Blog #10

1.) I think the shirts may have been made with good intentions, but try to represent one's relationship with Jesus in a manner that some could interpret as a mockery of Christianity.
No, I find both of the shirts somewhat misguided/inappropriate. It is hard to say outright whether or not the images are a parody because in my opinion it depends on the opinion of the person wearing the shirt. If it is some kid who thinks it looks cool, and that it describes his faith in modern terms then I would say that the individual should find a better way to show their faith, such as a cross necklace or a more serious Christian t-shirt. On the other hand if it is some punk who is wearing the t-shirt because they think it makes fun of or mocks Christianity then I would think it was a parody, though of course you don't really know what people are thinking just by looking at their t-shirt. You would have to talk to them or look at the other clothes that they are wearing. I would say my being a Christian effects my response heavily.

2.) If I had to try to refute Paul Mitchell's argument, his statement that Christians have wanted to "make an outward sign of their inner conversion", if taken out of context could contradict his stance against the t-shirts shown in the blog.

3.) Without a picture of Jesus the effect may be diminished to some, because it would not be as graphic. No, the absence of a picture of Jesus would not change my reaction to the t-shirts.

4.) Again, for me to determine the message of the t-shirt, I would have to know the beliefs of the person wearing it, the t-shirt itself in my opinion is not enough to relay a definite message, because again it could be a message of one's faith in Jesus described in modern terms that youth commonly use or it could be meant to be a mockery of Christianity by portraying Jesus in an inappropriate manner. The shirt on the left is more acceptable than the one on the right, in fact, the way Jesus is portrayed is fine, in an acceptable manner, the only issue with the shirt on the left is the text, the message on the shirt. If it had a more appropriate message then it would be a cool t-shirt. The shirt on the right is wholly inappropriate, the message is inappropriate and so is the way Jesus is depicted, his wearing of a hoodie and making a peace gesture. Overall, if Jesus is to be shown and/or referenced on a t-shirt then it should only be of him in a serious or respectful manner, and the message on the shirt, if there is one, should again be respectful and appropriate, such as quoting Jesus and/or other biblical texts/scripture.