The SECOND COMING

He may be a very naughty boy y, but British comedian Ricky Gervais may also be the messiah, writes Stan Stew wart.

- Stan Stewart

The notion that Jesus will return soon – any moment – is a common phenomenon. It is a hot topic among Christians, churchgoing or not. Muslims from all branches of Islam also expect the return of Jesus, whom they regard as a prophet. For instance, the belief in the imminent return of Jesus is a driver for Islamic State and the Taliban. And for Christian preachers who believe they can predict and package it right, it is the source of a billion-dollar industry.

But in my view, all the above is misguided. Jesus has already come back – and his name is Ricky Gervais. To understand how I have come to this conclusion, think back on how Jesus arrived the first time. An unwed, pregnant teenage girl gives birth in an animal shed – similar in our day to giving birth in a refugee camp. The only people who were informed of this event were smelly, uneducated shepherds and some mystics (the Wise Men) from another country and religion.

The first coming of Jesus was a complete surprise. The same is true of his second. Certainly, the religious establishment, be it church or mosque, will probably be the last to know. It is my good fortune or gift to recognise that Jesus has already come. He is here in the most unlikely person – Gervais.

How do I know this?

Gervais’ fame and fortune are partly based on shocking and insulting people – cringe comedy. His stand-up shows rely heavily on smut. But this is just a front, a disguise. It is not who Gervais really is.