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

[ahadams2]

argh! just argh!

[WestPacSailor]

Which churches? Catholic? I don't think that many others actually use images and icons of Christ on the cross. Most display a simple cross without a figure on it.

[NYer]

Which churches?

This story is coming out of Britain. Think Anglican.

[WestPacSailor]

Ahhh yes, the Anglican Church strikes again.

Promote a sodomite leading a deviant lifestyle to a position of authority...ok now, remove all those offending symbols like crucifixes and bibles...Good, now let's all pledge alliegance to Satan and make it official.

[Gerish]

It doesn't matter what religion you are - it is just plain wrong.

I have a friend who was raised somewhat Catholic (although her parents never took her to church), but now is a born-again. She cringes every time she sees a necklace of the crucified Christ. She believes this is horrible that people would want to blasphemy Jesus this way. To hear her explain it, everyday is like "Easter" at her church. No matter what I say, nothing avails. I always end up telling her that you could not have had Easter without Good Friday!!!!!!!

[OpusatFR]

Blasphemy?

You mean meditating on the wounds of Christ is blasphemy? The more I see of the strange avoidance of Christ as suffering servant and Judge, the happier I am to remain Catholic. I'll gaze at a crucifix any day.

[trad_anglican]

Ahhh yes, the Anglican Church strikes again.

Guess again. Christianity+Renewal is not connected with the Church of England or any other Anglican church. You have to go all the way to google.com and type in the name to find that out. I know it's a lot of work so I did it for you.

Christianity+Renewal

[NYer]

I always end up telling her that you could not have had Easter without Good Friday!!!!!!!

Excellent response! In my catholic parish, we have one of those larger than life Risen Christ statues on the back wall, in lieu of a crucifix. (long story) I asked my pastor about it and his response was: "Christ was only on the cross for 3 hours but He is risen forever". My jaw dropped!

You may want to share the following story with your friend.

PATTY BONDS CONVERSION STORY .

BTW, Patty Bonds will be a guest on Journey Home, Monday, October 6 @8pm on EWTN.

[WestPacSailor]

. I know it's a lot of work so I did it for you.

Your sarcasm is noted. Not generally appreciated, but noted.

[miltonim]

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Listen to this chapter in Real Audio
http://www.biblegateway.com/bgaudio/english/niv/hurl?passage=1cor+1

[trad_anglican]

Your sarcasm is noted. Not generally appreciated, but noted.

I apologize. Please forgive me. I generally exhibit a greater degree of calm. Guess my skin is a little thin these days.

[Gerish]

Thank you - will pass it along to her (HOPE it helps)!!

[WestPacSailor]

I generally exhibit a greater degree of calm. Guess my skin is a little thin these days.

'tis ok. I too am rather displeased with what my church has chosen to do as of late. (Christened in an Episcopalian church in 1966). I think it's a horrible afront to God the way they elevated an avowed sodomite to a position of leadership within the church.

[LiteKeeper]

The Seeker Friendly Church concept has been very popular here in the states, and I couldn't disagree with it any more than I do now. The linked article is very insightful, and a MUST READ.

[ahadams2]

what you're running into with your friend is called...er, well let's just say that some Protestant denominations emphasize theological education for their lay people substantially more than others do.

If you care to freepmail me I might be able to make some suggestions which while decided Protestant, might at least get her to thinking a bit passed the 'I'm saved and that's that' level.

[ahadams2]

LOL! now now, you're just thinking of the little old lady who said she liked the Scripture readings in the Sunday service "because they sound so much like the prayerbook"...

More seriously though - this sort of marketting nonsense isn't limited to Anglicanism, *ahem* look at some of the other 'seeker sensitive' practices of denominations ranging from the Saddleback folks all the way to *some* portions of Vineyard Fellowship - it pretty much covers the Protestant spectrum.

[Salvation]

Catholic Churches???

[polemikos]

... and that whole crucifixion thing ... and sin, too! Big turn-off!

[Conservative til I die]

Even the plain cross has proven to be too much for some churches, liberal Catholic parishes included.

[samiam1972]

I love her story! Brings tears to my eyes everytime! Love it!