It would be great if believers could just boldly ask, "Will the real Jesus please step forward?" With so many Christian groups and organizations presenting Jesus differently, how can anyone know who is telling the truth?
Perhaps the strongest deception occurs when folks accept as true only what feels good, a Jesus who rescues them from sin, loves them unconditionally, and hangs out in case they need a parking space close to the market. This is a Jesus they can be comfortable with at any given happy moment, but who will fail them miserably when sorrow comes.
This imaginary Jesus, in all his forms, is what Matthew Mikalatos addresses in his book Imaginary Jesus. Far from the true Lord, this creature is a product of misinformed, sometimes desperate, imaginations created to satisfy spiritual conscience and inevitably, spiritual dilemmas. It's how we answer why to the questions with no humanly sensible answers.
Using humor and pieces of personal testimony, Mr. Mikalatos caused me to laugh out loud and rush back from classes so I could find out what antics happened next. I love the way he depicted the real Jesus as a person who cares deeply for humanity, and as a knowable, reachable, omniscient Lord. Having found this book after the incomprehensible death of one of my students, the book brought me comfort and renewed interest in Christian growth.
I highly recommend Imaginary Jesus as a means of discussion about defining vs finding Jesus and the roles Christians mistakenly assign Him vs who He really is according to Scripture. Support this author, and help spread this important message.
Hey thanks for the great post! I'm so glad you enjoyed Imaginary Jesus... be sure to check out my new book, too, Night of the Living Dead Christian! Thanks so much!
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