WWJD
Recently the prophet Mohammed was lampooned in cartoon form, and the Muslim community is furious. I was reminded of a time the Christian community was equally irate.
In 1989, Andres Serrano submerged an image of Christ crucified into a jar of urine. He called it art, the Christian community called it an outrage. Although unintentional, Mr. Serrano’s action did remind us that crucifixion is the ultimate humiliation. A crucifix’s ability to be worn as jewelry illustrates the lack of stigma the Cross carries in our society.
The acronym W.W.J.D represents the question, “What would Jesus do?” This question carried a challenge when penned by Charles Sheldon in the book, “In His Steps.” The challenge is to determine what you believe Jesus would do, and then do it.
Some young people in our country embraced this idea and began wearing bracelets and tee-shirts with a W.W.J.D. logo. Good stuff; a healthy meditation at any age.
Even though the young novice and the seasoned theologian often reach similar conclusions, we need to make allowance for, and respect the fact that, no two people may conceptualize, or relate to Jesus in exactly the same way. However, basic tenets like; love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and do not seek revenge, are easily agreed upon.
The only caveat we need apply to the W.W.J.D social experiment is an agreement among the participants to shun opinion, speculation, and the traditions of men. Scripture, raw and unadorned, should be our only guide.
The world is saturated with classless people who insult for sport. Rise above it. Christ courageously bore the shame of crucifixion; it’s a little late to be offended by an unflattering caricature of Him. My Muslim friends I ask you to consider, what would Mohammed do?