Churches told to ditch 'Jesus on a cross' image

Ananova ^ | 14 August 2003 | staff writers

[ahadams2]

Ananova:

Churches told to ditch 'Jesus on a cross' image

Churches are being urged to drop the image of the Crucifixion and instead highlight the social benefits of filling the pews in an effort to boost Sunday attendance.

Traditional approaches such as showing Jesus on the cross and Bible quotations are a turn-off to non-churchgoers, according to one of two suggested advertising campaigns drawn up by agencies.

Instead, advertisers say churches should highlight their community life, the chance to have a good sing, hear a good sermon and have a heart-to-heart chat.

Another separate campaign has advised that churches should target 30 to 40-somethings who have the trappings of success but feel there is something missing.

Both campaigns were commissioned with a brief to reverse declining church attendance levels and are featured in September's issue of the evangelical magazine Christianity+Renewal.

In its proposals, Khameleon Advertising, based in Billingshurst, Sussex, said Christians should highlight the social event of going to church, including the chance to catch up with news and friends.

Its ideas included the image of a lone goldfish in a bowl with the line "When did you last really need someone to talk to?" and a vicar with the words "When was the last time you saw some really good stand up...for free?"

Guy Lupton, managing director of Khameleon Advertising, said: "We don't think people want to be preached at, and we didn't want traditional images like pictures of Jesus on a cross. The key is to get people through the door of the church and let them make up their own minds."

Link ICA, based in Maidstone, Kent, opted for the slogan Get a Life - Go to Church, with a "medicine for the soul" message including pictures of ambulances, a doctor's bag and a plasma drip.

Spirtuality+Renewal editor John Buckeridge said: "So many people are interested in spirituality - there are literally millions of non-churchgoers who want to know God and have a spiritual experience - who currently are unaware of what is, literally, on their doorstep. Advertising to them makes sense."

Story filed: 07:46 Thursday 14th August 2003

[ThomasMore]

I don't think that many others actually use images and icons of Christ on the cross.

They should! In light of the war on Christianity and our symbiotic relationship to Christ on the cross, they should. Oh Yes! They should display the crucified Christ and remember exactly what he did to save our sorry souls. Too many have forgotten. They've sterilized the cross of its whole message.

[ahadams2]

probably not Catholic yet - they wouldn't dare publicize it like this, whereas we Anglicans have to deal with heresy in high places...heresiarchs, I believe is the correct term...

[ahadams2]

uh, OpusFR, the issue has to do with less uniformity in theological education over here on the Protestant side of the spectrum... I'd bet half my students think I'm a closet RC myself! :-)

[If I ever find a Christus Rex crucifix with Christ dressed as he's described in Revelation, I'll buy it and put it up in my office, and then the real fun will begin! :-)

[GirlShortstop]

Instead, advertisers say churches should...

Did anyone besides me stop reading here?

Uggghh!

[jam137]

She cringes every time she sees a necklace of the crucified Christ.

Unfortunately, that sounds more like what a vampire might do.

A crucifix is a symbol which depicts Jesus dying for the sins of the world. No one who believes the Gospel needs to be afraid of it. It's not just a Roman Catholic (or Anglican, Lutheran, etc.) symbol. It's a universal Christian symbol, because it depicts universal Christian doctrine.

[JWinNC]

Did'nt bother to read the article, but I'll say this, the best churches are seeker friendly AND preach the message of the Cross.

After all, there is nothing more friendly and loving than someone (more so with God) giving up his life for you.

JWinNC