One of my classes this semester is Advertising Ethics, so I more than a little interested in Donald Miller has to say on the topic in his new series Commercialism and Faith.
Here's a quote:
A standard formula used in many commercials is twofold: 1. To illicit a thought in the viewer that their life is not satisfactory and then 2. To convince the viewer their life could be made satisfactory with the introduction of said product.
Not that I am equating to two, but it is interesting to me that sometimes our presentation of the Gospel is not so very different from a commercial in the sense that we try to convince someone they have a need and that need is fulfilled in Christ. This is something I struggle with; the notion that we believe in Christ because He fills some need we have; the appeal to emotions of guilt and shame, and the promise of feeling joyful and at peace. As if we only come to faith because of gain and not because we believe Christ is who He claimed to be and has done what He claims to have done. Still, I know there is more to faith than pure intellect; there must be an element of emotion, or a relationship cannot exist. This is difficult for me, as by nature I am rather wary of emotions. I do not like being manipulated by them, which is perhaps why my daughter's flair for the dramatic bothers me so much! I fight against showing them or even having them at all. My sister-in-law wears her emotions on her sleeve; there is never any doubt how she feels, whether happy, sad, excited, in love. I am somewhat envious; I wish I felt comfortable being that vulnerable, especially with my God.
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