On Religious Trinketry
Aug 22
Yesterday, I received a catalog from our denomination’s publishing house. I’ve seen catalogs like this many times, but this one struck me with particular force. I want to list just some of the offerings in the 52 pages from this “publishing house” that once had the respect of the Bible-believing, Protestant world.
“I can do all things” candle 19.99
“The ‘Will of God’ boat (sailboat with a verse on the sail) 29.99
Glass crystal home accents 22.99 and up
“Bless this Home” angel figurine 35.99
Mahogany Ichthus 29.99
Wooden Keepsake box 22.99
Martin Luther bobblehead 19.99
“Go into all the world” pen 18.99
“Here I Stand” socks 10.49
Luther’s Rose Golf Balls 11.99
Luther’s Rose necklace 33.50
Luther’s Rose ball cap 15.99
Pure silk ties with the name of Jesus and crosses 19.99
Stainless Travel Mug 11.99
Sporty fob watch 24.99
Kinetic flashlight 9.99
Pen key ring with Hebrews 12:2 6.99
Pocket knife key ring 6.99
Trifold wallet 16.99
Fruit of the Spirit Swarovski crystal bracelett 87.99
Ichthus and cross jewelry 25.99
Page after page of silver “stylized” crucifixes
Thomas Kinkade mug 11.99
Ichthus tote bag 24.99
Mustard seed bracelet to “make your faith shine” 14.99
Luther’s Rose Crystal nail files (yes, nail file) 8.49
Flavors of the seasons cookbook 14.99
Last Supper angel figurine 39.99
Last Supper Tapestry 45.99
“Little Lutheran” baby onesies 10.99 and “Old Lutheran” ball caps 15.99
Bountiful Fall Angel figurine On Sale for 29.99
Thanksgiving mini-plate set 15.99
OK. You get the idea. Sprinkled throughout the catalog in what appeared to be an afterthought were a few books and concordances. The vast majority of this catalog was nothing but Jesus junk. Kitsch. Stuff made in China you could buy at Wal-Mart for a whole lot less money. (8.49 for a Martin Luther nail file when you can get them at Walgreens for practically nothing?) This is the modern idea of sharing our faith, or, as the catalog put it, making our faith “shine”. Jewelry, candles, plaques on the wall, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and ball caps.
We’re coming up on nearly 500 years since the last Reformation. We’re back to medieval times where trinkets are sold to make people feel more spiritual, more Christian. I’m not opposed to coffee mugs, socks, nail files, etc. But to cynically sell this junk with Bible verses on it trivializes holy things and allows people to feel like they are religious when their hearts may be far from God. We don’t need angel figurines to remind us of the Last Supper or a mahogany ichthus or golf balls with Luther’s rose on the side. We need Jesus in our lives or we have nothing. The pursuit of Christ and Him alone, will enable us to be a witness to the world that has had it up to their eye teeth with marketing and gimmicks. Concordia Publishing House should be ashamed that they have become little more than hawkers of expensive trash while a world rushes onward to hell. And you can quote me on that.
P.S. Still waiting for a decent explanation for the removal of the excellent program, Issues, Etc. from KFUO, as well. Thankfully, the program is now airing on Pirate Christian Radio and is no longer at the mercy of the compromised leadership in St. Louis.
If you want to hear what used to come out of the seminary in St. Louis, click here and brace yourself to hear what it sounded like when real men preached.