Bogosity

Actually I don’t really but thought that a title like that might get some attention. Just like how a bunch of churches have been trying the same publicity stunt using their infamous billboards. Of course the trouble with catchy three worders is that they can be interpreted to mean all kinds of things and the controversy around these signs proves my point. Duncan has chronicled some of the shenanigans on his blog:

Does Jesus love Osama? » Duncan Macleod on the Gold Coast

A number of churches around Sydney this last week have put up signs saying “Jesus Loves Osama”, with the words from Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”.

It reminds me of a time that my parent’s church put Jesus 1, Satan Nil on their billboard – just as the Americans went into Iraq in March 2003. Apparently it had nothing to do with supporting the US but was supposed to be a lead in to lent. But not everyone driving past in their cars would have stopped to ask, most people would just interpret it as support for the war.

Likewise, this pithy slogan is more likely to put people off Christianity than bring the masses in through the doors.