The Paradox of Posting on Instagram
Beliefs are never louder than actions.
The first time I posted this image on Instagram, I titled it “Beliefs are never louder than actions.” Then I had three alternative titles: “Faith without deeds is dead”, “White washed rims and tombs”, and “what’s Mark Driscoll up too?”… Driscoll being the controversial pastor in Seattle of Mars Hill Church who left his role after many claims of abuse… and the subject matter of the podcast “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.”
That last part about Driscoll, just a cheeky joke, got me a slew of responses questioning the character of me.
The next year, when I was reposting this image, I added some new alternative titles, AND I added all the questioning comments that I had received. I also included the thoughts that I had when receiving those questioning comments.
When I posted the whole process…. everyone loved it.
Seriously… NOT ONE QUESTIONING COMMENT.
Here’s what I learned from this experience…
If you’re going to push on something… share the whole process.
Say your critique,
then say your fears,
and then say your questions.
Basically 8 Mile yourself….. say all the negative things about yourself first.
People are fine with critique if you include yourself in the critique process. No one likes a haughty above examination complainer. What they want is someone who’ll show some vulnerability in pointing out the hypocrisy.
We don’t want perfect judges.
We want vulnerable prophets.
Beliefs are never louder than actions.
*runner up alternative titles...
Faith without deeds is dead
White washed rims and tombs
Pick your favorite celebrity pastor resigning from their job
Mega church tax evasion
Evangelical response to climate change
Finding out your spiritual mentor during your formative years was actually a sexual predator and the organization knew it and protected them because… well… they were a good teacher
January 6th prayer meeting
Alternative image for the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast
What’s Brian Houston up too?
*Anticipated comments…
By jabbing at people and organizations, you reek of the same hypocrisy you’re pointing out.
Taking the Lords name in vain for a cheap joke is not good.
The light and gentleness of Jesus seemed to dim when you critique others.
You know, that whole speck/plank in the eye thing?
If this is the Christianity you’re seeing in America, you’re looking in the wrong place! Get off the news and get out into the community!
This disappoints me. I thought you’d be better than this.
This isn’t peacemaking.
*things I’ll think about today….
What’s appropriate to say on these platforms?
What freedoms do you lose by mostly talking about spirituality?
What if you disdain the brand of Christianity but still identify as a Christian?
What kind of relationship do you want to have with strangers in the internet?
What do you do with your anger?
Do you share your hopelessness?
Are you just as hypocritical as everything else?
Are you ever going back to church?
Can you point out hypocrisy without being labeled “political”?
Are you even helping?
Should you try to talk about something else? Like creativity or life hacks?
Why didn’t you just not post those “alternative titles” and keep your week day easy?
* second alternative title…
“Possible self portrait 2024”