I am not trying to be snarky. I am really wondering. I just moved from the Northeast part of the US to the South. I saw an otherwise ordinary housepainter's sign with the Christian fish symbol on it. Where I come from, there are people of all faiths who are religious, there are others who are nonpracticing and still others who are non-believers, but, generally speaking, religious views are considered your personal business. So I don't know why this housepainter would have this on his sign. Is he signaling that he only wants clients with the same religious beliefs? (Can he even do that?) What are his religious beliefs anyway: the fish symbol seems to be used by only a particular kind of Christian, evangelical? born-again? Is he trying to imply that he's a better housepainter than his non-Christian or Christian-but-don't-say-so competitors? My inital reaction is NOT to use his business. His sign seems unprofessional at best, prejudiced at worst. What do you think?
2007-02-08 11:43:35 · 13 answers · asked by TaDa 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, he is not trying to appeal only to Christians, but some Christians will not buy from a non-Christian if a Christian provides the same service.
He is appealing to that Christian.
Down in the Bible belt, we have Christian directories passed out to the Christian shopper for that purpose.
grace2u
2007-02-08 11:51:38 · answer #1 · answered by Theophilus 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In my eyes I am a Christian, which, to me, means being a believer and a follower of Jesus' teachings but I think this practice of parading your belief in order to attract business (implying Christians never screw-over anyone) is appalling and I bet Jesus would be disgusted with people using his "symbol" as a way to make money. I'm so skeptical of so-called Christians anymore, particularly since the past 6 years our "born again" president has committed some of the most immoral acts (killing, lying, and money-making) that history has ever seen.Why is it that some Christians hold sexual sins (i.e. Clinton) as so much worse than other sins? I just don't get it.
2007-02-08 11:57:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is just my opinion. I haven't seen the sign nor do I know about the business.
A fish symbol does represent Christianity. It could be that painter, using the fish symbol, is letting his clients know that he will be honest, hardworking and sincere in his job. Clients will know that he will do the work and not cheat his customers.
I live in N. E. Ohio. In my telephone book there are advertisements for car mechanics. Some of the ads include information that the owner is Christian. Word has spread that the owner is decent fellow and will be honest about the cost of the repairs and will do what is expected of him and do it well.
So, If I saw this on a painter's sign, I would say, "Hey, maybe I'll call this guy up. I know I won't get ripped off!"
Like I said, just my opinion.
2007-02-08 11:49:47 · answer #3 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm from the Northeast too, in fact. The fact is, you're in a different world down in the South. There's a reason why it's called the "Bible Belt." Businessmen tend to use this sign to signal to other Christians that they can trust them. I don't find anything against it as long as the businessman is really Christian, i.e., trustworthy and follow-the-10-Commandments-type.
2007-02-08 11:50:16 · answer #4 · answered by ziema26 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think he is either trying to say he would rather serve Christians or he just wants t capitalize on a symbols power. Its called and IXTHYS. Ive never seen it used on anything Orthodox or Catholic so it must be Prodestant/born-again. And i would agree that it is prejudiced, but you shold at least check it out and see what the guy is like. Dont judge a book by its cover.
2007-02-08 11:50:35 · answer #5 · answered by YouCannotKnowUnlessUAsk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In & Out Burger prints Bible verses under it's paper products.
His use of that symbol is a way to "drum" up business. If he feels Christians would be more responsive to him, then he'll use that.
Of course he is probably a Christian himself and maybe he's "spreading the gospel" while he works...lol
2007-02-08 11:57:21 · answer #6 · answered by dorkmobile 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are absolutely ridiculous. This is a free country and he can express his religious beliefs in any way, form or fashion as he so pleases. why do you care? why does it bother you so much? Maybe he is thanking God for his business because if it weren't for him, the business may not exist int he first place. He is acknowledging that without him, his business may not have even been possible. And yes, he probably does cater more to Christians than any other group. However, he probably doesn't necessarily discriminate either. If you are a non-believer and you don't like it, then don't purchase his work. DUH. i am in disbelief that you would try to condem someone else's beliefs and practices just because of how you feel. you are the only one who cares how you feel. so get a grip and a life. Leave the man alone. If he wants to represent, then let him. He probably has it up to keep the devils like YOU away.
2007-02-08 11:56:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
He was probably trying to drum up business. Or present himself as being honest, etc. Some think that's good marketing (in the Bible Belt).
2007-02-08 11:49:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some Christians will pay a Christian extra to do the same job as a non-Christian, it's a way to make money...
2007-02-08 11:49:11 · answer #9 · answered by XX 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Whatever he intends, he won't get my business. I don't give people money who proselytize to me. I don't put my symbols, or political leanings, into the throats of others.
2007-02-08 11:53:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