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Welcoming Bianca

I must admit that I have not seen or even heard of the movie Lars and the Real Girl. Yet, after reading this little bit by Richard Beck (professor at Abilene Christian University) my interest is peaked. Here is a little clip from the movie on YouTube.  The video clip shows a discussion by church members if the main character Lars should be allowed to attend church. The concern over Lars attendance has to do with his delusional relationship with a life size sex doll that he has named Bianca. Although Lars relationship with Bianca is very chaste it is still odd. As the movie continues many friends of Lars begin to treat/accept Bianca like she was a real person. This acceptance opens the door for Lars to deal with his real issues. Eventually Bianca and Lars are welcomed when they attend church.

So I watched the video clip from the movie and found myself laughing and concerned at the same time. What I saw in the video clip was a church discussion that I have had, heard or over heard in various forms. What would happen if this or that person attended on Sunday morning? Would they be a distraction? Would they fit in? Would they be a stumbling block to others? Common fears when Christians come to view the Kingdom of God Jesus taught about as the church building. This reminded me of Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:14 that the Church is to be the light of the world. Well don't know about you but most of the lights I have seen not only shine brightly but they also attract bugs. The same is true for the Church. As the light of world we attract or should attract everybody. We get them all - the ego driven, the lairs, the racists, the drunks, the poor, the wealthy, the haters, the immature, the graceful, the joyful, the tall, the short . . .you get the idea - we are all bugs. The Church attracts everybody. Regretably, sometimes the Church can act like more of a bug zapper then a light. It is very temptening to turn the Church into a "safe place" full of "normal" people. Hence the discussion in the video clip from Lars and the Real Girl. What would happen if Bianca is welcomed? I guess the question at the end of the video clip says it all - What would Jesus do?

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