In the poster scene, an attractive women is drinking a cup of coffee in her kitchen, evidently unaware - or in denial - that a dangerous fire that has broken out beside her stove.
The ad's obvious message is that we should warn someone of preventable disaster, like cancer. The organization's slogan even states, "We're on a mission." I wholeheartedly support such cancer awareness campaigns, especially since my own family is no stranger to cancer.
The irony of this particular image -- telling your neighbor about the fire creeping up on them -- is that it's long been used for Christian evangelism.
Question #1: "Should you tell your neighbors that a relationship with God through Christ will help to shield them from worldly risks and temptations in their lives that could ultimately lead to spiritual death?"
Answer #1: "Well, I think that's personal and I don't want to seem pushy; better to leave them to their own journey.
Question #2: "Well, if you drove by the neighborhood and their house was on fire, would you stop and tell them?"
Answer #2: "Of course, but that's different.
And so goes a reasonable evangelical dialog. If we truly believe the Good News of Jesus, can anyone blame us for wanting to tell the whole world--out of love and compassion? It's not to condemn, it's to save.
Does anyone believe that the same ad used to promote cancer awareness is trying to condemn those who don't take cancer prevention seriously...or is it rather to help people take healthy preventative actions as a result?
The Susan G. Komen volunteers are on a mission -- so are the Believers of Jesus.
What do you believe?
