The Theological Puzzle That Is Bing Crosby

Most people,now-a-days,probably know Bing Crosby through his 'White Christmas' song.But in his day,Bing was probably one of the all time biggest celebrities.Crooner,comedian,leading man,radio,Tv and movie star,Bing Crosby continued in his success all through out his lifetime.

And Christmas time was when Bing Crosby ruled.Not only did he (and continues to )bring joy to very many people through his rendition of 'White Christmas',he also starred in the movie,'White Christmas'(Robyn and I watch the DVD every Christmas Eve as we open our presents to each other).He also is remembered for all of his yearly family style Christmas specials.


Admit it,doesn't just thinking about Bing Crosby sort of put a smile to your face,and put you,at least,slightly in a jollier mood?

But by most reports,he was a bastard to his first wife and children.Seldom there,mean and viscous when he was.It is said that he left hugh mental scars on his sons.Yes,it is said,personally,he could be a real prick.



After he died,I wondered:In judgement,how did God reconcile the differences?How could,or simply better put,how would God Judge Bing Crosby?

The man brought joy to millions-literally-millions of people.Even though his actions could have been deemed selfish,making this world a better place to so many people had to count for something,didn't it?And by his actions,couldn't it be possibly said that he had turned people to God and His Son in glorification?Come on-he could have converted more people then Mother Teresa.

On the other hand...to be so mean to his own family...I mean,Bing didn't directly effect the changes in all these other people-he just made a record for gosh sakes.But in the lives that he personally affected,with the people he had the contact-his own flesh and blood,he hurt.

How would God possibly judge this man?It was the perfect case of six of one/half a dozen of the other.

The way he judges all men.

All men only make it in the after-life through the grace of God.Jesus died for all of our sins.If you have to believe in Christ for salvation,then what was the purpose of his crucifixion?Yes,the way of salvation is through Christ Jesus,but it is only because he died for all of us:Not just the chosen few.

Then,what is the advantage of being a Christian?Christ,himself tells this parable as the perfect example of the benefits:A farmer needed labourers to harvest his corps,so at the beginning of the day,he comes to monetary terms with some workers,and sends them to the fields.Later that day,seeing that there is still more work to be done,for the same price hires more labourers.Finally,with only an hour left,the farmer hires more workers for the exact same wages.

Well,the first group of labourers are pissed.They want to know why these other fellows whom worked less then they did,GOT THE SAME WAGES.The farmer replies,"What's your beef?We agreed to a wage,and I paid it.What's it to you how I spend the rest of my money?"

Now,to me,this has always been a parable about salvation.It doesn't really matter when you accept Christ as your savior,you will always be accepted.

But that also was the rub.Why shouldn't I eat,drink and be marry,and then right before I die,ask for salvation?Where's the benefit?

And then,it hit me.Whom really had it better...the lifelong labourer,or the quick exit one?Why the lifelong labourer of course.Huh?You say.What?You ask.How?Because the lifelong labourer had Christ in his life the whole time!Through out all of his trials and tribulations he had God at his side.He had God there with him.I personally don't know how I would have survived allot of trials in my life without knowing the comfort of Christ and his words.I don't know how people get through their lives without Him.

To give a perfect example of this salvation,how many people suffering through any ordeal without God would come right out and say that they are blessed?Yet,how many people with God proclaim this very message?

In my opinion,the true salvation of Christ comes in this lifetime.We don't have to wait for eternity:The glory of Christ's salvation is NOW!Let go-let God.

And to think I owe all this big thinking to Bing Crosby.Thanks Bing.I hope you made it.