Well, Survivor: China is finally here, so the whole gang got back together (feeling the recent loss of our good friend and the impetus for the group, Christy Cundiff). Amazingly, we realized this is our fourth Survivor season together. The names of the contestants were picked and the requisite dollar per name was put in the pot for what promises to be a lucrative $16 pay-out to whoever's contestant is still standing at the end. Now that Caleb and Andrew are old enough to draw a name, our chances of winning just escalated to 25%. Not bad odds!
One of the most interesting segments of last night's show came near the beginning. Survivor host, Jeff Probst, met the group of would-be survivors outside a Buddhist temple and told them that the Chinese monks had invited them to participate in a ceremonial service. Probst qualified the invitation by reiterating that he understood that different people had different religious orientations and reassured the group that this was not a religious ceremony.
They went into the temple and, following the lead of the Buddhist monks, went through the various aspects of the ceremony. It was when they were encouraged to bow face down to the Buddha statue that Leslie Nease, a Christian radio talk show host from Tega Cay, SC, declined to participate and apologetically left the temple for the remainder of the ceremony. Probst highlighted her actions in his post-ceremony dialogue with the group, asking her if she felt like her decision would adversely affect her chances of winning. Leslie unhesitatingly replied that according to the Bible the only one to who a Christian should bow down is God (Exodus 20:4-5). Therefore, she could not in good conscience bow down to the Buddha statues.
I was reminded of the courageous story of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, who made a similar decision--choosing to stand by their commitment to God rather than compromising their spiritual convictions (Daniel 3).
But, I wonder, would I have done the same thing? I've always talked about getting on Survivor, and perhaps someday it will happen. And, if I were put in a comparable situation, how would I respond? I hope I would do what Leslie did. It's in such situations that the genuineness of our religious convictions comes to light. And so I ask those of you who are Christians to weigh in on the comment board, what would you do had you been in Leslie's situation? ...a thoughtful question to ponder for those times when we will find ourselves facing a decision in which are convictions are called to account.
This seems like a no-brainer with regards to Leslie's response. I think it would have drawn more attention if he had done nothing and participated with the others. I didn't see the show however. I think it takes a lot more courage to be consistent day to day in our everyday interactions with people. (or lack there of when we should be interacting) John's question the other day - something like - if the carmara was on you 24/7 - how much would you reflect Christ's will - would you be glorifing him? That takes courage. To not speak in some situations, to help someone in need no matter how inconvienient, to encourage someone, or to witness. My 2 cents . . .
Posted by: Ben | September 21, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Well...I hope I would have done the same.
On a side note I sincerely hope Leslie (the Survivor token Christian- have you noticed there always seems to be one as well as some raving liberal or gay person) is able to hold up to her profession of a Christian. The frustrating thing about Survivor (besides that it is getting a little boring....just kidding Survivor fans) is that with all the editing you don't ever know the true context of what was said and often the religous ones end up looking like idiots.
Posted by: Abby | September 21, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Hey Abby,
I hear Survivor is short one raving liberal for next season. Maybe you should send in a tape??
Just kidding,
Survivor Fan
Posted by: Jim Leech | September 22, 2007 at 09:37 PM
You really think I qualify as a liberal...a raving liberal.....no...I don't think so....
Posted by: Abby | September 23, 2007 at 10:28 PM
I think since I am a christian, and I have the priorities that I do right now, I wouldn't get myself into that specific situation (wasting precious time with my family to get on tv for no benefit).
It's one thing to be an actor on some reality series, it's quite another to have your boss (who can kill you) start making worship a rule.
Posted by: andy Bullock | September 25, 2007 at 07:47 AM