26 Jun 08
1 edit
I saw a bumper sticker today that said "Jesus is the answer".
But what is the question? Here are some possibilities I have come up with so far:
Which character in The Big Lebowski is an alleged pederast?
What do you get when you replace the b in besus with a J?
26 Jun 08
Originally posted by LemonJelloThough I am sure you realize it, it is nothing more than a marketing campaign, little different from many other adverts that rely on weaknesses in human psychology. Essentially they are capitalizing on the fact that many people have problems or questions that they do not have solutions/answers too, and the advert is vague enough about what question it is answering to tempt people to try to find out more 'just in case'. It also capitalises on what I call the lottery effect. Humans have a weakness for situations where the perceived effort is small and the possible payout is large, and we tend to go for it even when the probability of a payout is ridiculously minute.
I saw a bumper sticker today that said "Jesus is the answer".
But what is the question? Here are some possibilities I have come up with so far:
Which character in The Big Lebowski is an alleged pederast?
What do you get when you replace the b in besus with a J?
The combination of these two factors has allowed myth and mysticism and religions to deceive people in large numbers throughout the ages. (if you are religious, and reading this, don't take this as an insult, just assume I am talking about all the 'other' religions / beliefs).
How many people follow astrology but don't really believe it? or do really believe it?
26 Jun 08
Originally posted by LemonJello[a] who gave his life for the souls of earth
[b]I saw a bumper sticker today that said "Jesus is the answer".
But what is the question?
[b] who will save you from the torment of hell
[c] who do christians belive in
[d] who is the son of god
[e] or maybe why did you read this bumper sticker.
30 Jun 08
Originally posted by LemonJello42
I saw a bumper sticker today that said "Jesus is the answer".
But what is the question? Here are some possibilities I have come up with so far:
Which character in The Big Lebowski is an alleged pederast?
What do you get when you replace the b in besus with a J?
01 Jul 08
Originally posted by twhiteheadYou raise good points that are concerned primarily with 1) ignorance and the associated desire for answers, however vague and ersatz the so-called answers may actually be and 2) the Pascal Wagering mindset.
Though I am sure you realize it, it is nothing more than a marketing campaign, little different from many other adverts that rely on weaknesses in human psychology. Essentially they are capitalizing on the fact that many people have problems or questions that they do not have solutions/answers too, and the advert is vague enough about what question it is ...[text shortened]... ).
How many people follow astrology but don't really believe it? or do really believe it?
There's another aspect of witnessing that I find particularly ugly (not all witnessing: I'll restrict attention to certain strands of evangelicalism and similar scourges upon the earth). It's the way some evangelicals use fear and guilt as motivators, coupled with the debasement of human nature. Here's a good example from Ray Comfort:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/watch/witness_sealbeachkid_high.html
Basically:
First off, you're inherently evil and petty by your very nature. For two, there exists some all-knowing invisible being who aims to toss you in a lake of fire for your deficient nature (oh, but he's all-loving, compassionate, and perfectly just at the same time). For three, Jesus is just somehow the answer because blah blah blah.
We all know the general story, and it doesn't make a lick of sense. So one thing I am interested in is how this sort of witnessing could ever be effective (under what conditions). I'm still trying to piece together my thoughts on that, along with what it really means for the witnessing to be effective.
01 Jul 08
1 edit
Originally posted by stokerYour [e]:
[a] who gave his life for the souls of earth
who will save you from the torment of hell
[c] who do christians belive in
[d] who is the son of god
[e] or maybe why did you read this bumper sticker.
Q: Why did you read this bumper sticker?
A: Jesus.
That one doesn't quite seem to work. Good work on the others though -- you've read your bible.
01 Jul 08
Originally posted by LemonJelloWould the same analysis apply to the bumper sticker:
You raise good points that are concerned primarily with 1) ignorance and the associated desire for answers, however vague and ersatz the so-called answers may actually be and 2) the Pascal Wagering mindset.
There's another aspect of witnessing that I find particularly ugly (not all witnessing: I'll restrict attention to certain strands of evangelical ...[text shortened]... my thoughts on that, along with what it really means for the witnessing to be effective.
"RUM IS THE ANSWER" ? ...😀
01 Jul 08
Originally posted by LemonJelloI take it you have not come across testimonials about miracles that included the statement :
...I am interested in is how this sort of witnessing could ever be effective (under what conditions). ....
" .... and I was about to kill myself and run my car off the cliff and at the last second I saw it .... right in front of me ... it was a miracle I tell you ... right there it said on the bumper sticker ...... JESUS IS THE ANSWER ...... Praise the Lord ... I am saved ! .. "
01 Jul 08
Originally posted by LemonJelloAs a Christian, I too have a problem with trite sayings like that. I like to think my faith is a little better thought out than that.
I saw a bumper sticker today that said "Jesus is the answer".
But what is the question? Here are some possibilities I have come up with so far:
Which character in The Big Lebowski is an alleged pederast?
What do you get when you replace the b in besus with a J?
01 Jul 08
3 edits
Originally posted by Rajk999I don't consider that to be an instance of effective witnessing. Nor do I place much reliability in testimonials about putative miracles. Besides, I meant that my interest was in considerations of when an approach like Ray Comfort's (in the video) could be effective -- not in considerations of when the "jesus is the answer" sign could "miraculously" influence the life of some sad sap in mysterious ways.
I take it you have not come across testimonials about miracles that included the statement :
" .... and I was about to kill myself and run my car off the cliff and at the last second I saw it .... right in front of me ... it was a miracle I tell you ... right there it said on the bumper sticker ...... JESUS IS THE ANSWER ...... Praise the Lord ... I am saved ! .. "
01 Jul 08
Originally posted by LemonJelloI agree.... I was being sarcistic.
I don't consider that to be an instance of effective witnessing. Nor do I place much reliability in testimonials about putative miracles. Besides, I meant that my interest was in considerations of when an approach like Ray Comfort's (in the video) could be effective -- not in considerations of when the "jesus is the answer" sign could "miraculously" influence the life of some sad sap in mysterious ways.