By Pablo Darelli

The annual debate starts predictably after the first leaves of fall begin cluttering gutters and blanketing lawns, and then continues right up until the last present is hastily ripped open on December 25th.  No, this will not be another rant decrying our materialistic habits, the War on Christmas, or how the true meaning of the holiday has been forgotten. Though the contentious topic of the commercialization of Christmas merits examination and everyone should at some point question the virtues being extolled by the manner in which it is celebrated, I will not re-tread the well worn arguments that have been used to either support or demonize our gift giving and sometimes secularized holiday traditions.  Instead I would like to take a more critical look at what occurs during the other 10 months of the year when Christmas is not at the forefront of our collective conscience.

Christian oriented products and services are a 4.5 billion dollar a year industry fueled by the wallets and checkbooks of millions of Christians. There are board games, jewelry, calendars and even auto insurance policies that are geared specifically towards this demographic.  Christian music has a large following as well, with many bands gaining prominence on the national stage.  The scope of these efforts to market to Christians and evangelize compels one to question the effects of such an extensive commercialization of Christian beliefs, values and traditions.  Is a Jesus action figure an appropriate plaything for a small child?  Will one’s faith be strengthened by the mug with a scripture verse etched on it?  Is it ethical for entrepreneurs to make a profit off of another’s religious beliefs?  The answers to these questions can be occasionally uncomfortable to consider and are difficult to uniformly apply.  The mixing of business interests with a
religion that encourages altruism is not always easy to reconcile.  It is a delicate balancing act that requires equal attention be paid to our inner spiritual growth as opposed to only focusing on the outward expressions of our faith.

The possible danger of purchasing toys with Biblical themes and characters is that children may confuse religion and fantasy.  What’s the difference between a comic book superhero and an Old Testament prophet or even Jesus Christ if it comes packaged in the same form?  Teens, young adults or even twenty-somethings may only be superficially attracted to Christianity due to the popularity of a particular trend, celebrity or musical group. The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson raised some amount of controversy by stressing the suffering that Christ endured while rarely emphasizing the importance of his teachings.  It may have encouraged some to come closer to Christ, but it did so in a sensationalist and perhaps less substantial manner.

Surrounding ourselves with figurines of Biblical figures, wearing t-shirts with religious messages, or having a Christian bumper sticker attached to the back of the car does not make one a good Christian, it simply provides the means to generate that appearance.  A too zealous approach in acquiring and displaying such items can blind one to more important aspects of Christianity.  Instead of simply proclaiming Christian virtues, it may be better to put more effort into allocating resources towards causes in line with them.  You can donate money to a local charity and emergency relief agencies or perhaps volunteer your time to aid the less fortunate.  Even more troublesome could be using Christian paraphernalia as a substitute for faith and conviction.  Regular personal prayer, scripture study and pondering Christian teachings are better solutions when doubts and difficulties creep into our lives. 

The potential positive aspects of having a range of Christian products available should not be ignored.  They can remind us of our commitments to both our God and to our fellow men.  A ring, a cross necklace or a daily bible verse may spur us to make better decisions on a day to day basis. Incorporating religious elements into family or recreational activities can reinforce the concept that Christian mores and teachings should not be limited to only Sunday services, but are in fact an integral part of living a good life.  They offer an alternative to the mainstream concept that in the ‘real world’ one must check religion at the door.  The difference between a useful reminder and a purely ornamental accessory or product though, is whether it can influence actions and attitudes.  The usefulness of having a vibrant Christian music industry should also not be dismissed.  The Christian music scene provides a refuge from the often times denigrating and
amoral attitudes that are evident in popular hip-hop, rock or metal song lyrics.  Large social music events can provide the support and camaraderie that can make living a Christian lifestyle a more fulfilling experience.

It is possible that in some cases the act of ‘commercializing’ Christianity is in actuality a practical step in introducing the gospel to non-believers. Most religiously apathetic individuals would likely reject a knock on their door, or a pamphlet passed along on the street, but may instead be receptive to the advice of a pop singer.  When examining the effects of commercialization it is vital to consider the intent and purpose of the product, and whether it has sufficient potential of drawing yourself or others closer to God.

Do you view the commercialization of Christianity as negative or do you see, within it, positive aspects that can promote the faith? Let us know!

By Andy Dudynsky

Revelation Generation 2009 provided an awesome venue for non-profits to get their name out to a receptive Christian youth audience. To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit that is quite popular amongst modern day music fans, as many of today’s most popular acts promote the brand in various ways.  Frequently attending Warped Tours and music festivals all over the country, TWLOHA is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. I sat down with James, a representative, to learn more about TWLOHA.

