Is It Time For A Different Approach To The Public Square?

Courtesy of Pexels.com

{Originally posted on my other blog before I moved back here.}

A billboard advertising a 29 year old festival was deemed offensive to some in Southern California, so much so that they felt the need to complain to the advertising agency. Rather than ignore or stand up to protesters the company ended the ad campaign returning the money to the group sponsoring "Harvest." As this is a private company there is nothing that can be done to get the billboards back up but perhaps there is something Christians can do to encourage a different outcome in the future.

This is a good time for Christians to show gratitude while, in effect, turning the other cheek towards offenses in the public square. It's time we see how far a well placed, "Thank you," or some other polite word will go when a company sides with a vocal minority against the faith community. Right now I suspect companies only hear anger, first from those offended by the Gospel message and then by those crying foul when a banner or a sign is taken down. And when slighted, today’s church has a tendency to act as if people are its enemies.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places."

Ephesians 6:12

All too often Christians respond as if we are fighting against our neighbor. We respond to offenses, such as the one in SoCal, as if we are called to win a victory over other people instead of over the enemies mentioned in Ephesians 6:12. It's as if the goal of winning the public square has become more important than winning souls.

After learning about the situation I tweeted a suggestion with a different focus. I suggest we respond to these situations by thanking the ad company for the time that the billboard was up. Let them know there are people who do not find the Christian message offensive. Do so without complaining about lost rights and without threats of boycotts. Perhaps if companies hear from us in a non confrontational way we can build relationships where our voices are also heard. Then we will win souls. Perhaps we might even win in the public square.