Last week, Bybo posted on his LiveJournal about Marguerite Perrin, the self-proclaimed God Warrior that appeared on the season premiere of Fox‘s Trading Spouses. I heard others talking about the oh-so-charming Bible-thumping mother, so I made it a point to watch the second half that aired last night.
The show was a trainwreck. I didn’t want to watch it… I just did. I couldn’t turn away from the carnage. Just when I thought that it couldn’t get worse… Marguerite would up and say something else that was appalling. I am a believer, a follower of the Way, a pursuer of Christ… and last night, I was ashamed of the label Christian. If I knew no other believers and I thought she represented them all, I would be left thinking, “If this is what it means to be a Christian, I don’t need it.”
I know that some might be critical of Fox and say that they chose her on purpose and edited in an unfair manner to portray Christians in an unfavorable manner, but how could you interpret a gap-toothed beast of a woman yelling at crewpeople, “Get the hell out of my house!!!! …. in Jesus name” in a positive manner?
I think what disturbed me most was the fact that the other family, a family that did not profess to be followers of Christ, did a much better job of demonstrating the character of Christ. They showed more grace, more love, more mercy, more compassion… all of which are Christ-like qualities.
You know, growing up in a Christian sub-culture, I have heard people say, “That wasn’t very Christian” to desribe behavior that didn’t seem to line up with what should be appropriate. The fact is, that statement just doesn’t cut it. I have seen some pretty disturbing behavior from Christians. Heck, I have demonstrated some pretty disturbing behavior of my own. “That isn’t very Christian” is simply not an appropriate way to describe such actions, because all too often, such actions are pretty typical of Christians.
But it isn’t very Christlike.
The fact is, I know Christians who act like Marguerite. And I know many non-believers who demonstrate incredibly Christlike behavior, just like the other family did on the show. How do I reconcile it? I can’t, and I don’t even try.
All I can say is I’m sorry. Once again, someone else has pulled a stupid stunt and smeared the name of Christ in the process, and I feel the need to apologize.
Amen! I watched that show too.
I could NOT believe the way she acted!
And I totally agree with you about the other family. The mother was amazing. She seemed so kind and loving.
I didnt see no “dark side”.
This was a great post.