Peter Rollins had the brilliant idea to produce a Jack T. Chick-style tract from a new parable he wrote, which I illustrated and designed. It coincides with the recent release of his latest book (The Orthodox Heretic
The project was a lot of fun to work on. It incorporates imagery that is strongly reminiscent of some classic Chick art, as well as original illustration and one panel that I owe in its entirety to Gustav Doré's linocut of Death on the Pale Horse.
Although I haven't seen a hard copy yet, apparently the first batch of tracts is printed and ready to be handed out on street corners and at Greenbelt. Peter is looking for evangelists.
He posted an early draft of the parable on his blog -- I'm pasting it below for context. You can keep up with Peter on his blog or follow him on Twitter.
Just as it was written by those prophets of old, the last days of the Earth overflowed with suffering and pain. In those dark days a huge pale horse rode through the Earth with Death upon its back and Hell in its wake. During this great tribulation the Earth was scorched with the fires of war, rivers ran red with blood, the soil withheld its fruit and disease descended like a mist. One by one all the nations of the Earth were brought to their knees.
Far from all the suffering, high up in the heavenly realm, God watched the events unfold with a heavy heart. An ominous silence had descended upon heaven as the angels witnessed the Earth being plunged into darkness and despair. But this could only continue for so long for, at the designated time, God stood upright, breathed deeply and addressed the angels,
"The time has now come for me to separate the sheep from the goats, the healthy wheat from the inedible chaff"
Having spoken these words God slowly turned to face the world and called forth to the church with a booming voice,
"Rise up and ascend to heaven all of you who have who have sought to escape the horrors of this world by sheltering beneath my wing. Come to me all who have turned from this suffering world by calling out 'Lord, Lord'".
In an instant millions where caught up in the clouds and ascended into the heavenly realm. Leaving the suffering world behind them.
Once this great rapture had taken place God paused for a moment and then addressed the angels, saying,
"It is done, I have separated the people born of my spirit from those who have turned from me. It is time now for us leave this place and take up residence in the Earth, for it is there that we shall find our people. The ones who would forsake heaven in order to embrace the earth. The few who would turn away from eternity itself to serve at the feet of a fragile, broken life that passes from existence in but an instant."
And so it was that God and the heavenly host left that place to dwell among those who had rooted themselves upon the earth. Quietly supporting the ones who had forsaken God for the world and thus who bore the mark God. The few who had discovered heaven in the very act of forsaking it.
Comments
Love it
I love it - can't wait to get a hold of one. Nice work with the art - looks great.
The Rapture
This comment is to Peter. Are you hoping it will happen this way? It is obvious you are being deceived Peter. Reason being, if you cannot accept scripture as it is given, your are deceived, and you are not a Child of GOD. Instead of going to GOD ALMIGHTY, and asking HIM to reveal truth to you, you mock what you don't understand. It takes faith, the kind that GOD gives to believe in the inerrency of scripture. I pray that you are not too arrogant to ask HIM for the faith you lack. GOD is wonderful Peter, and HE loves you. Call out to HIM and ask HIM for the faith you and the other's in your movement lack. The faith to believe, that GOD is Sovereign, HOLY, and Righteous, and that HIS Word is just that, HIS Word. Not to be tampered with, deconstructed, or redefined. It Stands!
Christians
Atheism, I rest my case...
Infamous Chicks
Pretty cool...however... Is the plan to hand these out and when people read them while they expect it to be a good 'ol Chick tract they would be surprised by the twist at the end??If that's the plan I would be really interested to see how it works...I say that because Chick tracts are so widely known and infamous that once people sees anything that resembles it they would have absolutely no interest in reading it...or maybe I'm wrong...
i think
these are better suited for christians to recieve.... agreeing with the post asking how/who would read, its interesting to note that as a christian in NYC i get at least one or ten of these a week, and i read it to see what it says. this would get me thinking and reading a bit more on the topic. however people who have not read John's writing would be interested... especially with the 2012 thing brewing... either way, i enjoyed the twist. thanks peter. to the upset fellow, i find it interesting that you would be upset and write such a long post pointing to the inerrancy of the scripture however leaving out all the times Jesus talks about our errancy.
well done
Like much of Peter's work, the shock value is high enough to ensure that some will not get his meaning. Nevertheless, this is a wonderfully provocative story. The words, "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" come to mind.
Hmmmm . . .
It is interesting, a new take on the idea . . . but is this all we are reduced to in the midst of the great ennui? It feels like the theological equivalent of a reality show. Do we inspire ourselves now by the inversion of ideas which were merely shadows of the originals to begin with. Hmmmm.
How might I get ahold of this?
Dr. Rollins, I am finishing my MA at conservative theological seminary in the mid-west. I have applied to a few graduate programs at state schools to attemp to recieve a MA in Communication. With a background in relgious studies pared with my love for rhetoric I hope to analyze the communication of individuals like yourself. I would be greatful to puchase this "tract" I will be looking at it in comparison with Chicks infamous tracts. Please if you have time get back to me concerning this. Sincerely, Dave Van Bebber
N.T. Wright to its extreme?
I might be wrong but I couldn't help but think that this is taking N.T. Wright often emphasized notion of 'life after life after death' taken to its practical extreme! He should get a batch and distribute it at his talks :-)
How to get copies of the tracts
For those who are interested in getting copies, see Peter's post on his website earlier today -- you can get them at events on the upcoming pub tour or you will be able to order them at cost in bundles of 100.
On PeterRollins.net: Street evandalism anyone?
cool
Looks cool.... very nice illustration and the colors(black & white) are very simple to attract the eyes... over all... it is best. thanks for sharing
Its good time to wish all
Its good time to wish all the people who gave their comments for this wonderful blog.... I hope you give your response in future too.... thanks for encouraging the blogger... Thanks
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