Discussing “how bloggers need a brand” used to be a huge topic of the “bigger” blogs, but thankfully has dimmed.
I have a brand for you…Christian.
Christian college. Christian books. Christian music. Christian bookstores. Christian retreat centers. Christian camps. Christian musician. Christian counselors. Plus we are to the saturation point with Christian television, Christian radio, Christian cruises, Christian schools, Christian retirement centers, Christian videos. Christian dating services, ad infinitum.
Now to be clear: I am NOT saying those things are wrong in and of themselves. I listen to Air1 upon occasion and it is nice to listen to some good, clean music without a bunch of commercials. But I’m afraid we have maybe taken this whole thing just a tad bit too far.
Let me rephrase that by asking a question: if we have all these “Christian” things, why are we not having more of an impact on our culture? Why do we hear reports of more and more of the younger generation, especially, pulling away from the church? Why is there less interest in the things of God than before? After all, there is more “Christian” stuff than ever before.
I’m not sure what the answer is. That is part of my ponderings these days. What difference am I making? What can I do or say to encourage more of an involvement to make a difference? Where does God want my heart? I’m trying to find out these answers.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
I have no answers. However, one thing that needs to be grasped is a realization of your reach. The thought that you can’t impact millions might so overwhelm you to the point that you forget about or lose sight of the handful that you can impact … that you are impacting. Impacting that handful might just be exactly what God desires of you.
You state truth here Daniel. hard truth. We/I do need to realize we all have an impact no matter how large or how small. Thanks.
I think the Christian “problem” is due to making rather extraordinary claims with basically no evidence. What is heaven? No one knows.
Truth. Grossly misused in the Jesus speak language. Truth requires evidence. Again, there is none. And the way Christians cherry pick the Bible to suit their desire is a turn off for a lot of people.
Heaven? Yeah I believe in it. Have I seen it? No of course not. But that is the difference of living by faith and living by logic. And, as you know, I would disagree with your contention there is no evidence. However, I will agree some Christians do cherry pick the Bible to suit their desires. Turns me off as well.
We have a store in Knoxville that is called a “Christian” store. Never seen one Christian for sale.
🙂 What do they sell?
Could be we feel safer, more secure, with kindred spirits and those of like mind and heart.
Hard stuff, this …
I have no doubt what you say is true Linda. I guess I struggle with the whole isolation thing. How can we have an impact if we withdraw and only surround ourselves with people of faith? Again, just wondering. 🙂
I think it’s because we’ve commercialized a religion. Have you read any George Barna or David Barton? Their new book, U-Turn, summarized this PERFECTLY. When you look at the statistic of those who purchase “Christian” products, attend “Christian” churches, but then fail to answer correctly on MAJOR foundational truths regarding our Messiah (for instance, may believe Jesus sinned while on Earth, others believe Satan is just a “symbol” of evil and that good works will get you to heaven).. it is downright frightening. We HAVE branded Christianity as a nation…
Well said Gingi. I have not read that book but it does make a good point. We HAVE forgotten major foundational truths and substituted lies.
Right there with you, Bill. I want others to get to know Jesus. I want them to know He is real and we can have a relationship with Him. I am not sure I am getting that across as effectively as possible.
I’m not sure I am doing an effective job sometimes either Pam.
Good thoughts and questions, Bill.
One’s I think we all need to ponder and pray over.
Thanks TC. Do you think we will ever come to an answer? 🙂
I’ve always resisted the idea of branding. If I’m told to do something, I want to do the opposite. That’s good and bad in either extreme. I’ve also asked myself these same questions many times. I’ve just decided that I am going to do what I feel God is leading me to do regardless of what others do or don’t do. I believe that if I focus on my relationship with Christ and on obedience, then influence happens based on his timing not mine. I can’t really force influence, but I can choose obedience and let him take care of the influence. Not an easy topic, my friend.
