I have noticed a cultural trend that disturbs me greatly.
How many have you seen a “Christian” copy of something that has already been successful in pop culture? You know, when something becomes very popular or successful in culture and then Christians come right behind that product and make a “Christian” version of that thing. I have got to be honest here…that drives me absolutely crazy. Here are some specific examples:
MYSPACE/GODSPACE
Around 2005 MYSPACE.COM started becoming the most popular social networking website. After the website exploded in popularity, some people launched GODSPACE.COM, which is a social networking website (just like myspace) for believers. The godspace home page states, “Godspace is the only social networking website for believers of all faiths. At Godspace you can discuss all aspects of religion, gain new insights, and share your opinions with others that are passionate about their beliefs.”
YOUTUBE/GODTUBE
In 2005, YOUTUBE.COM was launched. Youtube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view, and share video clips. This website has officially changed the face of pop culture. People today can become celebrities because of youtube. Things can happen and within hours the video can be available on youtube. This is the first Presidential election since youtube and it has completely changed how people get information and coverage. Not to be outdone, the Christians had to make their own video sharing website (in 2007) full of inspirational, Godly videos – GODTUBE.COM.
GUITAR HERO/GUITAR PRAISE
GUITAR HERO is an extremely popular video game franchise that presents video games where the gamer simulates playing guitar on classic rock songs. This video game franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, making many appearances in popular culture, and the games have become extremely popular as party games and hobbies. The series has sold 23 million units, earning over $1 billion USD. Not to be out-done, GUITAR PRAISE was recently released. This video game has the same idea as Guitar Hero, except all the music that one would play along with is performed by Christian musicians and have positive, Christian messages.
There are many, many more examples of Christian copy-cat products. (Can you think of any?)
Now, I have no problem with these products themselves. I do have a problem with Christians sitting back, relaxing, and waiting for pop culture to set the trends and produce great products that Christians can merely copy with a Christian twist. Can Christians please start setting the trends in pop culture instead of ripping off the ideas from the secular world? Can we not be creative? Can we not be original?
I think most people do not take products like Godspace, Godtube, and Guitar Praise seriously because of the imitation factor. It comes across as lame, cheap, and trying too hard.
This post is going to be my small, humble attempt at changing culture as we know it. I am calling all Christians to be creative, think big, think outside of the box, be original, and begin to think how Christians (who want to promote God’s kingdom and love to the world) can start setting the culture. Be the frontrunners on the Internet, on TV, in advertising agencies, in printed media, and in movies. We have to start being the light of the world…even in pop culture.
I love it! And I totally agree. I don’t think that ‘Christian Copy-Cats’ are wrong, but I do think that spirituality and elevating the human race should be leading culture, not following it. Great post! Can I link it? I’d copy a portion of it to tantalize readers
Sahar009 – go ahead…thanks for reading.
So you don’t like them? I think they are pretty cool.. I am excited to hear about everything going on down there..
~FD
Faith, I want to make sure you hear what I am communicating. Here is a direct quote from my post, “Now, I have no problem with these products themselves. I do have a problem with Christians sitting back, relaxing, and waiting for pop culture to set the trends and produce great products that Christians can merely copy with a Christian twist.”
It is not that I don’t like them…they are just fine. I just wish that the creators of the Christian versions would have created them first.
2 words = Kimbo Slice
great post. You already know I completely agree. I hope many Christians rread this and take the challenge.
OOOOO.. KUDOS, B. GotMilk/Got Jesus, pretty much did it in for me…. What a great challenge!
Ohh.. Miss understanding.. Soo sorry, bro. Yes, I agree.. I do wish that the Christian version would come out first..Soo sorry.. Love you and miss you all! Tell Heather, the youth, and all the workers I said hi and love them please..
~Faith Dennis
right on dude. brilliantly worded.
Totally agree. I think the heart of this is that Christians always want to separate from the world, but Christ NEVER wanted that. We are to be a blessing to ALL NATIONS. Jesus’ call for our lives is to engage in culture, not pull back from it. Look at his prayer in John 17 –
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
Christ never intended for us to become monks, put up a big wall around our Christian city and do “Christian” things. We are to advance the Kingdom! And we need protection doing it because it is not for the faint of heart.
Great post Eric! How are we going to change the world if we are not a part of it? Everyone prays to the same God after all
[...] Can we please start to set trends? [...]
Great post. Glad to know I am not alone.
http://criticismas.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/pay-no-attention-to-those-christians/
Yes I agree with you!