7.25.2012

Jesus as a Fear Tactic

Here is an interesting short conversation with an Atheist, pro-Obama person who does not like my paintings.  What do you think?


Stephen

I've spent 13 years in Catholic schooling, trust me I know the bible and made a well informed decision when I left the church. I am not an expert of the Constitution, but want to know who is? The supreme court who upheld Obamacare. But that... is besides the point, your using Jesus as a fear tactic and not as his message was originally intended. You make people think that our government is somehow "going against" his teachings and will bring about destruction, you garner popularity by scaring people, If we were in the Bible you would be the guys selling things outside the church when Jesus got angry and flipped out on them.

Jon

"Using Jesus as a fear tactic," is an interesting way of describing me as an artist. Yes, I use Jesus as a "fear tactic"...especially to those who have reason to be afraid.  Anyone who cries repentance tries to show the despair and gloom associated with breaking God's law. To those who love God and liberty He's a great source of comfort. I know that God loves all of us (even Atheists who support Obama), but He allows us to make our own desicions.  The consequences of our choices can bring great fear, but we alone are responsible.

As for my livelyhood...  99% of the people who enjoy my work pay nothing. The 1% that purchase help me to make a living and support me to paint more. I sure won't apologize for that.

I don't know what happened to you Stephen, but you are contending from the wrong side of the fence. 




18 comments:

  1. Every Knee Shall bow ,for he is GOD All Mighty, like rolling thunder he will come,and all that turn away from him will fear him. Those who Proclaim that he is Lord and bow to the Prince of Peace shall live with him in his Kingdom forever. Those that have know him and turn away from him, your name will be wiped off the book of life..Light can not live in darkest, where there is light darkness can not be..

    ReplyDelete
  2. As this brother is an atheist, there is nothing more to be said to him.

    I have never thought of your depictions of Jesus in you paintings as being a "fear tactic". Rather, the presence of Him in your various paintings gird me up and help me to take greater courage in my convictions.

    I am still amazed at the unconcealed god-like reverence his followers and especially the press give to him. That, is what causes fear in me.

    Thanks, Jon, for sharing you marvelous works with us!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think you use the word "interesting" a little too freely.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I do not fear Jesus as I have put my life in his hands and he is my savior. I welcome the day when I enter into his kingdom. Obviously you still believe in him for you to fear him. Why do you fear someone you are convinced is not real?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I also enjoy how Stephen accuses you, Jon, of being able to dictate the thinking and feelings of your fellow citizens. This shows that Stephen is devoid of a sense of individualism and individual responsibility. The only person who can control how you feel and what you think is you...to deny those facts will leave an individual down the path of serfdom and/or slavery....

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is pointless to try and have a conversation with the likes of Stephen. People who don't believe will find out soon enough. In the meantime they will believe only what they WANT to believe. I have a 90 yr. old father who is like Stephen. His great joy in life seems to be starting arguments with people he KNOWS are Christian. I won't buy into his game. Both he and my sister have told me on numerous occasions they are too intelligent to believe in something supernatural. Does this mean he thinks I'm stupid? I believe so - I believe he is an elitist like so many "liberal thinkers". In fact I know my father believes as he does because he is disappointed in himself and embittered. He is afraid of consequences and somehow must believe he won't have to pay for his "sins" if he doesn't believe in a God or in Christ.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've gotta tell you. I don't fear Jesus. I don't see a King. I don't see some omnipotent entity. I see Him as my big brother, the guy who comes into your room at bedtime to check under the bed for monsters, or sits with you to ride out the thunderstorm. I see Him as the long-haired dude wearing the flannel shirt, faded blue jeans, sandals who comes out of nowhere when I am standing before God, and throws his arm over my shoulder while telling God, "Don't worry about this one, Father, for he is one of mine."
    Only those who have reason to fear him need feel fear.

    ReplyDelete
  8. God will take care of us. I don't care what anyone says!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's interesting, considering "scare tactics" is the entire Obama platform. He certainly can't have a platform based on his record.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You're paintings don't scare me; they empower me.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am so impressed with your talent, your spirit, your humility, your strength and your wisdom. I am so happy that you don't back down to any of these silly takes on what you do. I believe you are put here to do this at this time for a purpose and a reason. I love your gentle spirit that gets across a powerful and potent message in a beautiful and artistic way. There really is no other like you that I have ever seen. I support you and your work and follow your every piece of work and words and share it with others as well. God bless you Jon, your are vetting in a different kind of way that is so needed!!! Behind you all the way!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Interesting post, lots of good points. I do, however, think it's a little prideful how you claim to understand the divine will of God. I agree that faith is a source of great spiritual comfort, but you cannot force someone to accept God's love through fear, however justified that fear might be. Humility is the true mark of a God-fearing man.

    All that being said, Jon, I love your work (especially the explanations of the symbolism) and I anxiously look forward to your next piece.

    May God always comfort you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Communication!! An activity that everyone in the human race participates in, no matter what your belief system is. That being said, Jon, as well as myself, are artist's who communicate visually. We are also spiritual, who have been called according to the word of God, to spread His message to the world. To be disciples of Christ. It says in the word that we would suffer persecution. Oh well, we don't paint for the approval of man, We paint for the approval of "The Master".

    ReplyDelete
  14. It would be very helpful if you had a link to the painting which triggered this discussion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He was referring to all my Christian paintings. Perhaps One Nation Under God specifically.

      Delete
  15. I think what may be really happening to this Liberal person is the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And yes in the presence of God and His truth there is Fear and trembling.

    ReplyDelete