by Erik Hopkins

Created on: January 08, 2008

Is it right to advertise religion. Tough one to answer, but one I have off handedly commented on more times that I can remember.

Every day on most channels your see the commercials for some kind of charity, usually Christian, wanting money to ship Asian rice somewhere or put nets in the Congo. No problem from me on these, while yes they may be a religious based charity they are not asking for money for themselves or the business, even if they do take a cut. They want the money for a nobler cause and that's fine by me. No, it's the smaller churches and the large TV mega-churches I draw issue with.

The whole "GOT JESUS" campaign and the other branded advertising rip-offs are just so blatant that I wonder why the original writers and the folks who spent the time and money copyrighting and developing great and memorable jingles and slogans haven't sued (as far as I know). Besides, if God is behind them, inspiring and guiding them, why can't he help them come up with some original material?

I watch some of the shows on Sundays not just the Benny Hinn and Robert Tilton's but of some of the smaller churches that broadcast locally and I have got to say their sales pitch is just as good as Billy Mays (the Oxy-clean guy). Watch the broadcasts long enough and those credit cards just jump out or your wallet. The next thing you know you just made a payment on a BMW.

It seems that in order to become ordained a minister or pastor in today's world you need to take an introduction to advertising class and learn how to run a focus group. Running and maintaining a church requires a balance between righteousness and capitalism. The right sort of slogan on the letter boards outside the building can make or break the business.

So back to the question, is it right to advertise religion? No I dont think so, I'd rather not see Jesus, Buddha or Allah on the hood of a NASCAR.

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