This is another guest post by Bokeen. You can reach his blog at blog.bokeen.com
I fail understand the purpose of religious trinkets, such as “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets, plastic Jesus Fish emblems and the Christian-themed candles that Mexicans are so fond of.
I am not a religious person – that is a topic for another post – but I do find these cheaply produced tributes to a higher power somewhat disturbing. I will not explore the topic of idolatry deeply; the Wikipedia entry on the topic is over 4,000 words long, making research far too time-consuming for my tastes.
Both Islam and Judaism forbid the artistic representations of their respective Gods. I can understand the Islamic and Judaic stance on this issue. If one is to believe that the world was created by an omnipotent and all-powerful being, how could a mere mortal fully understand the concept of the higher power, let alone create an artistic rendition of their God?
Aside from the concept of false idols and “graven images,” I cannot understand how inexpensive, mass-produced tchotchkes are a worthy tribute to one’s God. If I was the most powerful entity in the universe, I would not be impressed by the fact that you proudly wear a two dollar “WWJD” bracelet. I created the universe in six days, after all – trivial junk manufactured in a Chinese factory simply would not move me.
Furthermore, what if the higher power finds the tribute to be tacky or worse yet, ugly? Would Jesus not be offended if he found your Virgin Mary candle to be downright hideous? If I were a religious person, I would not want to mock my Lord and savior’s mother in this manner. This is simply asking for trouble.
Another inherent problem is that there are no rules governing the proper display of these religious products. If one wears both “WWJD” and “Livestrong” bracelets, does that indicate that Jesus Christ is to be held in the same regard as Lance Armstrong? Or does this indicate that Armstrong has been elevated to the status of God?
Likewise, if one displays a Jesus Fish on the back of their car, are they allowed to display bumper stickers? If so, how does one know which is superior? Does the presence of a “McCain-Palin” bumper sticker alongside a Jesus Fish indicate that John McCain (R-Maverick) and Sarah Palin (R-Religious Right) are to be considered deities?
Clearly, a detailed set of regulations are required, similar to the United States Flag Code.
I feel there are far better ways to pay tribute to one’s God and express the joy, joy, joy, joy down in one’s heart. Rather than pissing away money on religious-themed bullshit, would one’s money not be better spent as a donation to a charity that works to feed the hungry or cure the sick?
I think that’s what Jesus would do.
0
