Award

At the 2007 Emmy Awards, the comedian Kathy Griffin, in her speech after receiving her award fired off, "Suck it, Jesus!!"

Her entire speech went like this, " Now, a lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus. He didn't help me a bit. If it was up to him, Cesar Millan would be up here with that damn dog.” (Then she spat out the offensive words listed above.) So, " . . . "

Well, degrading Jesus Christ in a democratic western country doesn't require much courage. Yet, it would be way more difficult to be courageous by speaking against Mohammad in a Muslim country.

But think about it - what point is there at being upset with someone who  has no authority to speak about Christ and the Christian faith. Nowadays it is so common for others to react out of an incorrect understanding of the Bible. That's worth noting. And even more than that "Christian churches" can take the blame by stating, "If you have faith in Jesus you will be a Winner!"

1. This is just plain wrong. Those who have faith already are winners. Christ's victory is the Christian's victory; that is sure and guaranteed. No one can snatch it away.
2. That incorrect understanding refers to human victories, like winning a football match or getting a job or even receiving an Emmy Award. No Bible reference traces a mathematical correlation between faith in Jesus and victory in human competitions. Numerous individuals in the Bible were defeated many times. And the greatest defeat by human standards was Jesus nailed to the cross.

Nonetheless, Griffin's anger may have come from the fact that many authentic Christians, when receiving a trophy or an award, acknowledge that there is someone greater than they are. Someone who bestows life, gives gifts and abilities along with courage for the competitions in life. And, they say, "thank you," to this Someone. Still, in the audience are many Christians who did not win, but are losers by human calculations. And these remain thankful to Christ for making them who they are and blessing them in what they do.

When you take all of this in account, maybe Kathy is right. The jesus she knows, the one she made up – who has no connection whatsoever with the Jesus the Bible presents us -, he does not have anything to do with her award. Griffin can enjoy her ‘god’ as it pleases her.

But if she wants to know the true Jesus, and the award he offers, no doubt she will be one of the winners.

And then she will know why so many people thank Him!

Rev. Lucas André Albrecht
Senior Chaplain at Ulbra,
Parish Pastor at “St. Paul’s” Lutheran Congregation,
Canoas ,RS, Brazil
www.ulbra.br/pastoral

Translation:

Rev. Paulo S. Albrecht

Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Text  revision

Ms. Kim Starr

MA Practical Theology & Deaconess Certified

Wisconsin, US