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Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow would have appreciated the excellent portrayals by the stars Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty lending the antihero persona, respectively, as poor folks turned Robinhood-like usurpers of the establishment, especially the banks which were held by many to have caused the Great Depression.

In truth, they were simply selfish petty criminals who rose to a notorious outlaw status taking hard earned money from small town citizens and thinking nothing of killing anyone who impeded their selfish and thoughtless deviltry. Their contemptible antics never exceeded $1,500 but left half a dozen people dead in their wake and many more lives ruined in times that were hard enough already.

It was on today’s date of May 23 in 1934 that a combined force of Texas and Louisiana lawmen ambushed and killed both Bonnie and Clyde.

In what way can that nasty piece of Americana relate to our faith?

Well, way back about 1985 I heard from my study the postman delivering the church’s mail and went to check. Of all things, I had received a brochure from an enterprising organization advertising their services of Christian Entertainment, sort of a talent agency. Among the various “spiritually enlightening opportunities” they listed (at a rather hefty charge to the church) was a former cellmate of Clyde Barrow who not only would give a personal testimony of serving time with the famous outlaw but also would exhibit on a flat-bed trailer the very bullet-riddled Ford automobile in which Bonnie and Clyde met their fate. (Other offerings of “spiritually enlightening opportunities” included muscle men who would do fantastic demonstrations of strength in the “Name of the Lord” and the half-brother of Elvis Presley who would speak on the religious nature of the King. However, Bonnie and Clyde’s car is sufficient for the point I wish to make.)

I remember sitting there at my desk in wondering awe thinking, “Is this what church has come to?” Then it occurred to me: “Was not this the same issue with which Jesus dealt on the Mount of Temptations when Satan suggested that the Lord awed the masses by a daring leap from the Pinnacle of the Temple and cut His ministry short with sensationalism.”

Sensationalism is not a quality easily identified. After all, I have seen many church folks recognized in worship services for their kindness toward others or their enhancements to the community. Special acknowledgments often are made of those serving in the military, retirements and other special moments in peoples’ lives. Does any of that raise to the level of sensationalism?

Recently, I was in attendance in a congregation where the youth group was raising funds for a mission project. A portion of the effort included a well-bearded man offering to shave if the youth met their goal. They were motivated to more than reach their objective! Was that sensationalism? Somehow, and I cannot denote exactly where the line is crossed, I do not think so.

I am personally satisfied to answer when the stress is placed upon “Love thy neighbor” and “Do unto other as you would that they do unto you,” the real litmus test is proven.