It’s a multi-layered project, complete with meetings, prayers, meals, songs, devotions, a dedicated Facebook page with its own QR code, and a “big ask” at the end.
And, oh yeah, sermons.
All of which brought me face to face with a much larger question: how thin is the line between inspiration and manipulation?
We’ve all felt manipulated before. Many times, we’ve felt that way at church. Maudlin appeals, sentimental songs, overwrought testimonials.
Yet on the other hand, we’ve all been inspired through the right word at the right time, an artistic element that engages the mind and opens the heart, an opportunity to make our own lives count for something much larger than ourselves.
Perhaps the best distinction is this: manipulation is for the sake of the organization, while inspiration is for the sake of the kingdom.
So whether it’s Home or future challenges we’ll issue to the people of Good Shepherd, I pray I’ll always stay on the right, kingdom-centered side of the line between inspiration and manipulation.
There is 1 comment
This is also the key to good Christian filmmaking. My only real problem with say the Kendrick Brothers (who I admire and appreciate) is the commercialism of say The Love Dare book they published after Fireproof. What are they going to come out with next action figures?
Now, in a related note…the bravery they showed in having a scene in that movie where Kirk Cameron’s character stared down pornography was huge! How many films have done that?
If we are going to have a debate in this country about gun control….who is going to take on all the lost souls to pornography?
Then there is alcoholism? But I digress….anyway, when Christian cinema makes it’s point without a product to sell or a heavy handed conversion…they work! Have you seen the film The Road with Viggo Mortensen….His character’s love for his son is very touching and the allusions to faith and soul are almost as powerful as a christain films. Sometimes I’ll take the allusion.