Monday, July 11, 2005

Time for a New-Fashioned Book Burning

Last week I got a flyer from a local Christian bookstore (which I won't name since it wouldn't be "Christian" of me to do so). It seems it is time for Buzz Night, a time when youth are encouraged to bring in their "secular" CDs, posters, and movies and have them destroyed. In return, they get the priviledge of 20% off a Christian CD from the bookstore.

Reactions: anger, pity, "I'm cancelling the church's account," laughter, "Maybe this could be a teaching moment."

So let's learn:

1. Is everything that is not specifically labeled "Christian" an obstacle to an authentic spiritual life?
2. What is the difference between "secular" and "sacred"?
3. Does Christ destroy culture or transform it?
4. Is it ethical to profit from your faith? (Yes I know I am a pastor and receive a salary for my work. But is that different from offering my book for sale on the communion table before the service?)
5. Is it ethical to destroy somebody's art just because they don't call themselves Christian? (Many "secular" artists are in fact Christians - they just don't market their art that way)

Finally, what should I do in this situation? Write them a letter, boycott, picket, or just pray for their enlightenment?

2 Comments:

Blogger Vy said...

You should start a dialogue with them to see where they are coming from and for them to understand where you are coming from. If not, write a letter in the newsletter to start a conversation. This might anger them, but if you do it peacefully and with grace you will look really good in the eyes of God.

10:11 PM

 
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