Philippians 2:9-11

From the viewpoint of this Christian pastor, it seems our culture (including our churches) is divided into a series of zones as far as “God talk” is concerned.

1. The “God Free” Zone: This is zone where God is never directly or indirectly mentioned. This is the zone in which secular culture thinks it lives. Most popular entertainments fall within this zone. I recently viewed the film “Date Night” thanks to Red Box. The movie was funny, if vulgar and it was a pleasant change to see a movie about a believable married couple. What was unbelievable was that God was never mentioned, much less prayed to, in a story line where the main characters were frequently in mortal jeopardy. This zone is supposed to be the most inclusive, but for those who believe God created and sustains everything, it is not a comfortable place to be. This zone keeps the atheists happy, but insults the beliefs and values of all theists.
2. The “Christ Free” Zone: This is the zone where God is mentioned and even prayed to, but where Christ is carefully avoided. This is the inter-faith zone. By default, this God is monotheistic and Unitarian. Again, the intention is to be inclusive because if God talk is kept vague nobody will be offended. An undefined God is inoffensive not just because he does not offend anyone’s doctrine, but also because he can only demand platitudes (“be nice to everyone”) that do not make serious demands on us. This God is the God of pantheists, Gnostics, and new agers, not the God of the Christian Church. Strangely enough, popular films such as “Book of Eli” and “Constantine” which appear to have something to do with the Church and Christianity generally operate in this zone. I was amazed that the “Book of Eli” could pretend to be about the Bible without ever mentioning Christ. The ending of the story puts the cherry on top of the Christ free sundae by returning the Bible to its proper place…on the bookshelf with the other “classics of Western Literature.” Give me a break!
3. The “Jesus Free” Zone: Much of the “progressive Christianity” operates in this zone. Some progressives deny the divinity of Jesus, but want to remain nominal Trinitarians. For them Jesus was just a “good teacher.” They believe that Jesus, as a moral example, reflected the goodness of God in the world. This Christ was present in Jesus, but is also present in all human beings. Jesus is avoided because he limits this universal Christ to a single gender and historical/cultural context. Avoiding the name of Jesus allows them to avoid the messy details of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of the only person who was both Son of God and God. In this zone, the incarnation is just a symbol or metaphor, as is the trinity and the resurrection. When those who live in this zone talk about “Christ” they are not talking about Jesus of Nazareth. If you are in a church or other setting where you hear “Christ , Christ, Christ,” but you never hear the name of Jesus, run as fast as you can.

Philippians 2:9-11 (Today's New International Version)

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.