Church marketing and the demise of religion in America
Driving around town, it’s not uncommon to finds that mimic popular slogans such as “Got Jesus”. Sometimes they seem kind of cute or clever. But after I consider them a bit, I’m left feeling unsettled as opposed to humored. The reason for this is simple. The church is not intended to identify with the world. We’re not to associate, market, etc. The church is to be the pillar and ground for the truth.
Consider this sign. “I Kissed a Girl” is a popular song by Katie Perry.
While it might seem right to preach against homosexual behavior and to denounce the lesbian lifestyle, the church errs when it takes the low road and takes to identifying with the world’s methods. Where does it all end?
You see, the problem is that rather than trying to elevate the word of God and to teach it, churches today believe they must reach down to people. Hence they continue to lower their standards. But if our churches continue to lower their standards, where will Christians be helped? And if Christians fail to receive proper training, where will people hear truth? It all becomes a slippery slope.
We need to get back to focusing on what is truthful, not chasing every little rabbit we come across. These things are merely diversion tactics, which take away from what is truly important.
Doh. Nice sign. *rolling eyes*
Not that I usually speak up in religious views, but I agree with you on this one. They are trying to make church ‘cool’ so more people will attend. I don’t love the supposedly funny ‘ad slogans’ on church billboards either.
The sad part is that it appears to be a quote. Then when you look at the bottom of the sign, it has the pastor’s name. So, I guess he kissed a girl too, and feels bad about it. I suppose it’s better than him kissing little boys and liking it.
Well, maybe chasing rabbits altogether is a waste of time.
It always reminds me of the “Or else…” statement, Kinda fuzzy logic to me. Condemning people by sending them to hell based on one “bad” thing they have done? Hmmmm
To that “logic” heaven is pretty much empty and everyone are at the big party in hell.
Woops, I criticized someone… Dang! I was that close on going to heaven… Oh well…
LOL I love Etay’s comment… and this billboard frankly sickens me. I hate these self-righteous people always trying to shove their beliefs down everyone else’s throats. They think they’re going to heaven but fail to realise that hating others is never going to get them there! =P
I don’t think they’re all hateful. But I have certainly come across my fair share of condescension. I can recall people in my church making themself feel better against Catholics, Muslims, Jehova Witnesses, etc. When in doubt bash some group.
Now, this is different than an ecumenical acceptance of other groups of people, religions, etc as all equal. I think it all comes down to mutual respect for life and for one another’s differences.