Mr. Rogers and Jesus

Around New Years, I juxtaposed Bob Marley and Jesus; today, it's Mr. Rogers and Christ. Indulge me.

Today is the birthday of Fred Rogers, of PBS' Mr. Roger's fame. (Information courtesy of The Writer's Almanac* peeps. Thank you!) In the Christian tradition, it's also the day we celebrate Christ's last meal with his friends, the disciples, and and the profound parting words He offered them, as well as the profound actions of loving service He modeled for them.

I think about Mr. Rogers, that cardigan sweater and sneakers, his songs, and I have to sort of laugh.

I think about Jesus, and the bread and wine, the washing of the feet, and I have to sort of stop and wonder.

What would a meal between these two look and sound like? What songs of Fred's might Jesus sing?
How would "Won't you be my neighbor?" flow from Jesus' vocal chords?
(Do you suppose He might whistle this tune?)
Would Mr. Rogers make a train that took us to the Holy Land? How would we observe them today?
Does the Middle East know of Fred Rogers? Do they have their own version?
What kind of Judas might Roger's have encountered?
How do the lessons of Fred Rogers and the lessons of Jesus compare?
Is it blasphemy to compare the two?
What PBS show will my own kids watch and learn from?

Happy Contemplating and Creating Juxtapositions of your own!

Peace,
Melissa


*It is the birthday of beloved children's television host Fred Rogers, born in 1928 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

In 1962, Rogers earned a divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and he was ordained by the Presbyterian Church. Rogers continued his work in television, appearing on camera for the first time in 1963 on his new show, Misterogers, which was aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. This show would evolve into Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which was seen nationally for the first time in 1968.

The show, which began with Rogers singing "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" and changing into sneakers and a cardigan, would go on to become the longest-running show on PBS. The program featured themes like feeling good about yourself, getting along with others, and handling fears. Rogers wrote more than 200 songs for the show. The last episode was taped in December 2000.