Xmas and XianityBReformed is mirrored at Blogger.
After a delicious meal at Baja Fresh, our family went shopping. We have spent many a Friday night at either Barnes and Noble or Books & Company, and last night we visited the newest Books & Company at The Greene. It was beautiful, with an up-to-date section of the latest in popular-selling religious books. Of course, Books & Company is not a "Christian" bookstore, so you have to live with what they perceive to be "religious". For example, one authoritative book on Christ was written by a commentator for National Public Radio; and, naturally, the Bible aisle is perpendicularly trafficked into the Qur'an display.
Regrettably, they did not have a certain book one of my daughters was looking for, so (thanks to Verizon Wireless 411) we trekked on over to the Family Christian Store.
I love bookstores and libraries. But going from B&C to FCS was almost like going from fine dining to fast food. My first thoughts, whenever I go into a Christian bookstore, are, "This is Christianity? Is this why Jesus Christ, called Immanuel, died?" Never mind the world who has long since removed Christ from Christmas. It appears that we have removed Christ from Christianity.
"Your Best Life Now: The Game". Joel Osteen has a game now? I thought the "Left Behind" video game was bad enough, but this is nauseating on a different level. And, to add expectorant to nasuea, the game was developed and marketed by the same company with its own version of "Liar's Dice". Or their other game, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus: The provocative, humorous, ultimate battle of understanding each other" using categories such as "Mars & Venus In the Bedroom"; "In the Workplace"; "On a Date"; and "In Love".
"Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?" (James 3:11)
For a moment I thought I was in the "Christian" version of Spencer's, sans black lights and Bob Marley. Perhaps Bono was there instead.
It's all at the "Christian-themed" bookstore. Crucifixes, worry beads, or a statue of the Virgin Mary, pablum by Max Lucado, more Left Behind heresy, even a shampoo bottle hot-stamped "Holy Water", or -- get this -- a 4 ounce plastic squeeze bottle of 100% virgin olive oil (consecrated, of course, for anointing "anything, at anytime, for any Christian purpose") for $19.99. (Amazon has a 34oz. bottle for only $15.99).
But if you wanted to gain an overview of five perspectives on Sanctification using a book published by Zondervan, where could you go? Remarkably enough (in Dayton, anyway), you'd have to go to Amazon.
What if you wanted to research the translation of the Bible into English so that you, yourself, could know whether the King James Version was really the best translation that some claim it is? Where could you obtain objective, scholarly material from the likes of F.F. Bruce or Leland Ryken? Not from the Christian bookstore, that's for sure. And special ordering doesn't count; I know from experience that you can special order from Amazon with far greater ease than special ordering at the store.
For example: I am presently studying the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Can I get a book on pneumatology by Dr. Larry Pettegrew from Family Christian Store? Only by special order. So where did I go to purchase it? Amazon, of course. After buying tons of books from Amazon, I get 2-day shipping for free and an online predictor of other books I might like. No wading through gospel incense, and other geegaws. And my wish list is online in case you would like to send me a gift.
 I recognize the niceties of having a "morally clean" place to obtain reading material that is generally innocuous. And there are helpful resources easily found in so-called Christian bookstores for those suffering a divorce situation and other heartaches. And, of, course, the selection of Bibles alone will usually surpass a secular store like Books & Company. But there are three serious problems at work here: first is the brazen presentation that anything naming the name of Christ is on equal footing with true Christianity. Jesus Christ, Paul, Peter, and Jude all warned against that very notion. Second is the obvious marketing fact that Christians would prefer to placate and/or pacify themselves than study to show themselves approved unto God. Paul warned us of that condition, too. Third, there is no material difference between a Christian-themed store and Books & Company. Both stores shelve what sells. Both stores sell idols. Both stores have books on the occult. Both stores sell The Message.
Can there be any doubt about where this sort of Vanity Fair is leading? The call of the bridegroom is coming and, when it is sounded, a lot of foolish "believers" are going to wander about in confusion. Will the Joel Osteen game help? Will Max Lucado continue to comfort? Will Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins have an explanation? When this sort of fundamental shift takes place, as Jesus says it will, those who profess without faith will ask true Christians where they can "get the Spirit". Here is what Jesus said will be the response given to them:
"'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut." (Matthew 25:9-10)
"Go to the dealers and buy some." Indeed. I visited one last night. | 
