Riverwood Presbyterian Church

Christian Chaff

You Say It Best, When You Wear Nothing At All

by Tim Lien

After some discussions from a bunch of “non-commenters,” I think it would probably be helpful if I offered some real affirmation and proper critique of the “Christian” products that I doom to carry the label of “Christian Chaff.” (And, no, these products will not eventually begin to carry a proud dignity ala Hester Prynne’s prominent ‘A.’) Sometimes their weaknesses seem so garish, blatant, and self-evident, that I don’t think it needs my added derision. But I don’t think that serves anyone to fully, critically, tactfully, carefully, and responsibly interact with their environs. (Yes, that was a continuous string of 5 adverbs)

These t-shirts were found online here. However, full credit goes to Miss Prathima Ryali-Hancock for discovering the site. Although not shown below, she had a particular bewilderment at the entire “Jesus Is My Homeboy” line of t-shirts and accessories.

Now, after you chuckle with Reformed Disdain— look, again. We have to take these examples seriously, because there are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who, indeed, wear these shirts. An unbelieving world rarely can make the proper distinctions between denominations, or between fanaticism and orthodox belief. Whether we like it or not, we are lumped together in a giant ball of doughy Christianity. Consequently, I think it is proper and important for there to be continual examination and reformation within the Church, by the Church, regardless of denominational affiliation.

First, I would like to point out the praise-worthy aspects of these shirts. It is tempting to assume that the makers of these shirts, primarily, have monetary gain as their motivation. However, I think that this would be a dangerous and inappropriate leap. I think many of these Christian Chaff products stem from sweet and sincere motivations. Note Exhibit A: Patriotism is not altogether bad; neither is exuberance at proclaiming that “Jesus Saves!” Taken separately, I don’t mind either sentiment. Note Exhibit B: There seems to be a desire to pattern our lives after preceding saints, coupled with a plea/exhortation to stick with it when the going gets rocky (pun intended). Those are excellent messages. Note Exhibit C: Truly, Christ is the King of Kings—a proclamation that will find its fruition when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess” those very words. Note: Exhibit D: I think part of the designer’s motivations included a real urgency for people to a) know the reality of a much larger spiritual realm, and b) realize that all people will be called into account for their belief. In isolation, all of these messages are great. However, there is more work to be done.

Although motivations and intentions can be sweet and sincere, the final result of an action or product must also stand alone in its ability to be assessed. And that makes this stuff Christian Chaff.

Exhibit A: This t-shirt is the most appalling to me. Popular evangelicalism has confused patriotism with the Gospel. When Scripture paints a picture of heaven with “all tribes and nations,” I hardly think that the Stars and Stripes will be waving behind the seraphim. In juxtaposition, it would seem that God has blessed the good ole U.S. of A with divine right, and a monopoly on true religion.

Exhibit B: Ask yourself, “Who is the intended audience for this shirt?” If it is intended for believers (evidenced by “stand your ground”), then the edgy statement “Get Stoned” is unnecessary and inappropriate. Is this the proper venue to deliver encouragement and exhortation to a fellow struggler? Surely, there are better ways. In the same way, if the shirt is targeted towards unbelievers, then it has truly little or no meaning without defining context. Misperception will be imminent if there is no shared understanding of the biblical story.

Exhibit C: Parody, imitation, and satire are all tools that have dramatic rhetoric value while, simultaneously, being humorous. However, imitation shows a great lack of creativity if it is unable to highlight something beyond the original meaning. In other words, the t-shirt logo fails to emphasize anything profound or extraordinary. Principally, it is pronouncing, “The King of Kings is just as amazing as the King of the Whoppers.” And, sadly, that’s not saying much.

Exhibit D: If I were to read this t-shirt, I can’t imagine that my heart would be suddenly turned to repentant mush. I liken this t-shirt to the “Hell Houses” that are so prominent in October. If that is the Gospel message, then I want no part of it.

As the title suggests, I believe we might just be more effective if we didn’t wear any Christian t-shirts. I have no evidence to support this following statement, so take it with a grain of salt, but: I sincerely believe that Christian t-shirts have done more to detract from the Gospel than to promote it.