An Enhancement or An Abasement?

IN THEORY

An Enhancement or An Abasement?

Q: Lots of stuff is sold these days in the name of religion — everything from perfume to golf balls in a multi-billion-dollar retail market. Most of it reportedly is sold by believers to believers. But the effect, according to some, is to prompt some believers to withdraw from reality instead of engaging it, as Christ wanted. Do you have concerns about such commercialization of religion? Is there a point where such marketing becomes counterproductive?

A: I suspect that much of this market is created by well-intentioned souls.

Unfortunately, even the best of intentions succumb to the all-powerful profit-making motive. Let's not forget how the Christmas season began, and its current manifestation as the vital boom to our economy.

There is only one item Jesus Christ "endorsed." It is the cross. Not the kind you wear on a chain or the one manufactured of precious medals (or plastic for that matter). Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

The Christian church could do well to market this sense of sacrifice. We try to do so in the Armenian Church. For instance, on Aug. 13 the Armenian Church celebrated the feast of the Assumption of St. Mary. On this occasion, we bless grapes. The faithful congregants bring the first fruits of their labor as an offering to the church. Grapes become the symbol of giving our very best to God and therefore to others.

Sure, we can easily box, bag and market these items, but we miss the point of sacrifice, which is so needed in the world today.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
In His Shoes Ministry