Perhaps a controversial question to ask is: how cool is/was Jesus?
If he was in a man’s form today, would Jesus be the kind of man that would play video games with you whilst listening to you talk about your problems and sins?
Or would he be a puritanical holier-than-thou kind of man?
Christian conservatives, through their actions and words, paint an image of a Jesus that is traditional, often misogynistic, disapproving of liberal views and ways of life, authoritarian, and dissociated from popular beliefs.
In their views, Jesus has no chill.
A careful observation would show that there is a huge ideological difference in the way different Christian groups view the man Jesus. Even in same groups, outlooks vary greatly.
It is, however, difficult to say what the founder of the Christian faith is or isn’t. Neither is it easy to define his personality or outlook towards life.
But if there’s anything for which he was known for, it is the simple fact that he was/is a good shepherd who understood his flock and how best to sow seeds that will bear the desired fruit.
On Sunday, I set out to attend The Elevation Church (Lekki) with little or no expectation.
A friend, who had recommended the church, described it as a “microwave church” on account of how short and precise the church service lasted –and really, it was very short and precise.
In all ramifications, The Elevation Church (TEC) is a modern church, bathed with an air of elitism that isn’t really condescending, but you still got an impression that everyone knows their place.
It appeared to be a church comfortable in its identity as a religious gathering that was forward looking yet ready to pump on the brake on what to accept and what not to.
The music -played by a full band with guitarist, pianist and a full set of drum- was good, yet unrelatable and bland.
In her quest to embrace modernity, TEC has successfully pushed out any trace of their identity as Nigerians (or as Africans) with pre-formed traditions and languages that could easily be balanced with modern practices (like RCCG, Ogba) if they wished to.
It would appear that the church members suffer amnesia once inside the church, forgetting their cultural identity and their origin.
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the church was its Pastor, Godman Akinlabi, who spoke with a refreshing outlook on life, God and religiosity.
As he pranced around the elevated stage in a boyish gait, Pastor Godman gesticulated in a manner that reminds one of a mild-tempered rapper with tampered down lyrics and gracious manners.
His preaching was marked with humorous, yet insightful, metaphors and jokes. He gave off an air of a man of God – whom young believers can easily approach without feeling judged or condemned.
And as I saw and listened to Pastor Godman preach, I wondered how old-fashioned conservative Christians will describe his way of teaching and pastoring.
Will they turn up their noses at him and call him a false prophet?
So seriously, how cool was Jesus? How cool should a Pastor or Priest be?
Y Naija
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