How long has TWLOHA been around, and where did it all start?
-It all started on MySpace in 2006, where a group of individuals wanted to sell shirts to raise money for a friend who needed treatment. Quickly, it resulted in many individuals responding and sharing stories of their own.  Before we knew it, we had a huge network of people who were able to give each other advice and hope.

What gave you the idea to promote with musicians?
-Because MySpace is so integrated with music, what happened is that musicians started taking notice, and were some of the first to buy our shirts.  Our biggest help was word of mouth advertising.  People would see guys from their favorite bands wearing the shirts, and start talking about it to friends.  Also, our message connects with a lot of the lyrics that bands write, so they can relate to what we’re trying to say.

Do you promote outside of the music industry?
-While we mostly attend music events, we try to make as many appearances we can each year.  We also frequent charity events and any festivals that share a similar message.

What has made TWLOHA so successful? 
-To tell you the truth, we’re such a real organization, not just another non-profit that is asking for money.  I think our message hits home with everyone.  We’re all about encouraging people to talk about these issues, and that it’s ok to talk about tough stuff.  We encourage everyone to “be yourself,” and we’re a very open community. People feel comfortable talking with us about getting help.

Thanks to James and all of the TWLOHA crew! You can learn more about the organization and buy apparel at www.twloha.com.

By: Andy Dudynsky

Emery was one of the first bands to hit Tent 7 on Friday at Rev Gen 2009- which attracted a small group of lucky fans who got a chance to learn about how the band came together, and what it means to have Christ in their lives.

The guys from Emery started in Church choir, growing up in a Christian atmosphere and singing through high school. “We didn’t start playing guitar until college” mentioned guitarist Devin Shelton.

Toby Morrell (Bass/Vocals) helped explain Emery’s message. “We write about relationships with family, God, and people you dislike.  It’s usually a whole bunch of things that can happen in relationships. You can be blessed, hurt, etc.”

When asked about their main influences, the guys mentioned “50′s and 60′s rock n’ roll”, which had deep meaning with the lyrics.  They explained how the music from this time period generally came across as happy, but there was an undertone that not everything was necessarily going to last.  Toby mentioned that he enjoys finding multiple meanings in music.  Also on their list were Queen and Weezer, and a lot of indie rock.

Now in their ninth year as a band, one fan asked how they stay creative while creating new music. “We rely on each other” mentioned Toby.  He went on to say that they all contribute to writing, and if one person is stuck, they might ask another for help, or to hear some old stuff they’ve written for inspiration.  Their main motivation to write music is that they love it, and want to be real for their fans.  They feel a need to be honest with people – and to be able to relate to them, which is why the focus on relationships of all kinds.

“We get caught up in our lives, and there’s constantly a daily struggle of “Jesus is Lord vs. ME.”  Toby added that last week he dropped his brand new iPhone, and he and his wife both screamed and looked at one another. “I wish I could be as devastated about a homeless person, or something that really matters.” He closed by saying that “Everything gets better with Jesus in my life.”

Emery shared similar messages to their fans, drawing a huge crowd in a lively set that include both new and old material.

You can check out Emery and their new album “…In Shallow Seas We Sail” at emerymusic.com.

By: Allysen Mahaffey

One thing that makes Christians stand out like a sore thumb in American mainstream culture is views about premarital sex. It is almost unheard of today for someone to wait to have sex before marriage, and if someone does decide to wait because of his or her Christian beliefs, people may look at them strangely or mockingly with disbelief. For instance, think of the Christian tradition involving the so-called “purity ring,” where young unmarried Christians choose to wear a ring symbolizing their commitment to abstinence until marriage. In some church traditions, fathers give their young daughters this “purity ring.” To an onlooker, this might look like these people belong in a different century or are part of a cult-like group that follows the strictest of rules. This is especially true in the context of our contemporary secular culture, which practically worships sex and the idea of it. Sex seems to be everywhere, in advertisements, TV shows, movies, music, magazines and the Internet. How can Christian views about sex, which traditionally teaches the only place for sex is marriage, be so different from contemporary American popular culture? Is Christianity’s mainstream view about premarital sex too old-fashioned for today’s culture?

