The Gospel According to Wal-Mart
Teresa and I were strolling through Wal-Mart today, and as we were heading towards the front of the store to wait in line with the 400 other customers at the registers, something caught my eye. It was in the book and magazine aisle. A large banner hung over these books and read “Inspirational,” but what caught my eye, was not “Your Best Life Now: the Sequel” or “Doing Signs and Wonders in Jesus’ Name” or “The Women of Color Devotional Bible” (I actually didn’t make that last one up). What caught my eye was the lack of any book that was actually worth reading. These shelves were loaded full with biblically hollow devotionals and self help (including dieting) books marketed towards a “Christian” audience.
Don’t get me wrong, these books are best sellers. Wal-Mart wouldn’t put them out if people wouldn’t buy them. And I’m sure that some people have bought these books and have compared the words written within to the standard of the Bible and found that it is at best drivel and at worst heresy. But my fear is not for those people who have discernment but for those who buy it hoping to grow “Spiritually” and instead grow selfishly. They lift up the god of self and draw many to them rather than exalting Christ that he my draw men unto himself.
I believe that most people wouldn’t be able to discern the teaching of 90% of these books from the teaching of Ghandi, the Dalai Lama, or Oprah. They preach a gospel of self-esteem and self-worth. If Jesus is mentioned he is demoted to a good teacher with an exemplary life. His death does not show our sin and his righteousness and power, but rather our self-worth and path to heaven through self-righteousness and good works. A non-Christian would be better off living in sin than following the teachings of these authors and being decieved into believing that they are okay with God.
Ick… Ick… Ick.
This watered down “Christianity” or cleverly disquised paganism makes me sick to my stomach. I want to stand guard over these books so that when someone says “Ooh, this looks like something that my brother would like.” I can stroll over and say, “Do you love your brother? Do you want him to go to hell? If so, by all means get him this book. But if you really love him may I suggest another.” I would then suggest a book which actually teaches biblical Christianity. Perhaps John Piper’s new book “What Jesus Demands from the World
Sadly, this is not just a problem with books, but with churches too. Far too many churches are teaching how to live more exciting and sucessful lives and mention very little of the Christ or the Cross of our faith. Oh, how we need a return to passionate biblical expository preaching and Men of God who are unashamed to stand before their flock and say “Thus Saith The Lord” instead of ” Thus Saith Rick Warren.”
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