Another question actually made me think of this one. But these Christian bookstores sell all kinds of products with religious sayings or depictions on them. Soaps, candies, lotions, socks, lip balms, etc. Are you more faithful because you use these products? Are they a reminder of your faith (if so, why do you need a reminder)? Am I more likely to go to heaven if I die with a TestaMint freshening my breath? Or is all of this just straightforward commercialism. And, if it is commercialism, then what right do Christians have to complain when the rest of us commercialize Christmas (which was a pagan holiday to begin with)?
2007-10-11 05:22:42 · 7 answers · asked by Katie Short, Atheati Princess 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christ threw the moneychangers out of the temple because he considered it a violation of the temple. However, there is no discussion of anyone outside who might have been selling yarmulkes. Religion is largely an emotional thing, and I don't think it is a sin to want symbols around you. It's when somebody sells you a "prayer cloth" for a "donation" to a TV or radio ministry that I think would have angered Jesus.
2007-10-11 05:28:51 · answer #1 · answered by mommanuke 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
These products are sinful, in my opinion. If Jesus were to walk into these bookstores I've no doubt that He would do just what He did in the temple - overturn the tables and knock over the displays. They're making a mockery of the Christian faith and the most humiliating thing is: the majority of the people buying these little religious trinkets are Christians!
2007-10-11 05:27:26 · answer #2 · answered by srprimeaux 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've been a Christian for almost 40 years and I can say I don't have a single religious doo-dad / thingamajigabob / whatchacallit in the house lol. I shop at Christian stores for a gift Bible or a particular study guide, that's it.
My husband has a couple of small crosses he props next to his colognes, but those were special gifts he received from people he loved, he doesn't do it to be religious or anything lol.
I think it's just commercialism, like you said. And honestly, I don't care if you commercialize Christmas if you aren't a Christian, go right on ahead! lol I just care if Christians do it, that's all.
2007-10-11 05:31:19 · answer #3 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Greetings!
Thousands of years ago, Religion was big business-statues, paintings, artefacts, all licensed by the Temples-
People have not changed.
Superstition rules mankind, not Spirituality. The threat of damnation, the promise of sweet goodies, and a picture of the "God" to hang on your wall.
I make items involved in my "Religion", and will sell them to those who can`t or won`t make them-there are many shops that do the same. Are my items better than those mass-produced? Certainly! Do people with cottage industry deserve to profit? Yes! Is a product produced for, let`s say Hinduism, made in China, exported to Mexico, sold at the swap meet in Pacoima, a good thing?
Hey! the price is right! So it has Lead paint! The Temple of the Almighty Dollar is satisfied!
Buy local. Ask for it. Insist on it. Vote for it. And be sure to check out my new Yule Line of Magi-approved items!
hehehe!
2007-10-11 06:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by Ard-Drui 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Putting on a Christian Tee shirt does not make you any more of a Christian then any other Christian out there. The only object I wear to symbolize my faith is a cross and that is worn with great sorrow in reminder of what Jesus did for me. I do not believe in selling the name of Jesus for a profit. Believe it or not the mass majority of companies that make Christian merchandise are not Christian. The ones that make the tee shirts that say "Jesus loves you" are the same ones that make the ones that say "Satan Rocks"
2007-10-11 05:33:55 · answer #5 · answered by Celtickarma 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No difference at all. Christmas at the Jesus store starts on Dec 26th the year before. The Christ would weep anew with all the tchochtes on display and for sale with his purported image.
2007-10-11 05:28:14 · answer #6 · answered by Goethe's Ghostwriter 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well maybe in a later question you might also want to mention Christian artists. If Christians are not really supposed to make profit live a materialistic life why do they listen to Christian music doesn't that go against their beliefs?
2007-10-11 05:27:53 · answer #7 · answered by Ice 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