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Today at my church, Jim Caviezel the actor who played Jesus in The Passion of The Christ, sat down with my pastor for an interview (fantastic experience). Somewhere in the midst of Mr. Caviezel speaking I realized something…
I am the way I am because I’m discontent with the public’s perception of Christianity & what it means to be a Christ follower, from both a Christian and a non-Christian perspective. For once in my life I’ve allowed myself to be moved to action. I’m unsatisfied and willing to dedicate my life to pursuing change. I’m passionate and won’t be stopped.
For some people, the title of this post is a true statement (although obviously extremely false). Bill Cecchini, founder of FriendlyChristian.com is Jesus Christ. In addition, I am the 10 commandments, the Bible, and the ultimate voice for Christianity. Hefty responsibilities, eh? I may be the only Jesus that anybody ever experiences. The same holds true for all us who follow Christ. So what do I do? I put my nose to the ground, pick up my cross, man up and go for it.
Lemme hear it:
“But Bill, you’re only one person.”
“Bill, Christianity is broken. There’s nothing you can do about it.”
“Bill, do you have any clue how many people have come before you, smarter, wiser, more educated, and have come up short/abandoned their faith/gave up?”
In short, I don’t care. Get in my way, I dare you.
I’ve given up a highly successful (in my opinion) career in the IT field to pursue Christ’s calling on my life. Today is my first day at school in pursuit of a communications major with a religion minor. Today I’m also back full-time at FriendlyChristian.com.
I may have an extremely skewed perception of what Christianity is. Until God himself tells me otherwise, I’m putting forth 100% of my energy and efforts into what I believe I’m being lead to “teach,” if you will. I’ve cleared my schedule as much as possible so I can invest more into this site/project/cause. This is my story. This is my journey. I’m excited to see where it takes us.
To all who left comments/sent emails wishing me a Merry Christmas/Happy New year - thank you. I love you guys and am honored to call you all my friends.
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Welcome back Bill!!!! This post is totally wild, just like the wild God I serve! I see Jesus in you, and hope that someone will see Jesus in me today too! Praying for you and school to go well for you.
All I can say right now is “WOW”..luv ya!:)>-
Welcome back Bill! All I can say is… =d>
Looking for fantastic things this year!
Immanuel Kant said “So act that your principle of action might safely be made a law for the whole world.” which I think is pretty much the core message in the Bible. If someone is inspired by your actions to improve themselves then you have succeeded in your plan.
Good luck. :d
I’ll give it to you… You have guts, guy.
I find that there is something extremely satisfying in saying something completely heretical and then turning it around to be in line with the scripture. Very cool.
Namaste.
@Darla…
Thank you! It’s great to be back. Thank you for the prayers. I WON’T get kicked out this time lol
@GG…
Hi! I’m looking forward to fantastic things too. You rock.
@hov…
Thanks, dude. You’re the man.
@John…
You gotta have guts, right? Who wants to listen to a gutless sissy? Not me. I enjoy the “woah, did he really just say that” moments too. Maybe we’re sick in the head…lol.
OK, I’ll take you up on it. The Barna group found:
I don’t let you off the hook easy - I have questions. These perceptions aren’t based on air, after all.
What is your opinion about civil rights for homosexuals? Should gay marriage be legal? Why or why not?
What is your impression of creationism / intelligent design and the theory of evolution? Why?
Could you vote for a Muslim? Why or why not? An atheist? Why or why not?
Atheists have our own perception problems, of course. It goes without saying you can ask any tough questions you want of me to see if I exemplify or contradict them.
@Ben: Since you already know how the conservative Christian will answer such questions…what is the point of reasking them? @-)
Ben-are you on the forum? There is a post on there if you want to jump in that has just about covered those questions..but hey feel free to ask away! :)>-
Um Bill. You kinda rock my face off! =d> This is the type of “hard-coreism” that is needed in Christianity today. And don’t worry. You are not the only one.
“In short, I don’t care. Get in my way, I dare you.”
Awesome!
That’s awesome, Bill. Man-up and take up the cross. It’s life changing when you start following God’s vision for your life - and the changes aren’t just for you, its everyone you touch.
I’ll look forward to reading more about how God is using you.
How do I know what kind of Christian Bill is? Why should I assume his answers instead of asking?
I’m pretty active on the forums as benjdm. Searching Bill’s posts I didn’t find anything.
Ben-I will try to find the post I was talkng about today, it may be just an old post…thought it was on the forum but you are probably right and it is just an old one..hey post it on the forum, and lets talk it again!
Posted on the forum:
http://www.friendlychristian.com/board/viewtopic.php?p=423#423
Wow! What a great website. It’s encouraging to hear that God has stirred in you a desire and you are following it! You have “manned up.” I agree with your article about people expecting to be entertained at church. I’m even guilt of it myself. Wanting to be entertained is a worldly desire and until we truly do hang our desires on the cross and put on Jesus as our self we will miss God’s presence. How do we hang our desires on the cross? Well if it’s a stubborn desire that’s not of God (sin), we should fast and pray it away like Jesus instructs in Matthew 17:20-21.
Complacency is deadly for anyone, Christians and NonChristians alike.
Keep up the heart-felt interesting topics Bill. Love it!
@kwrigh5…
Now it’s time for YOU to step up. Ready to rock some FC face with me?
@Scott…
Thanks, man! I love your site as well. I’ve definitely been encouraged and challenged by you guys.
@Ben…
I responded, although I’m sure you won’t like it
@Hope…
Thanks!! I find myself falling into the “entertain me” way of thinking sometimes too. It’s hard when, well, it really is that entertaining!
Thank you. I don’t think you’re going to change the public perception of Christianity any; your answers fall right in line with the negative perceptions the Barna group found.
You could be right! Only time will tell.
I maintain that any organisation that seeks to entertain should have the following:
a) monkeys in hats and wastecoats or;
b) something important to say.
I don’t think it’s possible to do both.