Recently I watched a SNL skit D'Jesus Unchained.
People I deeply respect posted it and I clicked on to see what I hoped was a clever skit - something witty and respectful.
That was not to be.
Though the production value of the piece was well done, the content was deeply offensive to me - it was a cheap shot against the very nature of God by too-funny cowards.
Allow me to explain.
Humor is an asset. I hold it as a valuable asset along the travellog of life. People who take it to an extreme first become annoying in their journey with us, then they become irritating as they slow us down and finally they become offensive as we're forced to walk with them. It often takes time to move through this arc.
SNL made the trip in light speed.
A Fox commentator put it this way:
"We’ve seen the networks and national news publications denigrate the Christian faith with great flair -- from the “Good Christian B****es” of ABC to Newsweek’s Christmas essay about the “The Myths of Jesus.”
I find it interesting that the networks always mock and ridicule Christianity – but they give other religions a pass.
Why aren’t the writers at SNL churning out weekly skits about Islam – or the Prophet Mohammed? Where’s the mock movie trailer for “Jihad Undetonated?” Where’s the television show called “Good Muslim B****es?” Or the magazine essay about “The Myths of Mohammed?”
I suspect we all know the answer to why."
So, where's the yuck-yucks about other religions? Where's the comedian laughing away another person's faith beliefs?
It's not there. Even the cartoon depiction of Islam's prophet receives an immediate and forceful response to mockery.
And Christianity get's blasted on SNL.... with Djesus Unchained?
Show me D'(fill in the blank) Unchained and watch the world's response. It won't happen.
Why not?
For two reasons: First, Christians are an easy mark. Balanced members among the Christian faith tend not to blow up in anger at theatrical things like this. Sure, some do. But most of us realize that Jesus needs no defense. He is God. He'll deal with each person on his or her own merits, based on the shadow of the cross and his offer of redemption. If we wouldn't allow the mocking of our own fathers this way, why would we not flinch at the mocking of the Father or His Son?
Second, comedians tend to find their humor from deep sadness in their past. Not always, but often enough that the sad clown is an accepted iconic figure to most of us. The sadness tends to be attached in part to a disappointment in God. Anger proceeds forth from that pain.
And disrespectful skits like DJesus Unchained.
If I'm wrong, prove it. Dig in and dis other faiths, especially ones with swords. Jesus didn't carry a sword. He told Peter to put his small sword back in the scabbard.
I'm suggesting that SNL put their assault weapons back in their weapon carriers.
'Cause in the end, it's not truly funny.
Den
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