A few weeks ago I noticed the "Marking Our City" billboard on my way to and from the office. Grace Community Church occupies quite a bit of real estate right on the I-45 freeway near The Woodlands so it's pretty much unavoidable.
I have to admit, my gut reaction was not pleasant.
Now my worst fears have been confirmed - with an official artist's rendering no less!
At least it's not gawdy.
The story notes:
Part building, part sculpture, each cross would include a "prayer center" about 40 feet off the ground — a "Space Needle-type place," Pastor Steve Riggle said — where Christians from all over Houston could come to pray for the city's well-being.
Please. A "Space Needle-type place?!?" The cross is now an amusement park?!?
Don't get me wrong. Praying for your city? Great. Making a huge public display of your prayer? Bad.
The words of Jesus from Matthew 6:5-6:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
More from the Chronicle:
He hopes that other churches follow Grace's lead. "What if there was one of these at every entrance to the city?" he asks on a YouTube video. "You talk about marking our city for God!"
Ugh!
I find all of this troubling on so many levels.
Father, forgive us for trivializing and commoditizing your love and sacrifice in such superficial, stupid human ways.
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2 comments:
Okay, immediate gag-reflex-like reactions aside, who did they get to draw the globe?? A 3rd grader?!?
There are building codes and height restrictions in most areas. Many churches have trouble erecting steeples because of these restrictions. I guess because they're right on the freeway they can get away with that.
Kinda makes our job of loving people in the name of Christ that much harder since this will become the new symbol that most people will associate with Christianity.
OH MY GOD!!!!!! (on soooo many levels)
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