Church, Inc., naked version

Then other issues that the church feels strongly about come in to play. The increasing commodification of sexuality (always a problem) has just increased and now well beyond just the issue of prostitution. The church seems puzzled when market forces drive pornography into the mainstream. "That is wrong," the church says, angrily, but never wonders about the basic underlying economic forces--those same forces that the church has endorsed as being all-seeing and wise when it came to environmental destruction or the suburban lifestyle. In fact, the only criticism I hear coming from the church on the issue of capitalism relates to sex. Either there are too many sexual images on TV or in the movies. But I have yet to hear the church be angry about a growing disparity between the rich and poor.

That is what makes this particular ad campaign rather brilliant. It combines two conflicting issues for the church: sex and piety. Here, on the very symbol of sacrifice is the symbol of sexuality, and it will freak people out. It is certainly inappropriate and not a good idea for an ad campaign. At least in my book. But neither is selling Official Pewter Pendant Nails (which includes Witnessing tools: "Our mission is to reach the world with the message of hope by creating jewelry and gifts of exceptional quality, which will inspire people to express and share their faith." See? Consuming is a spiritual act.) which "come in two sizes and feature Isaiah 53:5 inscribed on the side." Isn't it? I guess it could be worse, it could be people sporting t-shirts that say "I watched my personal Lord and Savior's crucifixion and all I got was this t-shirt." That would be clearly wrong, correct? Wouldn't it?

Hell, I just don't know anymore.