A Magician’s Christian Encounter

You've probably heard of the famed magic duo Penn and Teller.  If you know them well, then you understand that Penn Jillette, the one that talks, is a big time atheist.  Phil Cooke had this video on his blog where Penn is talking about a recent experience where a Christian gave him a copy of the Psalms after a performance.  His reaction is worth a watch.  The good stuff is towards the second half.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM

I was intrigued by the way Penn talked about this man.  He said he was "very, very, very good" and when on to use descriptors like polite, kind, honest and sane.  Obviously this one experience, and maybe 100 more like it, may never change the magicians views.  But I think it opened his eyes to the love and compassion Jesus shows through many of us.  Of course his reaction led to lots of questions for me.

Why is it a surprise for someone to see a Christian and say that person is nice and compassionate?  Why doesn't the world see us as kind, honest and sane instead of standoff-ish, pretentious and a little bit crazy?

The obvious and easiest thing to do is blame the media.  In past jobs, I was the media and I got blamed a lot.  There is no doubt the loudest voices get heard most of the time.  And many times the loud Christian voices are the ones who are extreme and not representative of many of us.  But I wonder if this is really the problem?  If the majority of Christians were acting out in kind and authentic ways, wouldn't society view us a different way despite the crazies in our mix?

This has always been a passionate issue for me.  I believe the way we act and live is our best witness.  Penn said it in the video, we would really have to hate someone to not share what we believe to be true that everlasting life exists.  I agree proselytizing can be good if it's done in an authentic way.  While it may not change Penn's life, although I hope that it can, it could change the lives of others.

I realize this isn't a new or ground breaking line of thought, but for some reason it's always an issue we as Christians face.  How do you view it?  What's the perception problem in your eyes?  Could it be the problem is the loudest Christian voices aren't really those who are acting out their faith in a polite, kind and honest sort of way?

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Comments (18)

Thank you so much for sharing this video. I have the most difficult time sharing the gospel. I so rarely do, and often feel guilty for it. I think, however, that part of the reason I have this problem is because of what I believe others' perception is of Christians. I'm not ashamed of the gospel, but I am a little bit ashamed of what I perceive our (Christians) image to the world is. This video is very encouraging. Penn lets us know that how we approach people can override that image, and also that when we "proselytize" lovingly, it will convey that we are not condemning the person but that we are concerned for them. In fact, he finds it offensive that a Christian would not try to share the gospel with him. It is very clear that he was quite touched by this one man's testimony given in a lovingly and non-condemning way. Imagine if the way in which the world perceived Christianity was similar to Penn's thoughts about the man who gave him the book of Psalms?!
In simple acts, we can (or try to) change people, and their lives. Thank you for sharing this video. Really appreciate it.
It is possible that your assessment is correct. I also think that the World holds us to standards that it does not hold others to. What I mean is , nobody is perfect. We all sin. But when a Christian does it, the world at large points a finger and says "see! Hypocrites! That is what they are really like!" When others fall short, they shrug and say it is wrong to judge others. Why the double standard? The world wants to discredit us so it can discredit Him. All we can do is share that Christ forgives us, and that same forgiveness is extended to all who ask HIm. And, of course, to do our best to stay away from sin so we don't discredit Him. But honestly, all sin, so we are going to too, so we best be humble before we stumble.
Wow, thanks so much for sharing this. It really opens up your eyes when he says how much would you have to hate someone to not share the gospel if you truly believe it. Its very convicting, which is a good thing. I need to be convicted sometimes. We all do. We need people to step on our toes from time to time. I appreciate it. It may be uncomfortable at first, but its necessary for us to grow. Thanks again for a great video. I look forward to sharing it and the gospel with others.
I agree that there are obnoxious Christians. However, if 100% of the Christians behaved in a 100% Christ-like manner 100% of the time, more people would come to Christ but a large number of people would still hate us. Even Jesus was deserted by almost everyone.
My pastor actually showed this video in church two weeks ago, and I found it to be a very emotional thing to watch. In my very humble opinion, Penn presented a more compelling case for evangelism than many pastors I have heard. I felt shamed, personally for my lack of effort in sharing the gospel, and heartsore for a man who was so determined that there was no God. I hope that God uses that one simple act to tough Penns life and heart and that he richly blesses the man who had the courage to step out in faith.
The number one reason for Atheism in this country is Christians.

We can be a pretentious, megalomaniacal and deplorably rude people. Don't believe me? Go into any restaurant on a Sunday, bring some popcorn and enjoy the show.

I get what he is saying, but those are the rotten stereotypes that malign an entire body of people. The Christians we all know are caring, passionate and above all, real. But you don't get stories about them unless blogospherical addicts like us tell those stories.

You know, because the media sure isn't.
When a Christian fails, people point and say "hypocrite" because so many Christians point their fingers and denounce everyone else... the Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson and James Dobson types. If Christians started from the viewpoint, yes, we all fail, but this is what I believe gives us all hope, instead of viewing "the world" as an evil threatening monster, there would be a lot less of failed Christians being called hypocrites. Of course, some failed Christians ARE hypocrites -- e.g., the ones who loudly denounce homosexuals and then practice exactly what they denounce... But I think Penn may well end up in heaven. The biggest surprise will be "Oh, there is a God? How mortifying. I was wrong." But once he gets over that, he'll find his place. God will have a good laugh over it.
Handing Penn a New Testiment with Psalms was a great act of kindness, and boldness. I'm glad to see Penn say how he was touched by this man's caring act. We all need to be praying for the salvation of Penn and Teller and many others. And not just pray. We are ALL called to be witnesses and to share the good news with all creatures. That's every Christian's calling. If you are not sure how to do this, or if you find it difficult, go to www.wayofthemaster.com and see how Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron are doing it every day on the streets. It's easier than you think! 150,000 people die every day and step into eternity. Many will spend a Christ-less eternity in hell being punished for their sins. We NEED to warn them about this and to share the great news of the Gospel of Christ while there is still time. If you're not sharing the gospel with your friends and co-workers, and neighbors and strangers, ask yourself if you are really concerned about where they will spend eternity. Christ could return at any time so let Him find us being obedient by sharing the gospel with all people while there is still time. I've got Penn and Teller on my daily prayer list.
Makes me think of what Lecrae said in his song "Send Me."

"Life is more than church, work and football. What if you were dead to sin and Christians overlooked y'all."
i guess the world will always have some thing against christians. and we aren't really helping counter that with our often hypocritical and judgemental ways. but it is in our weakness that our witness will bring glory to the Lord. His grace and power is sufficient to shine in our lives, if we let the Holy Spirit have His way in our hearts and hands. all we have to do, i believe is to yield. it is encouraging that many of us have the desire to really share our Lord to the world. i confess also that i am very much lacking in the area of evangelism. but having an intimate relationship with the Lord and striving to live out His grace in my life is a start. let's all continue to advance His kingdom by simply following in our Master's footsteps. in spite of the many scandalous acts of high profile christians.

have a blessed day!

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