A relevant voice
Couldn’t resist writing this one. Not exactly part of this series but definitely part of my faith journey. This is me trying to work out how the Christian faith can be portrayed and conveyed in a meaningful, effective way in today’s society……
I’m quite a fan of the Christmas advert. It’s become a thing, hasn’t it? Trying to convey something meaningful at this emotional time of year. The large stores are experts at this. Reminding us of the joys of giving and sharing. And like many others I expect, I watch these adverts via Facebook as I don’t watch much live TV. I comment on them and share them. On a smaller scale, have you seen the Traidcraft Christmas ad by the way? It’s pretty good. We should get that trending across Twitter and Facebook. It has a credible story and a warm message and good backing track. They have a blog about it – A Different Kind of Christmas Advert – which includes the ad which they describe as ‘small on budget, but big on heart’. Have a look and judge for yourself.
So it’s great that the Church of England wanted to get in on the act. After all, Christmas is our thing. We’re experts on Christmas. I’m all for looking for ways to connect with the world, to convey our message of hope and love and peace, especially at this time of division and terror and prejudice.
That’s not exactly how it’s turned out though, is it? It’s become controversy. It’s become about division – getting irate that in England, the Church of England can’t be treated differently to other religions and political groups. It’s feeding some Christians’ persecution complex that gets whipped up on social media like when someone in a workplace isn’t allowed to wear a cross or a council chooses to employ the phrase ‘Happy Holidays’ or schools decide not to put on a Nativity play.
‘We are English. We are a Christian country. We have rights. Really? As Christians, are we not meant to be promoting tolerance and respect and love and all that makes for peace?
It’s not as if this ruling is new. Or unfair. It treats all religions the same. And political groups. It’s a level playing field. Maybe the researchers behind the whole project of showing the ad in cinemas should have looked into the viability of the plan in the first place. I really cannot understand the outrage. We have to play by the same rules as everyone else, surely.
So now let’s look at the ad itself. The ad that all this fuss is about. The Church of England Prayer advert. Encouraging people to pray. Prayer is for everyone. #justpray
Great.
Except I don’t like it.
Is that it?
Prayer is for everyone, as long as we stick to the words of the Lord’s prayer?
As long as we stick to words like thee, thine, trespasses……?
As long as we use words we don’t understand like ‘hallowed’?
Is that what prayer is reduced to?
Where are the prayers for peace at this time of terror?
Where are the prayers of thankfulness for the wonderful colours of Autumn?
Where are the prayers of comfort for all those who really struggle with this time of year?
Where are the prayers that physical needs are met for food, warmth, shelter during these winter months?
Where are the prayers of the stressed out shopper – or shop worker?
Where are the normal, everyday prayers that normal everyday people pray?
And as this ad was meant to be shown before the Star Wars film, where are the prayers recognising the force that is with us, God with us, Emmanuel?
I know I’m opinionated. I’m sorry. I was just so disappointed. This just didn’t feel relevant. If it’s aimed at people for whom the Lord’s Prayer resonates, how many of those people are there actually out there these days? And what about everyone else?
I love that the church is trying to find a way to have a voice. There is great Christian material on Youtube that we can circulate and shout about. ‘The Adoration of the Handbag’ ad is certainly trying to be more relevant. It’s clever and topical and funny and well-acted and thought-provoking……
And I love the work of Dai Wooldridge – look at ‘Joseph’.
So, rant over…….I feel strongly about this….you’ve probably gathered that. Mind you, I feel in rage mode in most areas of my life at the moment and could put it all down to one of the following:-
- Hormones
- Depression
- Seasonally Affected Disorder
- Stress and Anxiety about Christmas
- Giving up sugar and alcohol for a month
- Simply being over-tired.
Or any combination of the above.
So do take what I’ve said with a pinch of salt. But please reflect on your response to what is happening. And do use Facebook as a place to share some great creativity that is out there on Youtube from Christians looking to find a relevant voice. We don’t have to worry about defending our church. We have Good News to share. We have a huge job to do in standing up for love and peace. We are to shine like stars in the darkness. We can find a relevant voice, I’m sure of it. Plenty of us are trying.
