Steve Dresselhaus – May 2026
This is a digitally created photo by Olivier Valsecchi, circa 2009–2010.
Several years ago, a friend—who is just as preachy on social media about his faith in atheism as I am about my trust in Jesus—posted a photo during Easter week. The photo depicted Jesus on a swing beneath the cross. The intent was clear: to mock Christians and scorn our belief in the resurrection of Jesus, one of the absolute, must‑believe cornerstones of the Christian faith.
My initial reaction was exactly what my friend intended Christians to feel. I was disgusted and a little angry at the arrogant superiority he displayed as he ridiculed people simply because they didn’t believe what he does. I became defensive and began to dream up counterarguments. I started comparing my life to his, which made me feel both superior to him and a bit sorry for him.
I looked at my good marriage of 42 years, my friends, and my ministry, which takes me to sea for kayaking and SCUBA diving three or more times a week. I reflected on my wonderful family and on how privileged I have been—far beyond anything I deserve—to witness lives transformed for the better through the congregations I have helped start. I am surrounded by many genuinely good people who love me for who I am, not for what I do.
As I continued comparing myself to my friend, it suddenly dawned on me that my own snowballing sin of pride was equal to—or worse than—his sin of arrogance. I should have known better than to compare myself with him, or with anyone else for that matter. Comparisons made for the sake of making oneself appear better than another are simply disgusting. Making comparisons is the Mount Everest of judgmentalism.
The problem with comparing ourselves to others as a means of self‑justification is that no matter how good we think we are, there will always be someone “better” who can justify themselves by comparing themselves to us. We should all be grateful for Hitler—he makes us all look like heaven‑worthy saints.
What I also came to understand was that my friend, by posting that photo, had unknowingly—and certainly unwillingly—captured the essence and beauty of the Christian faith. His mockery of the pinnacle of my faith illustrated exactly what Jesus came to do. He came to sacrifice His life for us and, in doing so, paid the penalty for our sin. He came, in part, to be raised from the dead. He came to give us life—rich, purposeful, and abundant (John 10:10). He came to give us joy and an exciting, adventure‑filled life.
Jesus transformed the horror of the cross into the ultimate source of joy. Jesus on a swing—playful, victorious, and joyfully celebrating resurrection life.
My friend’s failed attempt at blasphemy ended up proclaiming the very Gospel preached by Jesus, the apostles, and all who follow Him. That photo should be celebrated; it is Christianity in a nutshell. The Bible puts it this way in Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Yes, you read that right – “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.” Who would have thought that an atheist could bring joy and worship to Easter?
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