Comments on: Rudolph the anti-Gospel Reindeer

By: BigPoppa

BigPoppa — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 23:23:33 +0000

funny, i had the same take as Brian.

By: Rudolph the Anti-Gospel Reindeer | archshrk

Rudolph the Anti-Gospel Reindeer | archshrk — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 16:44:11 +0000

[...] I was talking with a friend recently who made reference to Rudolph the Anti-Gospel Reindeer. That quickly led into a light-hearted discussion about whether Santa is evil or good, i.e. does Santa represent a works-based salvation or does Santa represent the “Law” which Jesus came to fulfill. Since Santa doesn’t actually bring anybody gifts (parents do) does he illustrate that no one is righteous, thus the need for an intercessor (again, our parents). Was Rudolph like the tax collector who was scorned by everybody or does he demonstrate that special “gifts” equal special favor? If you follow the link, be sure and read the comments. They are some great observations on what we take for granted. [...]

By: Michael Foster

Michael Foster — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 18:33:44 +0000

Great post! BTW, is it just me or does the Island of Misfit Toys strangely resemble an A29 boot camp?

By: Dsnyd

Dsnyd — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 04:31:59 +0000

Thought provoking anyway, although I never looked at it that way. I always though it was more about being comfortable and finding your worth in how you were made, including your flaws or differences. Eventually he came to see that his different nose could be used for good and he did not need to be embarrassed about it and hide it. Eventually he was used for good and everyone loved him.

My thought is that the red, shiny nose is our flaws, even our sin. We do not need to hide either and in the end God will use us and our weaknesses for His good.

I guess pretty much what Darren mentioned above in reference to 1 Cor. 1:27.

I suppose I need to re watch the movie now to remember all the details.

By: Darren

Darren — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 01:11:53 +0000

Awww…leave Rudolph alone ;) J/K a great observation of the song there Drew. I also like what Brian wrote placing Rudolph as a “Messiah” figure. Here’s another take:

God (santa) can take any seemingly insignificant, foolish looking, “worthless” person (rudolph) and give them meaning and value as they serve Him. 1 Corinthians 1:27 comes to mind.

By: bjnotbk

bjnotbk — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:27:05 +0000

Grace can be such a hard concept to understand when you live in the flesh. We are so programmed to produce that is flows into every aspect of our lives including our ministry, our family, and our relationship with Christ. Great thoughts on this cultural icon.

By: Bruce Chant

Bruce Chant — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 02:09:52 +0000

Great post Drew. And I think Brian’s counter isn’t bad either.

By: D. Goodmanson

D. Goodmanson — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 22:28:56 +0000

Great thoughts Brian. I can see that even though (in my opinion) it doesn’t line up as nicely. You’d need to look at it with a particular redemptive historical eschatological framework. Or you’d have to redefine who ‘all’ is in the song. Of course, it really works from my Sunday School upbringing where Jesus was the answer to everything. :)

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 17:47:33 +0000

Now I obviously agree with your assessment of the Gospel, but here’s another take on this song: Rudolph is the Messiah figure! Like Jesus, he was seen as inferior, mocked and ridiculed. Like Jesus, he was the “Light” of the story. Like Jesus, he “saved” the day. And thru his saving work, the reality of who he is – is recognized by all. There is a newfound love and respect for rudolph, especially by Santa (who clearly plays God the Father in this story). This may seem like a stretch, but most stories, myths, and fables follow this messianic “hero” model. Widely respected philosopher, Joseph Campbell’s seminal work “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” traces the Messiah story (he calls this the monomyth) throughout the history of mankind. I find it interesting that man, as dark and lost in sin as he is, cries out for a savior. Thanks be to God that He has not left us in the dark, but delivered us throught the true Light of the World – Jesus Christ.

By: Adam J.

Adam J. — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 13:39:02 +0000

You know it’s scary what messages creep into our consciousness completely undetected. You are totally right about the message behind this story and this song, and yet, I would likely have never noticed it. It makes me wonder what other things I listen to, read, watch or consume that carry anti-gospel overtones…