FAKE NEWS VERSUS FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

If you can’t “JUST DO IT,” FAKE IT.

OK, be honest, as you are waiting in line at the grocery check-out line, how many of you sneak a peek at all the tabloid headlines? Lately, it seems to have moved beyond the tabloids and entered the world of electronics. Open your iPad and click on a news app.  How many of those headlines are designed to grab your attention? More than once I’ve succumbed to the temptation and clicked on the app only to discover the story itself is far less titillating. Still, I wonder about our appetite for this new form of public gossip.

A GAME OF FAKE NEWS AND THE CHURCH

Unfortunately, the church is not immune from scandal headlines both in the secular press and in church publications. And sometimes we are tempted to believe fake news about other Christian groups.

Take a moment and compose five tabloid headlines about churches, pastors, or Christian behavior that would attract attention and tempt cynics to believe them. You can get serious later but begin by having some wild, crazy fun. I’ll give some  examples from my crazy imagination

1. Archeologists have discovered Jesus’ diary. Shocking details about bribing Roman guards at the cross.
2. Clergy secret society exposed. Who is really in charge of church hierarchies?
3. The truth behind the clergy collar. What are they really covering up?
4. Was Paul’s attitude towards women because he was jilted as a teenager?

Now get a little more serious but still have some fun.

1. Greed is good declares a secret clergy union.
2. Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptist confront each other in a public square. Who best demonstrates fruits of the flesh. The contest is on.
3. Jesus visited major church last Sunday. Members are upset. Some threaten to leave.
4. Court rules that churches must demonstrate love, justice, and mercy to receive tax exempt status.

Finally, compose five headlines that you would like to see about the church.

1. The church is charged with excessive forgiveness. Seventy times Seven is an unreasonable criterion says society.
2. Membership petitions pastor to preach sermons that challenge members to be more faithful.
3. The church is full of hypocrites—you too are welcome.
4. First Church exposed as a community that insists on living in harmony with one another and has offered a free meal to all enemies.
5. All doubters and believers are invited to share healthy food together.

OK, it’s your turn. Invite some friends to join you in constructing some fake news headlines and brainstorming how you might create a tabloid of fun.