The Pit (Version 1)
Analogy★★★★I read this story the other day that said a man fell into a pit and couldn’t get himself out.
A subjective person came along and said, “I feel for you down there.”
An objective person come along and said, “It’s logical that a person would fall down there.”
A Christian scientist came along and said, “You only think you’re in a pit.”
The Pharisee said, “Only bad people fall into pits.”
The mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit.
The news reporter wanted the exclusive story on his pit.
The Fundamentalist said, “You deserve your pit. Confucius said, “If you would have listened to me you would not be in the pit.”
Buddha said, “Your pit is only a state of mind.”
The realist said, “That’s a pit?”
The scientist calculated the necessary pounds of pressure it would take to get him out of the pit.
Geologists told him to appreciate the rock strata while he was down there in the pit.
Evolutionists said, “You’re a rejected mutant destined to be removed from the evolutionary cycle so that you cannot produce anymore pit-falling offspring. A County inspector asked if he had a permit to dig the pit.
A Professor gave him a lecture on the elementary principles of the pit.
An Evasive person came along and avoided the subject of his pit all together.
A self-pitying person said, “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen my pit.”
A charismatic said, “Just confess you’re not in the pit.”
An optimist said, “Things could be worse.”
A pessimist said, “Things will get worse.”
Jesus came by and saw the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.
The point
An extended allegory: a man in a pit receives responses from various worldviews before Jesus simply lifts him out—showing Christ's sufficiency over philosophy.
Alternate wording
The Pit231 words
A man fell into a pit and couldn’t get himself out. A subjective person
came along and said, “I feel for you down there.” An objective person came
along and said, “It’s logical that someone would fall down there.” A Christian
Scientist came along and said, “You only think you are in the pit.” A Pharisee
said, “Only bad people fall into pits.” A news reporter wanted the exclusive
story on his pit. A fundamentalist said, “You deserve your pit.” Confucius
said, “If you would have listened to me, you would not be in that pit.” Buddha
said, “Your pit is only a state of mind.” A realist said, “That’s a pit!” A
scientist calculated the pressure necessary (lbs. / sq. in.) to get him out of the
pit. A geologist told him to appreciate the rock strata in the pit. A tax man
asked if he was paying taxes on the pit. The Council Inspector asked if he had
a permit to dig a pit. An evasive person came along and avoided the subject of
his pit altogether. A self-pitying person said, “You haven’t seen
my
pit!” A
charismatic said, “Just confess that you’re not in a pit.” An optimist said,
“Things could have been worse.” A pessimist said, “Things will get worse.”
And Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.
In The Pit112 words
A man fell into a pit and couldn’t get himself out. A Christian Scientist came along and said, “You only think that you are in a pit.” A Pharisee said, “Only bad people fall into a pit.” A Fundamentalist said, “You deserve your pit.” A Charismatic said, “Just confess that you’re not in a pit.” A Methodist came by and said, “We brought you some food and clothing while you’re in the pit.” A Presbyterian said, “This was no accident, you know.” An Optimist said, “Things could be worse.” A pessimist said, “Things will get worse!” Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.