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{mosgoogle left} SB: Are there any assumptions about Christianity that the book challenges? If so, why is it important to challenge these assumptions?
JS: The youth workers in the book found that when they went to work in a tough, inner city area, some of the presumptions they had had about what is most important in terms of Christian belief, were really challenged. Through their experience, the book challenges people to examine their faith, to hold on to what is true and right, but to be really rigorous about some of the expectations we have which are actually rooted in our cultural backgrounds, rather than in the Bible. It is so important to challenge these assumptions, because otherwise we are not giving people the true gospel – we are not introducing them to the true Jesus.
SB: Do you think it is important to preach a Jesus who invites young people to follow him as they are, not waiting until they have reached some measurable level of acceptable behaviour that identifies them as Christian? Why?
JS: Yes, because that’s what Jesus did. He preached forgiveness and acceptance. Unless people understand that first and foremost, Jesus loves them as they are, and that He desires a relationship with them no matter what, they will not understand salvation. SB: What message do you hope people especially young people will take away from Just Walk With Me?
JS: Overall, the message is one of hope. It says that God can change people’s lives. Even young people who have grown up without much chance to succeed in life, it shows that God can turn that around. It shows that where we as Christians – and people who care - faithfully get alongside others, without presumptions and with humility, then we can be partners with God in seeing the world change for the better.
SB: You are also an entertainer. What kind of work do you do through poetry and music?
JS: I call myself a stand-up poet. I perform a blend of poetry, comedy and music and I’m currently touring my solo show “Growing Up Games”. It’s all about the things people use to describe themselves as “proper grown-ups,” and it laughs at some of the notions we have about success and achievement in life. It includes a love poem to my favourite kitchen gadget, a piece about being a white, middle-class, female rapper and a song about living in a corridor! It’s great fun, upbeat and very accessible.
SB: How does this help you and why do you enjoy it?
JS: I’ve found I have a talent for entertaining people, and I love being on stage – I’m a bit of a show-off really! My favourite thing is when people leave a show not only having had a laugh, but also inspired and encouraged. My work celebrates the quirky and positive side of life and audiences respond to that.
SB: What role does faith play in your work?
JS: My faith runs through my life and nothing I do is unaffected by it. So the show I’m doing at the moment is not about faith or Christianity, but I think my faith shows to some extent in the way I celebrate life and involve the audience in that.
SB: What goals are you working on at the moment? What goals do you have in mind for the future?
JS: In the short-term, I am working on my solo-show tour, which is now calling at Maidenhead, Kent, London, St Albans, Truro, Belfast, Essex, Brighton and Letchworth! I’ve already done a few dates which have gone really well, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the run. My longer-term goal at the moment is to get better at living each day as it comes. I’m not always good at that! We can get so fixed on what we should be doing next, striving for “success,” that we forget to enjoy life, hang out with friends, and spend time understanding more about God, people and the world.
To find out more about Jude Simpson or the e:merge project, go to: www.judesimpson.co.uk and www.emergeonline.org.uk
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