Comments on: The Evolution of Christian Branding

By: Sam Van Eman

Sam Van Eman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:33:46 +0000

I actually like your cynicism. Somebody has to stand there.

By: shrinkingthecamel

shrinkingthecamel — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:01:37 +0000

Okay, folks. I’m just going to go with Nancy’s comment here as the final word:

“Why can’t people paint their own fish on their car is what boggles my mind. Anyone can wear Levi’s jeans, but does that mean they belong to old levi?”

Two very profound thoughts, indeed.

To everyone else — you guys do make some important points, pro and con. I like Don’s question to the restaurant-owner with the “Jesus is Lord” ad – “Shouldn’t a restraunteur be advertising good cuisine?”

Good stuff, guys. Bonnie, LL and Anne -You are making me a little less cynical about this stuff.

By: nAncY

nAncY — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:30:46 +0000

brands are originally for things that are manmade to show who made them. now it is to show who sells them…or how to identify with the product.

the fish was an identification tool that was used in secret for good reason.

now it is an identification tool that is used for much different reasons.

why people can not paint their own fish on their car is what boggles my mind.

anyone can wear levi jeans, but, does that mean that they belong to old levi? same thing with the fish…it is just a symbol that can be taken on and off.

By: donkimrey

donkimrey — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:10:36 +0000

Just wanted you to know I’m in the audience applauding and “amenning,” even if silently sometimes. I had an advertising/PR bizness at one time. One client owned a restaurant. Regularly he ran an ad in the newspaper with a smiley picture of him and his wife occupying most of the space and a squeaky little slogan saying “Jesus is Lord.” Barely visible. I once told him I felt the best advertisement for a Christian restauranteur was to serve the best cuisine in town.

You have some very discerning guests, and their responses are a credit to you, them, and your Lord.

Those who know us will make their determination about the validity of our position for sure. But it will not be based on our bumper stickers or any symbols we show or wear.

By: Bonnie | FaithBarista

Bonnie | FaithBarista — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:11:30 +0000

“A business can’t be Christian any more than a dollar bill..
..Now, a person with a soul, however, that’s a different story.”

I like this post, Bradly. It’s important to question why Christians do the things we do.

Because as soon as something is done outside of faith, but for selfish gain, there is a fine line between standing proud and selling doves in the court temple.

Out here in CA, I actually applaud those who have the ichthus sign on their business or vehicle. It is not faith friendly waters here, and so, I think if it’s out in public, they are definitely gonna be taking a lot of invisible hits because of it.

I put the ichthus sign on my blog because I wanted other believers to know my blog is not some spiritual enlightenment website

Great to have you visit at FaithBarista, Bradley! Great to meet a spiritual bro.

By: L.L. Barkat

L.L. Barkat — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:50:23 +0000

It’s an interesting dilemma, because any group will look for ways to solidify its identity… including purchasing products that say “I’m part of this group.”

And the Christian market is a legitimate market… there are products and services they would like access to, that they just happen to have to buy.

So. Branding may be necessary. Branding without commercial smarminess may not always be avoidable. It’s part of doing business. Of course, I’m all for beautiful branding.

(Like, hey, what do you think of http://twitter.com/tspoetry Though we don’t have anything for sale. And, hey, we missed you.)

By: Anne Lang Bundy

Anne Lang Bundy — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:18:04 +0000

Maybe I’m naive, but I don’t care what the world does with our crosses and ichthyses, I wear them anyway. I AM a Christian, and I back up the symbol I wear with my smile, words and actions.

The ichthus on my car isn’t on the bumper but on my rearview mirror, to remind me that even my driving should reflect Jesus. Because what I DO have on my rear bumper is this: NO JESUS NO PEACE / KNOW JESUS KNOW PEACE. For me, that ichthus is about the accountability Glynn speaks of.

By: Glynn

Glynn — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:30:23 +0000

If a business uses the ichthys to help advertise/promote itself, then it should first consider that little symbol an announcement to the world that it will be held to a higher level of accountability than those who don’t. But, unfortunately, I believe you’re right — it’s more about marketing to just another demographic group and less about quality, service and performance.