Does shopping at a “Christian Store” help you be Christian?
I went to a Lifeway “Christian Store” earlier this week. While I realize(d) this doesn’t mean they sell Christians, I have to admit I had some intellectual fun with the concept. Thanks to those of you who shared those exercises with me on Facebook.
I was further energized theologically when I noticed on the front door that the store offers “Biblical Solutions for Life.”
I was surprised and, admittedly, quite let down upon opening said front door and being greeted by a large area to the right full of Jesus Junk. Jesus Junk is all that artsy- stuff that is really mass-produced anything with a verse or two of scripture laminated onto it.
The irony got deeper when I looked to my immediate left in response to a clerk at a cashier terminal offering to help me find something. ”Where can I find communion supplies?” I asked.
“They’re way in the back, over there,” she said, pointing. “Behind the VBS sign.”
Great – a store that offers Biblical Solutions to Life makes communion elements and other “church supplies” the hardest thing to find.
But you can buy this print of a painting of a really warm looking house in the woods (probably just outside Lake Woebegone) and a psalm reference printed in the lower left for ONLY $129.
THAT’S a Biblical Solution to Life if I ever saw one!
Lord, help us!
derek webb wrote onto twitter once that ‘christian’ before anything other than a person is a marketing tactic. that feels pretty true to me.
I like that, Gavin (and Derek) I think I’ll borrow it – and give credit.
Makes me think of the Shepherds Guide directory they give away there. I have used services listed in the guide. They are Christian businesses. The work performed was lousy and the atttitude were too. Never again. I will hire a heathen first. I do not all the cheap marked up items with a scripture tacked on them either.