Sexual temptation is nothing new, and has been around since the beginning of time. The biology of our bodies and the feelings, passion, and lust that arise in a relationship is something Christians have dealt with for a long time. Today’s culture, however, does not make things any easier for Christians to strive for sexual purity until marriage. For many, making the choice to wait may sound insane. It is much easier to be like everyone else then rather stand out and be that person who is still a virgin, and will be until…when, marriage?! Perhaps it was easier when the mainstream American culture agreed that sex should be saved for marriage only. American popular culture views about sex drastically changed during the 1960s, a decade famous for the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war demonstrations, but also known for its cultural revolution. The Baby-Boomer generation led the way for what is known as the “Sexual Revolution.” Amongst other things, views about sex drastically changed. For example, “free love” came about and is described as unrestricted sexual practices and a casual attitude towards sex. People were “freed” of sexual boundaries and rules, and premarital sex was no longer such a taboo or hidden deed. However, this much more relaxed, open view about sexual behavior did not come without negative consequences, such as unwanted pregnancies and an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. These negative consequences did not stop American culture from continuing on become more relaxed about premarital sex, however. After all, here we are half a decade later, as a generation that does not quite remember chastity as ever being the norm.

Not only is sex everywhere, it is also celebrated greatly. Premarital and casual sex is the standard behavior for characters in TV and movies, and the basis for lyrics for many popular songs and magazine articles. Pornography is also more accessible than ever, and is an industry that makes billions of dollars annually. Rarely does our popular culture focus on the long list of possible negative aspects of casual sex. A fictional character in a TV show or movie that indulges in casual sex hardly gets a STD, an unwanted pregnancy, or deals with negative emotional aspects tied to sex. If one of these issues should arise, they are solved in an unrealistic timeslot. For example, think of the popular sitcom Friends. The characters of this show have premarital sex frequently; yet deal with very little negative consequences, except for one unwanted pregnancy. However, the mother and father end up together in the end, are over 30 years old and financially stable. Although this is just one TV show, it is representative of the problem with the way sex is viewed and dealt with in our popular culture. Much of it seems to say that sex is extremely important and vital in a dating relationship, that you should have it as much as possible, and if you do not have it frequently, you are not a man or are a prude.

Some might say that Christianity needs to keep up with contemporary culture, or it may become irrelevant and outdated. Sure, this may be true for the type of music that is played during a worship service or how people dress for church, but should this really be the answer for a serious and important issue such as sex? Sex is not as simple, and the choices we make about it can be life changing. Did God give us boundaries for the sake of giving us rules because He doesn’t want us to have fun, or is there something more to these moral guidelines? Many people, including the non-religious and religious, often claim rules that religion place on people restrict individual freedom and choice. Perhaps the Christian church is somewhat at fault as well for over-emphasizing these rules so greatly instead of Christ’s grace, mercy, and freedom.

It is important to read what the Bible has to say about sex and its boundaries. Just like other sayings and phrases in the Christian tradition such as the “Holy Trinity” or the “Second Coming,” an exact phrase condemning premarital sex does not exist in the Bible, which does not make things exactly easy. However, there are verses that infer God does not want His followers to live in sexual immorality, which amongst other things includes premarital sex. Both 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and Ephesians 5:3 say to “flee sexual immorality.” The passage in 1 Cor. 6 also says that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and that people who sin sexually sin against their own body. In 1 Cor. 7, Paul wrote that men and women should get married to avoid burning with lust and fornication (defined as having sex outside of marriage). Having sex or satisfying lust is of course not the only reason for marriage in the Bible, but the language used in these verses makes it clear that God does not want us to engage in sexual immorality, including premarital sex, and for good reason.

In can be extremely difficult for a young Christian couple to wait to have sex before marriage. When two people are in love, it feels natural and right to advance their physical relationship. However, even our own feelings can lie to us.  In the moment, what we think is right and what may feel great may not be the best for us. The world around us is also constantly lying to us. “Free-love” is an ironic term that is not so freeing after all when you consider all of the possible negative and life-changing consequences that such a relaxed view about sex brings about. Sex may feel right and good at the time, but like many other things in life, it may turn sour if practiced outside of the boundaries God gave us. As Christians, we believe God is the Creator and Sustainer of our universe and humankind. If this is true, then we must trust He knows a lot more about what is good for us then what the world and our minds tell us. God has made boundaries for a reason, and these boundaries are not to restrict us but to ultimately set us free. Many parts of the Bible celebrate sex in the context of marriage, and it is important to remember that God created our bodies and sex as good and beautiful things. Sex in the context of marriage is an intimate and important act, as well as a gift from God. Unfortunately, sex has been perverted into what American mainstream culture thinks of it today. Things like casual sex, promiscuity, and pornography, are hurtful to society, as well as demeaning and destructive to women, men, and relationships. It is not what God intended for sex or us. God did not create sexual and other boundaries to hinder our fun, yet to ensure we can enjoy life to the fullest without so much unnecessary worry.

