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If you’re reading this I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the controversy surrounding the Stronger Men’s conference put on at local event venue by James River Church a couple of weeks ago.
The opening act was a shirtless former stripper doing a sword-swallowing act on a large … pole… of some kind. Then, a controversial preacher began his session by saying Jezebel had opened the event before the pastor yanked him off the stage and cited Matthew 18 as the proper way to deal with the matter.
Then they both bot back up on stage to reconcile.
Then the pastor preached a 40 minute midweek sermon to call the bold preacher out for stuff he allegedly said in phone calls and text he had not actually seen but trusted his son’s recollection of.
Then the sword swallower issued a statement saying the pastor was mistaken about details shared about him and says he gets saved every time he goes up and down the pole.
Then there was another public message delivered by the Matthew 18 pastor this past Sunday to apologize for inviting both the sword swallower and the fire-breathing controversial preacher to the same event
More Drama Than a Low Budget Telenovela
You know what? I give up, I can’t keep up with the drama! Why does the Church have to have more scandal, twists and turns than a low-budget Mexican telenovela?
The picture used for this episode’s publicity image or cover, depending on where you’re seeing it, comes from an attempt to use AI to generate an image for me.
Using a photograph of a matapalo, or strangler fig in English, known for its distinctive characteristic of enveloping and ultimately overpowering its host, I asked DALL-E 3 to craft an image with the following prompt:
Create an image of a strangler fig where the main tree is depicted by or symbolic of the church, being constricted by representations of entertainment, stardom, money, and fame chocking it out.
It took a few attempts, but this one was ultimately my favorite one:
The result is compelling visual metaphor—a tree at once vibrant yet ensnared by the very elements meant to augment its growth.
Does entertainment belong in the church?
In this episode of the Fire On Your Head podcast, I first share some of the deep sense of disillusionment that arises when respected spiritual leaders fall from grace, citing examples a couple of high profile example figures who’ve irreparably ruined their earthly legacies. Listen to find out who, I’m referring to.
Then we approach the current controversy du-jour as it pertains to Mark Driscoll’s recent controversies, reminding us of the ongoing challenges within the Christian community about leadership, integrity, and accountability as well as what role, if any does entertainment even have in the church?
We also discuss my main theme: the dangers of distractions and idolatry, and how “killing sticks,” can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. I challenge you to reflect on any aspects of your life that may be taking precedence over your faith.
This episode deviates from my usual monologues in a few ways longtime listeners might notice, and perhaps be disappointed in as it serves as both a lament for the current state of parts of the Christian community, but also a hopeful manifesto for a return to a more grounded, Scripture-informed faith practice.
Amid reflections on personal and collective failures, the overarching message remains one of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of returning to the core of our faith in Jesus and an organic approach to Christianity free from the matapalo of the American Gospel Enterprise.
Listen to the podcast at your favorite podcast player or through Spotify below.
Books and Links Mentioned in the Podcast
The Imperishable Seed of Christ: Understanding the Believer’s Spiritual D.N.A. by Steve Bremner
Screwtape Proposes a Toast by C.S. Lewis
Gospel Houses by Art Thomas
The Beast of Revelation by J.D. King
Mesmerize by David W. Edwards
