Hello gang, it’s Bradley J. Moore here. I was brought up in a Christian bubble.
When I was an earnest young Christian man, I considered the possibility of pursuing a career in the ministry. But God said “no,” so I bravely pursued other options, and eventually turned to business. At first, the prospects of working with non-Christians intimidated me, what with their worldly secular views, their foul language, promiscuous lifestyles and all of those dirty jokes I would have to endure.
With time and experience though, I realized that the “secular” world was not so scary after all. It turned out the people I worked with were really not much different from me. Most of them were men and women of fine character, trying their best to do good, make a living and find some sense of purpose through the work that they were doing. Their spiritual journeys were simply running along different paths than the one mine had taken.
The sad truth was that I had been brought up in a Christian bubble. I had been immersed in it to such an extent through Christian radio, music, TV, conferences, and books, that I had developed an outright skittishness towards those who didn’t see the world exactly as I did.
I didn’t like them very much.
Contrast this sheltered attitude with a recent post from Michelle Corbett’s Blog, Life on Purpose. She tells a story about her friend, Kristi, a committed Christian who works for an insurance agency. Kristi decided that she would go sell insurance to the employees at the local strip club. Because, after all, strippers need insurance too, right? In the process she was able to get to know some of these ladies, and one in particular began to confide in her. When Michelle asked Kristi the obvious question, “Wasn’t it….weird?” Kristi said, “I just looked them in the eye and treated them with respect.” Well. Isn’t that how we should look at everyone? Isn’t that what Jesus did with the woman at the well? And the woman accused of adultery? And the despised tax collector up in the tree? And countless others that were probably never recorded? Rather than being a prude, or afraid, or judgmental, Kristi saw right straight through the seedy, desperate façade into the hearts and souls of these ladies as children of God, in need of love and respect. That is precisely when influence can begin, and not a moment sooner.
Bold move, Kristi.
Sometimes we Christians can become so sheltered that we are afraid of our own shadows. We rant against the “secular” marketplace as being hostile towards Christians, instead of embracing the world around as opportunities to reveal God’s love. Even in the most unusual of circumstances.
Editor’s Note: The man behind the bubble wrap is not Bradley Moore. Although we’re pretty sure he doesn’t look like a camel, we have yet to meet in person. (The guy in the picture is a model from a stock photo site.)
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I completely understand where you are coming and I understand the christain bubble. but really at the end of the day we need to cross the boundaries and be with them but not part of them. becauyse after all how will we reach them out?
Blessings to you!
Glad you caught this at Life on Purpose, Brad. I like Michele’s work and thought this was a great story. Of course, I couldn’t do what Kristi did, but even if I could (physically), I think it would still be difficult for me, morally.
Something about endorsing that lifestyle. Do you know what I mean? Simultaneously, I’d feel like a follower of Jesus and an accomplice to a crime. I guess there are ways that others are accomplices to my own crimes, but this line of work is so publicly taboo.
Help?
Bradley — I had this very conversation with journalism students at a Christian college where I teach here in northwest Iowa. Namely this issue:
“With time and experience though, I realized that the “secular” world was not so scary after all. It turned out the people I worked with were really not much different from me. Most of them were men and women of fine character, trying their best to do good, make a living and find some sense of purpose through the work …”
Very well stated.
My friends and I often joke that we live in the “Jesus Bubble” up here in Iowa’s Bible belt. But it’s not really a joke; it’s quite true. And yes, I rather like it here. But we aren’t supposed to live in the bubble only. We are to live in the world — though not to be “of it.”
Most of the students I teach have lived in Jesus Bubbles all their lives. And part of my job is to help equip them for life in the world, which may well include a secular newsroom.
If you don’t mind, I might just cut and paste a piece of this article and post it on the Power Point screen for class on Tuesday. That OK with you?
Blessings, brother. (Sorry to have rambled so long. Hope this made sense.)
Jennifer – Yes, absolutely you can cut and paste away for your students. It’s so much safer to stay inside the Jesus Bubble, and we can spend a great deal of time justifying it to ourselves. But I honestly didn’t grow up until that bubble was popped. I wonder how many of your students would be willing to leave their Christian Comfort Zone and go into the world to a strange place where they could be influencers, rather than recipients? Would they keep their faith in tact? I wish I could be a fly on the wall at your classroom! (I think I feel another post coming on!)
Sam –
I guess Kristi’s decision to approach the strip club as a legitimate business (as opposed to a “sinful” group of people) can be debated. I am looking more at her action as one of looking beyond the sin to the soul of the people involved. It’s almost like she used her legitimate job to enter a not-so-legitimate establishment as a way of saying “You are people too, worthy of respect” and from there can move on to authentic conversations. I think because she was a woman, she could get away with it. You and I would never have been able to. But, have you ever entered a bar? A casino? Have you ever walked down a street where kids were buying and selling drugs? How are those lost souls going to get reached unless someone steps in to their lives, exactly where they are at? I think we are so prudish and afraid that we would just rather avoid the setting and the people, and chalk it up to sinful lifestyles to be shunned.
The one place where I see less prudishness is in the inner cities. The believers there are much more toughened up to the sick lifestyles around them – and are more open to approaching the prostitutes, addicts, etc. without getting all twisted up about it.
