Family Christian Stores, Merchandise for Your Soul
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I really wanted to have a vision problem when I saw a “Family Christian” store last night. I don’t really talk about religion very often, because I believe that it is something personal and people always get very “jumpy” when they argue about it. However, after seeing a store with that name, I just have to say something about it. Why in the world would you call it a “Family Christian” store? Does that mean that Muslims and Buddhists can’t shop in it? Now, I know that some boil-brained filthy rogue is going to say to me:
“Hey Ocean, you close-minded punk! You should at least give Christianity a little respect”
I believe that every religion must be respected, at least because of the people who have devoted their lives to it. But things get a little out of hand for me when someone decides to call a place intended solely to making money, “Christian.” According to Wikipedia:
“Family Christian Stores is the world’s largest Christian retailer, and it is located in the United States.[1] The retail chain had 4,600
employees in over 300 stores in 40 states in 2007. The retail chain offers a wide variety of Christian merchandise especially books/Bibles and CDs.Family Christian Stores recently announced their decision to “freeze” all store level employee wages in an effort to save money.”
Money and religion have gone hand in hand ever since I can remember. Ideally, the money that people give to the religion of their choice goes to the construction of churches, volunteering, etc. And, most importantly, if you want to give money to your religion you wouldn’t have to do it in a shopping plaza, next to a “Starbucks”. Stores such as this one have to profit in some way, right? They have to provide money for wages (which to freeze) and generate capital for the expansion of the “franchise.” So, I would imagine that it’s almost impossible to see if the money that “Family Christian Stores” generates goes out to help those in need, or goes to the big pockets of some guy with erectile dysfunction.
Calling a store “Christian,” is like calling Paris Hilton “your daughter.” Even though you love your daughter you would still know that she is a money-hungry whiner and people will try their best to exploit her in order to benefit in some way. Don’t you think that all of those rock bands, t-shirt designers, cup makers, etc, that call themselves “Christian” are somewhat pretentious? I know what you are going to say:
“They are doing it to promote the good word of God” (or a variation of this)
But then again, I am sure that anyone who needed to hear about God or Jesus has already heard of him, because he literally seems to be everywhere (hence, churches and FOX anchors). So, for me, all of those stores are just the cherry on top for people who want to exploit religion, by turning it into business. Who knows, maybe people little bit better when they shop there?
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10 Comments, Comment or Ping
When I read your views…i went ..yipeee! Not too long ago I was at a community and this person went on about ‘Christian this and that” I blasted the person and said..huh? i thought this community was global? boy did i get some emails over that one….lol..know what? would do it again in a heartbeat!
Our beliefs..our spirit is one to be shared..maybe through example rather than selling?
hmmmm what a thought.
Thank you for being a breath of fresh air..
To Your Success,
Jul 13th, 2008
@ diane - Yea, I am also not sure that many people share my beliefs. It’s much easier to sugar coat things then to question and analyze them. But still, I think that my views go against the stream. Thank you for your comment.
Jul 13th, 2008
I can’t wait to get the new Jesus action figure. I’ve got the latest Batman action Figure. Perhaps they can do battle with each other. How exciting. Or maybe they can make sweet, sweet loooooove.
Heh heh.
Hey Ocean, are you famous now that you’ve been nominated? Don’t let it go to your head when all the gals beg for your autograph.
Jul 14th, 2008
@ Kelly - It’s hard work man. They are banging on the door right now, I don’t know what to do. Maybe I have to go to rehab for that.
Jul 14th, 2008
Just be strong, Ocean. If you find you can’t handle of all the female worshippers at the door, send them to my place. I will satisfy their needs and then some. I’m a good friend that way.
Jul 14th, 2008
You got it man, every four eyed, three and a half legged chick will be sent to you
Jul 14th, 2008
As always, a very insightful and bold post from Ocean. I do agree to your post. Mostly because I have seen first hand how a religion can actually be made into a goldmine.
For Diane, I found what you said very funny in a good way. I liked your point of view too. I will visit your site too.
Jul 16th, 2008
I don’t have a problem with the idea of a Family Christian Store. We have all kinds of stores for all types of people, but I will saying being a Christian and shopping at this store left me less than happy.
When you shop at FCS their main goal is to get you to give them your contact information. Then send you unsolicited information, also their associates are always in up sell mode.
for whatever reason, it left a bad taste in my mouth as a store, but no I have no issue with it being an outlet for Christian materials.
Jul 19th, 2008
Great post! I, being all for a free market, have no qualms about FCS, FIS, FBS (Islam, Buddism — though I’m pretty sure they don’t exist), but I would never buy anything in them.
I might “shop” there though to ridicule the merchandise and heckle the patrons. It might be good fun; and I’m pretty sure god would not “smite” me down. After all, if god exists, he’d find the humor in it.
Jul 20th, 2008
@ Brian - yeah I wouldn’t be surprised that getting you to give them contact information is one of their goals. I just don’t like those “professional” Christians and how they are clearly in for the money, not for the “enlightenment.”
@Bill - Hey, what about the Family Mormon Stores? They would be jolly. This is one of the places where it would be ok for people to use kid leashes.
Jul 20th, 2008
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