By Robert Ham

As you likely have already noticed, the divide between Christians and non-believers seems to be getting wider every day. For every bold individual that manages to construct a bridge to navigate over this gulf, there are dozens, if not hundreds, more who are happy to sling invective, insults, or worse back and forth.

There is hope, however. Hope of closing this gap, opening up dialogue between these two disparate parties, and healing some of the hurt inflicted on each group toward the other. Hope in the form of a tall, bespectacled fellow who likes to walk around covered in bumper stickers.

True, that’s not the only way he likes to dress, but when we first meet Dan Merchant in his entertaining and eye-opening documentary Lord Save Us From Your Followers, he’s wearing a white rain suit covered in stickers and varieties of Jesus fish decals and drawing attention from a variety of passersby. It’s a quick way to grab people’s interest, but also a quick way to get people talking to Merchant on camera about their beliefs, their understanding of Christianity and just why it is that, as the subtitle of the film spells out, the gospel of love is dividing America.

“We are the ones who are supposed to understand compassion and forgiveness,” says Merchant, “so why are we in the middle of all these political arguments? Why is it when people yell at us, we swing back?”

Merchant, an advertising and marketing filmmaker based in Portland, Oregon, took a film crew with him across the country, interviewing theologians, politicians (including Rick Santorum and Al Franken), preachers, a beat poet and even a drag queen hoping to answer these questions and shake up of his own firmly held beliefs, the first cracks of which started to show about five years ago.

“I was on a trip to Ethiopia to shoot a documentary for the State Department on aid and I saw some profound things,” says Merchant, speaking from his production company’s office in Portland. “What really struck me was the Christians that I saw there who come from around the world to do the difficult work that needed to be done. And that Ethiopian Christians have a much greater depth of faith than anyone I know. There I was thinking, ‘This guy who lives in a hut half way around the world understands God better than you do.’”

Coming back to the U.S., Merchant saw the stark contrast go into deeper relief in the news coverage leading up to the Presidential elections of 2004. “I heard people on TV and on talk radio and they had this very strident, aggressive, divisive approach and were really alienating people. I compared the people on the mics to that kid in his hut who reminded me of Jesus…and then I looked in the mirror and realized that I had much more in common with the guys on TV.”

Like Michael Moore and Bill Maher before him, Merchant puts himself in front of the camera, giving viewers a figure to follow through the film and giving us a chance to watch him peel away his preconceptions as he goes along, as well as watching him challenge himself for the sake of being a more loving Christian. The most potent example being the confession booth he set up at Portland Pride, the annual event for the city’s gay and lesbian community.

Taking its inspiration directly from the pages of Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz, this booth was for Merchant to confess the sins of Christians towards homosexuals, as well as his own personal sins. As the film attests, the experience had quite an effect on the booth’s visitors and on Merchant. “Half the people that came in broke down in tears and so did I,” he remembers. “They were so generous and kind to me to be willing to listen and accept my apology. And the conversations that we had afterward, they told me things that were very personal and I told them things. And that’s just what friends do.”

Lord Save Us is not without its lighter moments, as well, like Merchant’s very Michael Moore-like attempts in St. Paul, Minnesota to have the city’s name changed to New Leningrad, a satirical reaction to the city council’s decision to remove the Easter Bunny from their holiday decorations. The director is quick to point out though that moments in the film, like these were thought up on the fly, free of the preconceived agendas that mark the work of Moore or Maher’s anti-faith film Religulous.

“It’s why the film took three years to shoot. It was like I was in the middle of a detective story. I would read the news and go, ‘Oh, here’s a clue: a guy in kabuki makeup screaming at kids playing guitar on the steps of city hall in San Francisco [the aforementioned drag queen, Sister Mary Timothy, protesting a Christian youth conference holding an event in his hometown],’ then that’s what we’d do. Or when talking to Al Franken and he’d say something about the Easter Bunny being removed from St. Paul City Hall and we’d go find out about that. My personal quest is simply mirrored in this movie.”

The film is going to slowly be released in theaters around the country starting on September 25th, but Merchant has already taken the film to churches and colleges around the country for small screenings, events that the director says have already started to help push these two sides closer together. “So many people who call themselves Christians have told me this is a movie for them, and non-Christian audiences – Jewish, Muslim or Atheist- they think the movie is for them. It speaks to them all.”