My thoughts on life, relationships, and everything else!

Sunday, August 01, 2004

Christian Commercialism

It seems like an odd concept to me, but more and more churches seem to be using commercialism for the sake of drawing in the numbers. They run news ads to promote"worship opportunities", give members car stickers, and some even run TV ads that make their church seem like a three ring circus. Don't get me wrong, letting people know that your church is out there isn't a bad thing necessarily, especially during things like revivals and VBS, it's just when it gets to the point where you are having to do a song and dance number to draw in the crowds (I have actually seen this believe it or not).

There is also the "odd preacher factor". A church that is struggling will hire a very different type of pastor or youth pastor to "boost the numbers"...Former wrestlers, athletes, and even bikers. Not that these people are necessarily underquailified, but most of the sermons by "publicity preachers" that I have heard have been more about who they are and what they do than about God. There are also the college career, and youth groups, that are supposed to be strengthening the bond between young adults and God, that just seem to be Large, church funded dating services..People go there pick up people, not worship God. I have actually heard churches use that to try to bait people into going there. It seems like in many places, church is more for entertainment than the worship of God :(

The other side of Christian commercialism is so called" Christian celebs" (Jessica Simpson, POD, Evanescence,etc.),also known as "Britney Spears Christians": they are christian only when it is convenient, and as worldly as it gets the rest of the time. Jessica Simpson is a good example of this. She started out a somewhat shy preachers daughter, who could sing, was firm in her beliefs and an excellent role model for girls of all ages...but once stardom actually hit, it all changed. The skirts got incredibly short, the clothing see thru and then came the poses on magazine covers in undies. Also for anyone who watches newlyweds... we all know what kind of language is used....Nice....And lets not get started on a lot of the others. It may make Christians look cool...But goes against a lot of things. Also, you can be cool and still live a Christian life(as I stated in a previous post) without giving into worldly temptations. Whether you are famous, or just an average joe, you never know who is watching or looking up to you: so we should be giving a good example and living for Christ always.