I am not a fan.
Here’s the thing: Steve Jobs? NOT A CHRISTIAN. He was reportedly a Buddhist, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that he was frequently leaning in the direction of agnostic-to-atheist. He spoke about the finality of death, and the importance of living a full life for the sake of fullness rather than redemption/reward, in a way that just doesn’t mesh with the common Christian rhetoric of heaven, life after death, etc.
So although I recognize that Saint Peter with an iPad is a very accessible way to commemorate Steve Jobs, and while even I, with my minimal exposure to organized religion, instantly get the reference, I can’t help but be frustrated by how dishonest it looks and feels. If we truly want to honor someone, shouldn’t we at least take the time to do so thoughtfully, in a way that fits with what we know about how they lived their life and viewed the world?
