Who's Cooler, Jay Z or Jesus?

Who’s Cooler: Jay-Z or Jesus?
This is the question that popped up on my blackberry as a text message around 7 am on a recent Sunday morning. My first thought was that the question was rather shallow and even pointless, but as I sought for a reasonable answer, the depth and serious implications hidden beneath the surface of the question “hit” me.

My first impulse was to come to the defense of Jesus, but this question isn’t really about Jesus, rather, it’s says more about the culture in which we live. The question isn’t about what I personally think about either Jesus or Jay-Z. This question is about how, in our culture, Jay-Z has more influence than Jesus.

Here are some critical questions that must be raised in our comparison: “who has greater influence on our youth?” “Who’s in the headlines more?” “Who’s most likely to get a favorable review from the media?” “Who’s more attractive to our youth?” “Who’s most likely to attract financial resources for new projects?”

Anyone of reasonable honesty would have to admit that Jay-Z is certainly more popular and influential in our culture. However, the fact of the matter is that we are actually comparing Jay-Z with Jesus’ contemporary followers. Jesus, himself, is a much more invigorating and provocative figure than his followers. Let me give you a few examples.

Jesus took the risk of incarnation from heaven to earth. Confidence. Boldness. Passion. That’s cool…. Cooler than Jay-Z, in fact.

Jesus slept in the midst of a life-threatening storm! Confidence. Coolness. Strength. That’s ‘s cool.

Jesus took some of the least of society and changed the world. Cool. Way Cool.

Even in the midst of his worst trials, Jesus was able to stick to his values and show compassion for others. A crucifixion? No compromise. Crazy-cool!

What do YOU think?