THanks for your thoughtful comments!
Well said.
Bradley, that is a great comment. This conversation reminds me of Craig Gross and xxxChurch. Here’s an organization that purchases booths at porn shows in order to give bibles to porn stars.
They even started printing a special edition bible entitled “Jesus Loves Porn Stars” a few years back.
That’s the kind of outlandish creative and courageous Christianity that makes me raise my eyebrows and shift in my seat a little bit. Sounds like Michelle Corbett’s friend is doing a similar kind of work.
This is a topic that’s been rolling around my mind lately. I also grew up in a Christian bubble, but God is good and has shown me ever so patiently how to step outside of it. (Though I must admit I prefer the safe comfort of my happy round world.)
As a whole in our culture, we as Christians tend to stay within our own created boundaries. We do Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, Bible studies, and thus fill our time with all things good and Christian.
But we totally neglect those souls who are heading for eternal torment away from God. Jesus didn’t come so that we may socialize with each other. He came so that all may know Him. And He told us to get out there and embrace them.
I appreciate your thoughts and your post!
Marcus – It’s funny that you mention the porn ministry guy. I read about him in the Wall St Journal a couple years ago. Like you, at first I just thought that was way too far out in left field, but the more I thought about it the more I realized that this man was probably the only Christian in the world who would ever be reaching out this industry. So, why not? He is obviously comfortable/familiar with it and feels a calling. It sounds like he came out of that industry so can relate these folks in a unique way. Who knows what God is doing through his efforts?
Elizabeth – Thanks for chiming in. The first step is to admit we are in a bubble, right?
PS I was going to mention the porn ministry guys in my previous comment, but didn’t want to use the word “porn” at HCB! You broke the ice.
i was thinking lately that maybe
to “be in the world” really does mean to be “in it”. i honestly do not think that we have a choice here. because on tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, and saturdays, when not going to church or whatever, we are going to the gas station, the grocery store, the wine shop, the vet, well…you know what i mean, we actually do get out and speak to people in our days, sometime the same people over and over…like at the post office or the barbur, that we can pay special attention to, and be aware of being in the world that has the needs of the world.
and
to be in the world but… “not a part of the world” is to realize that we do not belong to the world but that we belong to God.
so while we are living our life for God, here in the world, we should always remember who we belong to.
we are always in the world, even when we don’t think we are, and we would do good to remember who we are and who we belong to…even at church.
When we moved about four years ago, I really stepped out of the Christian bubble. Now I find it hard to step back into it. It feels awkward, like trying to speak a language that I used to be fluent in. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
i wonder what each of us thinks of the christian bubble.
is there such a thing as a christian bubble?
if you think so…
is there just one or more than one?
what is your definition of a christian bubble?
does everyone live in a bubble?
it is very positive to view the world around us as opportunity
to share God’s love. God knows that we all need it.
it is better than viewing the whole world as something to
be hiding ourselves from. we may belong to God, but, live
in the world of human beings that God wants to Love.
Megan – I am with you. I feel the same way, except it’s been years that I have held strong to my faith but have stepped away from a daily immersion in all things “Evangelical Christian-ish.” Like you, it was due to a physical move that took me out of a very spiritually comfortable place. Now, I feel a little strange when I hear Christians talk the talk – the language I used to speak, but now, like you, seems somewhat foreign. Although God and Jesus are certainly not foreign to me.
I want to write more, but I’ve got to go. Nancy – I will be thinking about your bubble question.
The “Christian Bubble” is a facade. It’s not really a bubble its more of a mask or charade that hides bigotry, racism, elitism, sexism, etc. You know why you don’t have this problem as much in the inner cities (most of the rest of the world). It’s because many of those christians are impacted by the same poverty, racism, and crime as non christians. They see GOD not only as a rescuer but also a “life jacket” to throw to others. consequently they can identify with “sinners” plights and needs. And honestly it’s easier to talk to a sinner about GOD than a Christian.
I’m a minister that is a son of both parents that are ministers. And both parents were kids of ministers. I guess that makes me third generation and a modern day levite
On top of that, my wife is a preacher’s kid. But what I’ve learned from ALL the teaching and ALL the education is that the church is NOT the place to get the attention and understanding that the world needs. The church has gone from a soup kitchen feeding the hungry to a fast food place feeding the biases, hypocrisy, and elitism of Christians. GOD has become Santa Claus where we spend more time asking for things than asking for ways to help reach more people. It’s the church of me, where it’s easier to accept a gay minister than a black one. The most segregated time in America is on Sunday morning. We have become exactly what Christ struggled against. We have become the Sadducees and the Pharisees of our time. We spend more time and energy debating whether a political figure is saved or not. Whether there should be bible/10 commandments in the schools or not. And whether certain songs or books or movies are acceptable. We build cathedrals, so-called monuments to GOD when people in these same areas are hungry and without hope. We got to church to feel good, get a pep talk rather than looking for a mission. The church has relegated aid and outreach to not for profits. The YMCA, Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc. were are started as Christian organizations. And just like they have sold their souls to the world long ago, the church has followed suit. I could go on and on but the best summary is that the church has lost its way… Matt 7:20-23