Jesus, CEO ??? (Earth, America, churches, atheist, agnostic)

[michel]

On Sundays, I often watch a programme on BBC one, called "Heaven and Earth". It is about religion in general.

I saw a quick preview of tomorrow's show this morning, which, as a Christian (or should I say the christian part of me), was rather unpleasantly surprised.

Though I guess the cynic in this tired body should be more prepared for such things;

Part of the show is described as :-

Jesus Inc.
This weekend Hollywood is launching its latest Christian blockbuster movie, the "Nativity Story". The film is premiering at the Vatican and it is expected to be a huge hit in the run-up to Christmas. In America it is being marketed directly through churches. It's the latest example of how religion is blurring the boundary between the secular and the sacred. The Christian retail market in movies, music and even clothes is expected to reach ten billion dollars a year. A growing number of churches are even beginning to resemble shopping malls. James Westhead reports on the phenomenon from Dallas, Texas.

I am not sure if this relates to this article from http://www.economist.com/world/na/di...7&no_na_tran=1

Churches as businesses
Jesus, CEO

Dec 20th 2005 | SOUTH BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS, HOUSTON, TEXAS AND WASHINGTON, DC
From The Economist print edition
America's most successful churches are modelling themselves on businesses

World Picture
VISIT Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, an upscale exurb of Chicago, and you are confronted with a puzzle. Where in God's name is the church? Willow Creek has every amenity you can imagine, from food courts to basketball courts, from cafes to video screens, not to mention enough parking spaces for around 4,000 cars. But look for steeples and stained glass, let alone crosses and altars, and you look in vain. Surely this is a slice of corporate America rather than religious America?

(The rest of the article is in the link above)

a) how do American Christians view this 'corporate' side of Religion ?
b) Those who are agnostics, atheists, or non Christians, but theists view this ?

I will watch the show tomorrow (or listen to it whilst doing my chores)

[RevOxley_501]

its rather disgusting


reminds me of one Jesus turning over certain moneychangers tables at the temple. But to be quite honest---i can hardly call any modern church a temple right now---i think things are just that screwed up.

[GeneCosta]

You would think donations and having not to pay property tax would be enough to sustain a church, which makes me wonder who is financially benefiting from this.

Well, I guess with there are super-churches.

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

You would think donations and having not to pay property tax would be enough to sustain a church, which makes me wonder who is financially benefiting from this.

Well, I guess with there are super-churches.

That's a good point.

With all that money could do to solve problems like poverty, pollution, etc., I think that it's important to know where these Christian funds are going. Cause if it's all going to line someone's pocket or to build ever-extravagant churches, then I think someone needs to look at their theology.

Christianity was originally a religion for the poor and desperate. It's sad to see it commercialized. If the money were to go to help the world in a positive way, then I see commercialization justified. Otherwise, I find it hypocritical.

[porkchop]

On Sundays, I often watch a programme on BBC one, called "Heaven and Earth". It is about religion in general.

No, not that terrible show!! They should change the title to " Heathen and earth" its more fitting!!!

I saw a quick preview of tomorrow's show this morning, which, as a Christian (or should I say the christian part of me), was rather unpleasantly surprised.

Not much of a surprise to me!!!

This new film thats out is by catholics ( correct me if im wrong) and it spends most part of the movie about Marys life before she was blessed and chosen to have Jesus. Surprise, surprise, the catholic church focusing on Mary. Maybe they could mention Jesus now and then???!!!!

Originally Posted by RevOxley_501

its rather disgusting


reminds me of one Jesus turning over certain moneychangers tables at the temple. But to be quite honest---i can hardly call any modern church a temple right now---i think things are just that screwed up.

Certainly reminds me of the same Rev, I started once to start ot make little tiny redeemer JC's (Not Jewish Chronicle) similar to the statue in Rio, and I was going to make redeemer necklaces, then as I meditated on the issue, I realised it was wrong to make money out of religion and especially someone close to my Heart like JC, because one things for sure, if he were to turn up then he's going to clean up, because their is a lot of people out there who have made money out of him.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Stimpleton

No, not that terrible show!! They should change the title to " Heathen and earth" its more fitting!!!

Out of interest, why do you say that?

[RevOxley_501]

Originally Posted by michel

Out of interest, why do you say that?

see the thread about Christianns listening to non christian music for that answer michel

[Ðanisty]

Originally Posted by Stimpleton

This new film thats out is by catholics ( correct me if im wrong) and it spends most part of the movie about Marys life before she was blessed and chosen to have Jesus. Surprise, surprise, the catholic church focusing on Mary. Maybe they could mention Jesus now and then???!!!!

If it's about the birth of Jesus, it's going to focus a lot on Mary...she was his mother. Jesus was a baby...it's not like he's going to have a lot of lines.

[Halcyon]

I like religious films, so i have no problem with the new Nativity one.

I don't really care what churches do with their money, as i don't cointribute a penny to churches, but i do directly to charities.

I imagine in the smaller ones the money is used for building maintainence; keeping the vicar, pastor, reverend whatever and buying supplies like water and crackers for eucharist etc.

In the bigger ones i imagine it gives the church "personalities" nice big houses and cars and funds missionary work (both face-to-face and via the media) alongside the same costs the small churches have.

Originally Posted by stimpleton

This new film thats out is by catholics ( correct me if im wrong) and it spends most part of the movie about Marys life before she was blessed and chosen to have Jesus. Surprise, surprise, the catholic church focusing on Mary. Maybe they could mention Jesus now and then???!!!!

Go read the bible, you'll find that in the nativity story Jesus only appears in the latter half and then only as an infant/child. Do you expect the film to be 2 hours of a crying baby?
The nativity is all about Mary and Joseph. It's about Mary's coming to terms with what God has asked of her, its about Jose