eahaddix
01-05-2007, 03:10 AM
http://www.sharperiron.org/cba2006-2/P1010070.JPG (http://www.sharperiron.org/2006/08/24/jesus-junk/) http://www.sharperiron.org/cba2006-2/P1010071.JPG (http://www.sharperiron.org/2006/08/24/jesus-junk/) http://www.sharperiron.org/cba2006-2/P1010047.JPG (http://www.sharperiron.org/2006/08/24/jesus-junk/)
I’ve come full circle.
Back in 1999, I was working with a family who had lost a daughter in the Columbine massacre here in Littleton, Colorado. We were working to put a small-cast play in publication so youth groups could use the story in their local churches to make a positive impact. While in production, a Christian retailing chain came out with a line of merchandise with the martyred girl’s final words of faith spelled out in motto form. In the front page of the catalog, quotes were given from the parents that appeared to be an endorsement. The family couldn’t have been more irate. I saw their anger and picked up the phone. I talked to the WWJD guy, and within a few weeks we formed a line of stuff that the family approved of and had control over.
I would do things differently today. While I believe that some Christian products serve a good purpose, most Christian merchandising, or Jesus Junk, cheapens the very faith we seek to proclaim. I’m not against all use of Scripture or Christian lingo on products. I just think I’m against most of them.
Source: "Jesus Junk," by Jason Janz, August 24, 2006 @ SharperIron.org (http://www.sharperiron.org/2006/08/24/jesus-junk/)
This article vividly reminds me of the "mall atmosphere." When I walk into some sort of "Christian store" (i.e. The Potter's House), I see a multicolored and detailed confusion of "neat" and "useful" stuff, which my curiosity usually encourages me to briefly survey.
However, after conducting any such survey, my personal conclusions are always the same. Very few products are actually useful and healthy acquisitions, while most products are designed for the materialistic and worldly consumer mentality. Specifically, most products can be divided into five basic geographical categories:
1) :dance: Useless "neat stuff." It is everywhere. This stuff remains "neat" long enough to tempt you into purchasing it, but interest in it quickly fades and you wonder why you bought it.
2) :bored: Worship music and inspirational material. This is usually the biggest section. I enjoy the "footsteps in the sand" type of inspirational material as much as the next person, but this stuff intentionally confuses emotionalism with spirituality. As a result, it becomes clichéd, melodramatic, and idolatry very quickly. I prefer private time with Christ Jesus over a CD by Rebecca St. James, Third Day, or Apologetix ("Apologetix"? :roflmbo: ) any day.
3) :banghead: "Self-help" materials for dummies. You can't miss this section. If you dislike critical thinking and Bible study, then Joyce Meyers, T. D. Jakes, and many others are willing to do it for you, for a price. And, in the process, these individuals will butter you up to get more business from you. Really, this material overtly targets those who simply cannot or do not want to think for themselves.
4) :speechle: Pre-made materials for lazy "church" leaders. It usually lurks near the "self-help" materials. "Pastors" or "ministers" who do not have time to do their job can buy pre-made sermon outlines, pre-written Bible study notes, and other "do not do it yourself" materials, such as Rick Warren's publications. My stomach turns and turns hard when I see this material, for anyone who is truly gifted in or predestined for such leadership positions should not need this material. :playfire:
5) :yowza: :smart: Personal Bible study aids for Bible students. Finally, after wandering through the first 4 categories, I find something interesting and practical hidden in the back of the store. If you want more in-depth Bible study, then you can buy different study aids in this section, such as Bibles, Bible commentaries, Interlinear Bibles, and books about Biblical history.
Now, when I compare my personal experience to Mr. Janz's article, I conclude that Christians are using material products as a "crutch" for immaterial issues. In other words, Christians use these products under the attitude that these products can do things for them. However, contrary to their attitude, such material essentially trivializes the Biblical faith and usually makes Christians look foolish.
:): Comments, questions, or criticisms?
I’ve come full circle.
Back in 1999, I was working with a family who had lost a daughter in the Columbine massacre here in Littleton, Colorado. We were working to put a small-cast play in publication so youth groups could use the story in their local churches to make a positive impact. While in production, a Christian retailing chain came out with a line of merchandise with the martyred girl’s final words of faith spelled out in motto form. In the front page of the catalog, quotes were given from the parents that appeared to be an endorsement. The family couldn’t have been more irate. I saw their anger and picked up the phone. I talked to the WWJD guy, and within a few weeks we formed a line of stuff that the family approved of and had control over.
I would do things differently today. While I believe that some Christian products serve a good purpose, most Christian merchandising, or Jesus Junk, cheapens the very faith we seek to proclaim. I’m not against all use of Scripture or Christian lingo on products. I just think I’m against most of them.
Source: "Jesus Junk," by Jason Janz, August 24, 2006 @ SharperIron.org (http://www.sharperiron.org/2006/08/24/jesus-junk/)
This article vividly reminds me of the "mall atmosphere." When I walk into some sort of "Christian store" (i.e. The Potter's House), I see a multicolored and detailed confusion of "neat" and "useful" stuff, which my curiosity usually encourages me to briefly survey.
However, after conducting any such survey, my personal conclusions are always the same. Very few products are actually useful and healthy acquisitions, while most products are designed for the materialistic and worldly consumer mentality. Specifically, most products can be divided into five basic geographical categories:
1) :dance: Useless "neat stuff." It is everywhere. This stuff remains "neat" long enough to tempt you into purchasing it, but interest in it quickly fades and you wonder why you bought it.
2) :bored: Worship music and inspirational material. This is usually the biggest section. I enjoy the "footsteps in the sand" type of inspirational material as much as the next person, but this stuff intentionally confuses emotionalism with spirituality. As a result, it becomes clichéd, melodramatic, and idolatry very quickly. I prefer private time with Christ Jesus over a CD by Rebecca St. James, Third Day, or Apologetix ("Apologetix"? :roflmbo: ) any day.
3) :banghead: "Self-help" materials for dummies. You can't miss this section. If you dislike critical thinking and Bible study, then Joyce Meyers, T. D. Jakes, and many others are willing to do it for you, for a price. And, in the process, these individuals will butter you up to get more business from you. Really, this material overtly targets those who simply cannot or do not want to think for themselves.
4) :speechle: Pre-made materials for lazy "church" leaders. It usually lurks near the "self-help" materials. "Pastors" or "ministers" who do not have time to do their job can buy pre-made sermon outlines, pre-written Bible study notes, and other "do not do it yourself" materials, such as Rick Warren's publications. My stomach turns and turns hard when I see this material, for anyone who is truly gifted in or predestined for such leadership positions should not need this material. :playfire:
5) :yowza: :smart: Personal Bible study aids for Bible students. Finally, after wandering through the first 4 categories, I find something interesting and practical hidden in the back of the store. If you want more in-depth Bible study, then you can buy different study aids in this section, such as Bibles, Bible commentaries, Interlinear Bibles, and books about Biblical history.
Now, when I compare my personal experience to Mr. Janz's article, I conclude that Christians are using material products as a "crutch" for immaterial issues. In other words, Christians use these products under the attitude that these products can do things for them. However, contrary to their attitude, such material essentially trivializes the Biblical faith and usually makes Christians look foolish.
:): Comments, questions, or criticisms?