I’ve resisted also Kari. In reality I just didn’t care. I can do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I’m also not tied to anyone and like you, can focus on my relationship with Jesus. You are right: it is not an easy topic but certainly one we need to talk about. 🙂 Thanks for the great comment.
I guess I need to clarify a bit. I’m not necessarily talking about doing what I want to do when I want to do it, though that is a struggle at times for me. I’m talking about focusing on obedience over sacrifice. In other words, is what I’m doing what God wants me to do, or am I concerned about what others will think? Yes, prefer others. Yes, consider how what I do and don’t do might affect others. But neither of these above what He wants of me. In summary, I guess, how close I am and what I do for God depends on Him and no one else as far as best as I am able to do so in my humanness.
I apologize if it sounded like i was saying (in essence) “be a rebel and do whatever you want.” I understand your desire to follow Jesus and be obedient to Him. I wouldn’t want it to be seen any other way-for you or for me. Thanks for the follow-up and making sure we know how important your relationship to Jesus is to you.
Maybe we, as Christians, are not reaching others because our “clubs” are exclusive instead of inclusive. This is one reason I put my blog out there on Facebook to interest not just other Christians, but those who don’t know the Lord and need an encouraging word. My prayer, too, is that my novels will do that cross-over thing out there in the world.
Blessings, Bill!
Bingo Martha! Exclusivity is good in one thing: Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, but devastating if we isolate ourselves so no one hears that except the “already heard.”
I think sometimes these good things can insulate us from the needs all around us. We can get so caught up in “staying pure” or trying to do the right things that we forget that we are salt and light. Good questions and thoughts. Important to consider and be led by His Holy Spirit. Thanks Bill.
Exactly my point Jason. Thanks for stating it so clearly, even more than I did. 🙂
I get google ads all the time for Christian dating sites, which is odd because I’ve been married for over 10 years, haha.
I don’t know how I feel about all those “Christian” brand things. On the one hand, there’s something cool about working out at a gym that’s operated by Christians, only allows pretty clean music to be played, and is very explicit about faith. But on the other hand, I think many people retreat to Christiany things as if that will keep them safe. I think a lot depends on the reason people are branding themselves. There’s a difference between letting your light shine and isolating yourself from the world.
That has to be funny Loren. Or “I got you name and email from FB.” Idiots. I’m not even on FB. On topic: it is a struggle because it is nice to be in a place where you feel “safe.” But you stated it well with the difference.
I think for many Christianity has become a club. We surround ourselves with Christian stuff and friendly smiles. I think many have forgotten our mission call which is to be a witness and light in this dark world. When we only surround ourselves with other Christians and Christian stuff, we hide our light. Surrounding ourselves with like minded people is comfortable, but is it what God wants from us? Nothing wrong with all the stuff you mentioned, but that stuff is about ourselves, and has little impact in our world. Just my opinion anyway.
Club. Hide our light. My point exactly Mike. For what it’s worth: I agree with your opinion.
I am a little late on this one but wanted to say this. It has been disheartening to be in the USA, a Christian nation with churches on every corner, more resources available then anywhere in the world…yet be around so many Christians who do not have a good foundation of their faith. Without it we will be drawn into what ever is popular out there whether it is bible or not.
I ditto what Gingi said…it’s been disheartening to be around Christians who do not have a foundation of what the Bible teaches. As soon as we ladies end our present study on being Women of Faith, we are going to do, Strangers on the Road to Emmaus by John Cross. It lays a foundation from Gen to Christ of who God is, who man is, who Jesus is and the power of the Holy Spirit to teach us these issues. People can only be as strong as their foundation is. Good post Bill.
As a pastor I am somewhat disheartened as well Betty. I see so many followers of Christ who are clueless. As you state they have no foundation.
I’ve digested this ever since you posted it. My first reaction: You hit the nail on the head. My second reaction: You “WILL do even greater things than these.” Jn 14:12. My third reaction: Struggling with God on these questions is a wonderful place to be.
Thanks. Hope so. And yes it is a wonderful place to be. That means your faith is alive and “unsettled.”