Here’s the thing. I love God. I love my faith. I’m proud and not ashamed at all of what I believe in. I’m not afraid to talk about my beliefs but at the same time I am respectful of what others believe in.

But I cannot stand when I see other Christians Jesus Juke.

The phrase was coined by Jon Acuff, author of Stuff Christians Like, and means “When some Christian brings Jesus into an argument or conversation out of no where. Usually creating another religious argument within the original argument or conversation.”

Or as Acuff put it best, it’s the Christian version of a Debbie Downer.

Here are some examples of Jesus Juking:

I usually see Jesus Juking happen around holidays or any big pop culture event. It’s like for some reason, some Christians feel like they can’t stand seeing other people be happy or excited about things without constantly interjecting Jesus into the conversation. And the worst part, it’s not even information that helps out anyone! The reaction is usually a strange look, an “Um ok”, and then ignorance.

The latest one I’ve seen lately is anything relating to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. If you don’t want to do it, fine. That’s your choice, I don’t need to hear why you think it’s a bad idea or what your beliefs are, etc. No one is forcing you to and I will not think you’re a bad person for not doing it. If you think it’s silly and stupid idea, fine. But please…don’t do this:

Why????????? What on earth will posting something like this accomplish?

Three reasons why Acuff said Jesus Juking doesn’t work.

1. It generates shame.

2. It never leads to good conversation.

3. I’ve never met someone who was “juked to Jesus.”

While this might not work for everyone, I’ve personally found that the best way to talk about something you’re passionate about, whether it’s your faith or even just your interest, is to just let the conversation happen naturally. The main problem with Jesus Juking is that you’re not listening to the other person. You’re so intent on trying to make YOUR point come across based on what they are talking about that you’re not paying attention to anything else. And I can almost guarantee if someone were to do the same thing in reverse to you, you’d either 1) not listen to them or be insulted or 2) Jesus Juke THAT.

Also it’s almost always said to someone who you don’t really know that well. Therefore you assume things about that person and their spiritual walk and faith.

For the record, the best Jesus Juke someone ever pulled on me was I had posted online “I haven’t read a book in over a week. I have no desire to read anything. I think something’s wrong.” One of the responses I got was “Try Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.”

Sigh. Just don’t be that person. Don’t.

Love Jesus. Don’t Jesus Juke.