good enough Christian to win anyone over, I fail everytime. I think God uses that to keep me always looking to and relying on Him, always and only pointing the way to Jesus, the only One who can save. The only one who can clean us up.

The world loves to remember us by the worst things we do, I guess it makes them feel better about their own sin.

Yes unfortunately brothers and sisters in Christ do this to each other as well.

We all fail and some of us do it time and again. However do they ever recall all the times you managed to do things right??? Nope.

It is God that brings mankind to Himself and His gospel/scriptures that leads them to repentance and salvation not our good works. It is all God's work not ours so we cannot boast.

Even when we fail God is still able to bring mankind to salvation. So despite Satan's attempts to discredit His children, God can still bring people to His Truth so they can get saved.

[GlennO]

The OP mentioned the Barna Group. God save us from secular or Christian pollsters !!

They are a gateway drug to seeker-friendly strategies !!

[mattfivefour]

Yes unfortunately brothers and sisters in Christ do this to each other as well.

We all fail and some of us do it time and again. However do they ever recall all the times you managed to do things right??? Nope.

It is God that brings mankind to Himself and His gospel/scriptures that leads them to repentance and salvation not our good works. It is all God's work not ours so we cannot boast.

Even when we fail God is still able to bring mankind to salvation. So despite Satan's attempts to discredit His children, God can still bring people to His Truth so they can get saved.

Right on, Hannah!