Jason Boyett’s article is very funny. Here’s the deal, though: Suppose someone actually did take it literally, they call the number and ask for the relationship with Jesus Christ (”how much is it?”, “can you send it to my home address?” “is Jesus going to visit me on my birthday?”) So the person on the other end explains what salvation is all about and the caller makes a choice whether to accept or reject it. They’ve heard the Gospel and that’s the whole point. No problem.

The problem is when Christians are so worried about the cynics finding fuel to add to their fire that they water down truth and second-guess themselves. Too many times I find myself going down the cynical path as well. It’s easy. There’s a lot of hypocrisy, lunacy, and just plain weirdness in the Christian world that in no way represents the heart of Christ. When I focus on pointing it out, it’s always a sure sign that I’ve lost focus. Pride and self righteousness are knocking at my door again. I can’t even count how many times I’ve turned to Psalm 1 to realign myself with God’s heart. There’s nothing new under the sun.

I love Billy Graham, respect Franklin Graham, and appreciate that a lot of important things happen beginning with that phone call. But it sure is a funny thing to put on a TV screen.