When interviewed about playing Archie Bunker, Carroll O’Connor commented it
was easy to do, for he was just the opposite of Archie, and he was acting.
Based upon preconceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices at the time. So was
Archie Bunker really just an act, or was he more real than we would like to
admit? Looking back I wish I had paid more attention to the making of history
than just reading about it now, but I knew many like Archie Bunker. And sides
of them that revealed a depth of character beneath the rough façade. For Archie
it was all about his family, as the name of the show attested to, All in the
Family. Edith may be a dingbat, but could be because she knew Archie would
protect her and always provide. She saw his weaknesses as forms of love and
never doubted his love for her. It was Archie and the Archies like him that
quit high school and enlisted in WWII. It was the Archies that worked overtime
to put food on his table, to provide clothes and a home for his family. It was
the Archies who when someone was hurt or out of work, were the first to reach
into their pockets and help out. Maintaining a gruff and complaining exterior,
a tender heart hidden beneath. It was the Archies who loved their country, and
risked ridicule by openly admitting it. He, they may sound prejudice, but the
real prejudice was the elitest take on him, who never gave, but only took. Who
complained and never brought forth any solutions. He wasn’t afraid to call a
spade a dirty shovel if it was one, he was prejudiced, we all are, he wasn’t
afraid to be who he was. And because of that, we either hate him or love him.
Then there was Meathead, who never contributed a thing, but constantly
criticized the hand that fed him, that housed him, that gave him shelter. He
would get a degree, and become just another dark suit in the business world, but
when his car needed fixing, or his bank wouldn’t loan him the money, Archie
always came through. One lived ideals, the other lived a life. One had an
education, the other had the experience. One studied, one applied. One earned a
paycheck, the other helped him spend it. Maybe Archie wasn’t the bad guy
O’Connor played him to be. What may sound prejudice, and probably was, was
truth we didn’t want to face up to. So we made fun of it, condemned it, and
pronounced ourselves above it all. We would never act that way....at least not
where anyone could see.
In a strange way both Archie and Meathead represent the church of today.
One is outspoken out doing it, taking care of the poor, recognizing the truth of
who people are and not being afraid to recognize a dirty shovel when they see
one. This church is more like Archie, streetwise and tough, yet compassionate
and taking care of needs. It respects God, honors God, and trusts God, and to
the world appears uncaring, because it tells the truth. Because it lives it,
and because when things are needed, they are who we turn to. They git ‘er done,
they work the overtime, go after the one while the church of today brags on the
99. The real church will never be rich, will never be famous, and will always
be prejudiced against because it tells the truth. The church I talk of is more
like Archie, rough and loving, not afraid to stand up for what is right, and
responsible. Its values are based on and found in Jesus, and it relies on the
spirit, knowing it has a job to do, and the message of the gospel is more
important than the messengers sending it. But the most important thing is
Jesus, and not confusing the church for him. This church isn’t perfect, but
growing from within. Meeting the needs of people, ministering to those who it
encounters, showing no prejudice except for love.
Yet the first church of Meathead flourishes today. They brag on numbers,
on talking about social inequities, having meetings and agreeing times are
tough, then heading of in their BMW’s in the burbs. Looking good in public,
they really are the extension of the Pharisees that hated Jesus, and made it
rough for him. They are religious, but have no love in them, checking Jesus at
the door so as to not offend anyone. They are the goats that Jesus came to
separate from the sheep, really wolves in sheep clothing. They are the church
that looks good, but made Jesus sick to the point of throwing up. They are
Meatheads, appear in all denominations, and while the real church is out
ministering, they are still debating the location of the tomb. Not knowing they
are already entombed in religion and dead. They are the goat smell in religion,
confusing it for the fragrance of the spirit. They criticize Archie’s church,
but never lend a hand to help it either. Its pastors hiding behind a pulpit,
joining in with other like minded believers, and calling it church. They are
the dingbats, flying in the fog and not knowing it. They smell like goats! No
wonder Jesus threw up!
So to all you short guys called Shorty, big guys named Tiny, skinny guys
called Slim, and blondes called Whitey, we love you. We only joke with those we
love, because the others are so prejudiced, so insecure they don’t get it. They
forget the spirit, brag on their legalism, and hinder the gospel from going
forth. They have all the radio stations set to KWVE, memorize a verse a day,
and have read all the pastor’s books. Yet wouldn’t know Jesus if he showed up
in their pajamas! They forget that nicknames are a show of affection, reserved
for those who love, denying even a basic relationship with man, let alone God.
Their perfection is their biggest flaw....
So maybe Archie’s church ain’t perfect. Look at the disciples, the men
chosen personally by Jesus. He uses the fools to show up the foolish, and loves
us all despite us. God loves Archie Bunker so much he sent Jesus to die for
him. The evidence, an empty cross, and an empty tomb. As opposed to an empty
heart.
“Didn’t need no welfare state,” nope we had the church. “Everybody
pulled his weight,” so pick up your cross and follow Jesus. Get back to him
today, and before they pass, know today is the day! Those truly are the days!
For Archie like the gospel is simple so we get it, and free so we can
afford it. Dingbats get it, how about you Meatheads?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com