Publicizing Christ

Why is it that the worst examples of Christianity seem to have either the best marketing or the most publicity? Why do scheisters, abortion clinic bombers, promoters of perversion and preachers of false gospels seem to get public attention, while true Christianity goes almost unnoticed? Do those who spend a lifetime studying the Gospel need to get off their duffs and make public what they know? Perhaps so, but how?

As Jesus prepared for the cross, he changed tactics from keeping his mission quiet to preparing the public to notice the world's most important event. What can we learn from his publicity actions prior to his suffering? They are found in Matthew 21. One involved a whole crowd of people and one was a lone action. Let's look at them from a publicy perspective.

Timing: Jesus' procession into Jerusalem came at the most popular time of year for pilgrimage, Passover, when the city population would have been perhaps 6 times normal. Is timing of publicity for the Gospel also critical?

Provocation: A noisy procession of mostly Galileans who would have been perceived as a takeover threat to authorities in Jerusalem. The purposeful addition of a donkey fulfilled a well-known prophecy of the Messiah. Would provoking the public also work well in promoting the Gospel?

Cause a Stir: The Hosanna's and exuberance of the Galilean pilgrims entering Jerusalem caused quite a stir among Jerusalem's inhabitants. Religious authorities felt threatened and civilians were afraid that the proclamation of a king might cause trouble from their the Roman occupation forces. Should we cause a stir to further the Gospel?

Limited Radical Action: Jesus' actions against the traders in the Temple market are controversial even today. His drastic actions against the use of worship facilities for financial scandal were a one man protest demonstration. Is limited radical action within reason, rather than wimpy Gospel efforts, a consideration worth making?

I am personally saddened to see the poor marketing skills of those with a healthy Gospel message. Do we Christians need to think about timing, provocation, causing a stir and taking appropriate radical action in order to promote the most important message on the planet?