Basically does having a Christian business or having a Christ-like edge to some thing you are trying to promote a positive or negative. It seems as though it has changed through out time. Just wondering for your opinion on the topic.
It could be either a negative or a postive. I think it would depend a great deal upon what you are promoting.
If you are selling something only christians really want to buy (like crosses) then to advertise that your a christian business would probably be good. Otherwise, probably not a good idea. If a business makes a big deal telling me how they are a christian business, I am probably not going to buy from them. That is because I feel excluded already. I am not a part of there team and according to there beliefs I am going to hell, so why would I go out of my way to spend money at a "christian" business. I think most christians are very nice and I like the majority of them. But some fundamentalist are so judgemental, self-righteous know-it-alls who are on a mission to tell everyone how god wants them to live and jam religion down my throat whether I like it or not. So, if they want to make a big deal how they have a christian business that kind of makes me want to run away. I think the Jerry Falwells of the world have kind of put a bad taste in my mouth
Rebecca you are so right and i think a lot of people are in the same boat, do you think the majority of the world or america is thinking the same?
I have no idea if the majority of the world or America thinks like I do, but I know I'm not alone in feeling like this. There are different kinds of christians. Some of them seem to have strong faith in there own life, treat others with kindness and believe in leaving the judgement to god. I usually get along pretty well with them. But then you have those self-righteous fundamentalist jerks who like to pretend they are the spokesperson for god...So judgemental, telling everyone that doesn't believe exactly like they do that they are burning in hell. Like falwell after 911, actually blaming 911 on gays and feminists etc... So, if I don't know someone very well and one of the first things I learn is they are a christian, I am kind of on guard because I don't know which kind they are yet. So if I had 2 places of business in front of me and one was advertising how they are christian...I would probably avoid the christian business. p.s. I just wanted to add that I would also not want to do business with someone saying they are an atheist business either. I would rather just do business with someone that is going to give me a quality product at a fair price and leave religion out of it.
I guess it depends on what you are selling, and how you sell it, more than what faith you follow... Assuming someone actually follows the principles of a Christian faith to the letter, they can be much nicer to deal with than someone who has no regard for honesty, integrity and humility.
I get annoyed when I go to a business and they have "Jesus Saves" or "God Loves You" or such on their billboards or signs. I think it lessens their religion because it makes me think they are using their religion as a way of stressing that they are holy so you should do business with them. I respect all religion but I do not respect people using it to gain respect or a reputation in business. There is a local ice cream business in my town that closes on Saturday during the day until 7 PM because it has something to do with their Sabbath. I respect the fact that they are willing to forgo the big money on one of the busiest days of the week because of their faith. If you have true faith, you should live it not advertise it. Lead by example don't tell everyone how they should be, show them.
I will go out of my way to spend money at places that aren't Christian oriented. There is a bookstore here with tons of good books but I'd never buy from them because of their Christian affiliation. Why would I want to support those who so readily hate me for my beliefs, condemn me to hell, and continuously knock on my door in the wee ours of the morning?
maaannn u guys really got some bad impressions of christians i guess... thats horrible. So, allout, I understand what your saying that some people try and use their "christianty" as a selling point and thats degrating to their religion. But there also is the point that some christians just like being open about who they are representing through their business.
**well, they are in the wrong if that is the case. I know everyone's experiences are different but true followers of Christ would never hate you based on what you believe...they may not agree with how you but certainly not punch your ticket to hell. none more true than with Automotive repair Our garage is called Christian Brothers Automotive...based on beliefs that provide you with a service that will value honesty, integrity and humility.
I think, for what you're talking about, it's more of a niche market. I don't think there's anything wrong with marketing to Christians if you're a fair business person. Many Christians would rather help a fellow Christian make a living then some other random person who they don't know. And hey, even if somebody is trying that as a marketing strategy and aren't really a Christian, who knows, maybe they'll see the light from all the exposure to Christians!