I Am Orin Scrivello, Sadistic Blogger
Last night I got a great comment on this post Know the Difference Between Religion and the Gospel?:
“I got a great story. It starts like this: F*CK your GOD. Let the consequences BEGIN. ps. Got a tip for U: read more BOOKS>”
Fortunately, his comment ties into a thought that’s been brewing in my head for quite some time. Let me explain.
Poster Child for Careless, Thoughtless Pain
Sadist. That’s the one word that majestically describes Steve Martin’s character in the film Little Shop of Horrors.
Orin Scrivello is the poster child for pain. He’s the poster child for careless, thoughtless, inhumane physical punishment.
He spent his childhood shooting puppies. Poisoning guppies. Bashing cat heads. Thus, his mom recommends he become a dentist. Suitable occupation.
Not a priest. Not a teacher. But a dentist.
I think it’s safe to say Orin’s maladjusted and borderline insane. And exactly the opposite of Katie.
Which reminds me of what Tim Keller said about preaching: We are like Orin when we pour on the difficult, bitter texts of the Bible without prefacing…without easing in a bit…without entering their world first.
More than once Ray Comfort speaks to this, too.
We’d never dream of walking into a room where someone is sleeping and turn on the bright lights. It’d freak them out to bad.
So, we’re coached to be witnesses, preachers and evangelists who take it slow.
Where I Struggle With His Advice
This is a new one for me. I don’t have the patience to work slowly. Build the relationship. Ease into the conversation. [That's probably why I'm a writer.]
I think I know why: Fear and insecurity drives me to bail on the conversation as soon as possible. So, get it over with quickly. That means simply drop the bomb and move on.
It’s sadistic, I know. And causes lots of damage. Call me “Orin, the Sadistic Christian.”
But let me ask you this: If I would have approached last night’s post differently–entered the non-Christian’s world, say–would that have blunted the message? Would that have changed the commenter’s response from ferocious to calm?
I don’t think so. But I’d like to hear your thoughts. Leave them in the comments. Brutal and all. I’m here to learn.
Image credit: International Posters.
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5 Comments to I Am Orin Scrivello, Sadistic Blogger
Demian,
Receiving such vehement comments like you did always makes one take stock. But you said nothing that needed to be blunted. I’d say what you dropped was more like a firecracker rather than a bomb. The issue isn’t yours it’s his. From my experience, reactions that strong mean you struck a nerve, or I should say the Spirit did. Praying for him and for whatever is really going on with him is our only recourse, particularly if he’s not interested in an actual dialogue but only a diatribe.
I’ve struggled with this for some time as well. I suppose I’m a little confused because of the instances in the New Testament where the open air preaching of the Gospel doesn’t have any kind of ease in. Maybe I’m going to far, but if God works in men’s hearts by means of the Gospel, do we need much else? I think we should be friendly and compassionate for sure to all, but how important is it to get “street cred” before you preach the Gospel?
Matt KauffmannFebruary 16, 2009
I’m not sure anyone needs “street cred” to share the gospel. I remember a conversation I was having with a not-so-Christian friend of mine, and his reply – though crass – was frightenly insightful…I still think back to it and the theological implications. Someday I’ll even decide if it was valid.
My point is this – he had zero “street cred”, but his comment enhanced my understanding of the gospel; or at least caused me to think deeper about it. Do what the Spirit leads you to do – it’s all the cred you/we need.
Demian FarnworthFebruary 16, 2009
Richard: Striking nerves is what I like best. Especially when it’s issues on our depravity and need for Christ. If were not doing that–and I think you’ll agree with me–then were not doing something right. I loved what you said: We should pray for him. I hope he sticks around.
Andrew: Great points. You don’t find much cultural balancing going on in the NT, do you? I think of Paul in front of Felix who lays on a sermon of self-control and judgment…and Felix, torn at the heart, orders Paul away. He didn’t have time to reach street cred. He was compassionate, though.
Hey, when you’re wielding a double-edged sword, if no gets cut you’re doing it wrong.
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February 16, 2009