Joyce has a post over at Chronicles of Blunderview detailing her unease at certain ‘Christian’ goings-on, for example, the commercialisation of ‘Christian’ music. She also talks about Christians using their religion as a selling point when it comes to advertising their goods and services. The assumption being that if you’re a Christian looking to buy something, then you would prefer to buy from a Christian seller rather than any old bod who happens to run an honest and ethical business.
Comments on the post (including my own) agree that there’s something a bit manipulative about this practice.
It made me think how I would have to advertise my embryonic coaching and personal development service if I took a similar approach. First the marketing version:
Christian Coaching Services
Want to give up smoking? Want to do better in your career? Want to improve your relationship? I can help you do all of these things and more. And I’m a Christian, so you know you can trust me. Discounts available to our own faith only.
Now the reality:
Christian Coaching Services
Well I say Christian, but of course I’m a really bad Christian. I’m so full of my own importance I don’t really know how I have the nerve to offer coaching services. And sin! Sheesh, tell me about it! I think that maybe there’s a chance I’m improving as I concentrate on turning my life around, but the backsliding! You wouldn’t believe it!
Love your neighbour as yourself? Well I find it difficult to love myself a lot of the time, and my neighbours are pretty damn irritating.
So my PR people told me to advertise specifically to Christians and you know what? I don’t think I really want to provide services to people who would only consider a Christian life coach. It’s fine – in fact essential – that you need to know who I am before we start working together. But if you specifically want a Christian coach to help you cure your smoking addiction or whatever, doesn’t that imply you have a completely closed mind? So you’re probably not the sort of person I want to coach anyway.
And besides, I don’t like half the Christians I meet (that love your neighbour stuff not working again). So this advertisement is probably a terrible mistake.
You’ll have to take me as you find me. Maybe I can help you, maybe I can’t.
So how would you advertise yourself?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, I don’t know how I’d advertise myself, but I have to say your “reality” version is really funny.
And so true…about all of us, if we’re honest.
This was hysterical! Love it!
oh, I’m glad I scrolled down!