A billboard put up by the Anglican St. Matthew-in-the-City Church in New Zealand has caused a stir among residents, most especially with the members of the Roman Catholic Church.
The billboard, which depicts Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, and Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother, under bedcovers with forlorn faces under the caption: “Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow.”
Critics have described it as “inappropriate” and “disrespectful.”
Archdeacon Glynn Cardy explained that the intention of the billboard was simply to make people aware about the significance of Christmas, that the celebration of Christmas is not about the conception and birth of Jesus.
“The true importance of Christmas is in the radical hospitality Jesus offered to the poor, the despised, women, children, and the sick…this is the essence of God.”
The billboard was also denounced as disgusting by family values group Family First.
“The church can have its debate on the Virgin birth and its spiritual significance inside the church building, but to confront children and families with the concept as a street billboard is completely irresponsible and unnecessary,” Family First director Bob McCoskrie said.
[via reuters.com]
When I see utter stupidity like this, it shames me as an Anglican clergy person and shames and embarrasses every committed Anglican Christian. There is no excuse for this kind of idiocy. This mentality represents another reason the Anglican communion is going into the dumpster at an alarming rate.
I don’t understand why the Catholic Church thinks it owns the story of Jesus or has a right to dictate who may say what about Christ. Moreover the billboard was erected by a another Christian church, not some anti-Christian or anti-religion heathen group. If Bob McCoskrie of Family First do not like it or has no sense of humor, no one is forcing them to look at the billboard.
Well, the blasphemy continues. Why do Anglican churches continue in ecclesiastical marketing. It is like oil and water when it comes to the gift of the gospel. God did not engage in an act of paternity with Mary. It was simply a miracle that he caused in her womb. She was still a virgin until Joseph fathered Christ’s other brethren. Joseph and Mary were married after all. They have a rich heritage about their faith in the Virgin Birth and Incarnation:
“The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men!”