A man who impersonates Jesus on the radio will speak tomorrow at chapel on how Jesus would argue.
Neil Saavedra, who prefers to refer to himself as the producer of his “Jesus Christ Show” on Los Angeles’ KFI-640 AM rather than the host (though he really is both), will be the concluding speaker of the Defending the Faith chapel series, sponsored by the Christian apologetics department.
Saavedra’s Sunday morning show, in which he refers to himself as the “holy host,” features him speaking in the character of Jesus, giving biblically inspired advice to his listeners. Many go along with it, referring to him as “Jesus” when they call in to ask questions.
Last Sunday, a man called in asking “Jesus” about why a man who has done bad all his life can at the end of his life become a Christian and go to heaven, while a person who has lived a morally “perfect” life but never becomes a Christian will go to hell.
“Jesus” responded by saying no one is perfect, so getting to heaven is not just comparing yourself to everyone else — God is the measure of moral perfection.
Craig Hazen, director of Biola’s apologetics program, acknowledged the controversial nature of Saavedra’s show, referring to it as a “mixed bag,” but conceded its content is spot-on.
“On the one hand you may think taking on the persona of Jesus is a little blasphemous, but on the other hand, people can hear in really clear terms the message of Jesus,” Hazen said. “It’s some of the best theology and apologetics you can get on the radio, especially the secular radio.”
Hazen said he has known Saavedra for a while and described him as an active member of the apologetics community, though “he doesn’t look like a typical apologist.” He said Saavedra has a compelling life story and should be commended for the work he is doing.
“One of the most amazing things about him is the way he has navigated being a committed Christian in one of the most raucous radio markets in the world,” he said.
Saavedra began his radio career in 1990 with a Christian question and answer show called “Answers with Shield and Faith,” according to his biography on Premiere Radio Network’s Web site. In 1994 he went to KFI as an intern, where he been since.
He holds no formal degrees despite having studied theology and apologetics in many classroom settings. He describes himself as a “self-taught lay apologist.”
Saavedra has been the subject of several articles, including ones in L.A. Weekly and Media Life. Saavedra admitted how he fall shorts in real life of the character he portrays on Sundays.
“If I could find a way to be that guy that I am for three hours every hour of the day, I would have it in the bag,” he said in the L.A. Weekly article.
