Is Christianity for sale?

Question

Given Jesus's actions at the temple market place, selling religious wares are sinning? I frequently see people set up selling books, videos, etc at churches. And do I even need to bring up 'The Passion of the Christ' which received quite a bit of hawking from the pulpit? Or the 'war on Christmas' claims from last year--that Christmas just isn't commercial enough because retailers switched to happy holidays? Is using Christianity to sell products a sin?

Mel Brooks is Jewish and he didn't direct 'the passion of the christ'.

Answer 1

Everything is for sale now. We are a consumer driven country. Religion was the first to sell out.

Answer 2

Using Christianity to sell products IS a sin.

Producing and marketing products Christians might like is not a sin.

There is a fine line, and I think anyone crossing it will find out on judgment day if they're not already convicted.

I don't think "The Passion of the Christ" was a marketing ploy, but I could be wrong. It did touch a lot of people.

A T-shirt, however, that has some sort of distorted Christian slogan which steals a well-known logo... like "Abreadcrumb & Fish" ... now that's just wrong.

Answer 3

"When books and tapes on Christianity are sold most of the profits go to mission funds, church groups, churches in general, or to the poor. I think they made the Passion of the Christ so people would know what Jesus went through in a very visual way so it would stick in their minds. Mel Brooks, the director, was asked if he thinks he overdid it and he said 'If anything, I think I toned it down.'" - My Christian friend on the phone

Answer 4

i can agree to some extent but give onto ceaser what is ceaser. the passion of the christ did make a lot of money,but the gospel need to be preached in all the world before the coming of the lord, therefore the movies and cenimas is being used for secular and violence why not for GOD, hence this is a business it took money to make it and it brought back good profit but the task it was needed for was accumplished. It has been a long time since the movie been out and evrybody still talks about it ... take a second and think about your question now?

Answer 5

It is for sale; along with freedom. However, it will cost you a buck o' five. Act now while supplies last and get a free plastic nativity scene. First five callers receive a light-sensitive bookmark that plays a beautiful 16 kbps midi rendition of "Silent Night." Yours absolutely free! But hurry this offer won't survive the Second Coming!

Answer 6

First off, Jesus destroyed the money changers tables in the temple because they were defiling God's holy place. They were swindling the people into buying their wares for use in the sacrifices and cheating them in the process.
I do think you have a point though, are people producing products to edify the church or is it just a money making business? Ultimately, each have to give an account for their actions before God, it's not really up to us to judge them.

Answer 7

Selling Christian products is a way to help spread Gods word, strengthen and encourage Christians. These products change peoples lives by helping them grow in Christ. What is a better Christmas gift then helping a Christian know their Lord better through a gift of a movie, CD or a book?

Answer 8

oh fer sure. Sunday morning TV is packed with Christian infomercials.

just send in your "love donation" and Rev. Scammasheep will say a special pray just for you! but that's not all! if you call in with your "love donation" in the next 5 minutes you will receive (at no extra cost) the holy spirit of discernment. infallibility guaranteed!
Jesus could return at any moment so don't wait! have your credit card ready and call now!

Answer 9

Christians will do whatever it takes to impose their beliefs on others, so there is no limit to what they will do to try to get someone to believe what they believe.

It's like the whole "give 10% of your income to the church" thing. Christianity is just another business trying to turn a profit and make a buck off their followers.

Sad.

Answer 10

christ is not for sale but the "culture" is. Just like gay people are not for sale, but since gay people like to let others know they are gay so they can meet them or seem cool they purchase trinkets such as bumper stickers. The gays may be proud of it so they have many trinkets. Christians are proud to love christ so a market has developed around this culture.Christians have sold since before christ. Christmas is a subculture of Christ which other groups participate in. This is another marketing opportunity, yet Christ itself is free. He died on the cross so you may be free too. Just as a bipolar who wishes shouldnt run around nake and is born with that desire, shouldnt a gay person act upon his desires. Both are not "normal", and both are "genetic" , yet the actions are both sins, yet god loves sinners...but not the sins themselves.