“If you want to get rich, try selling Earth shoes!”- God (played by George Burns) dictating a message to a money-grubbing evangelist in the movie, “Oh God!”Wonder if they’ll start selling Nick Berg swords next.

Wearing the symbol of the cross is not to obsess about Christ’s torturous death, it serves as a reminder that He is no longer on it and no longer dead. It is a symbol of hope and faith. A crucifix, on the other hand does seem geared to remind people of His death. Alot of Christian sects unfortunately focus on fear and guilt rather than love and devotion.

Hmmmm.  Given the amount of New Age bangles and beads I see around, I’m not sure I’d give Christians the nod for tacky religious crap.  Though they’re certainly in the running.

On the other hand, tacky religious crap is in the eye of the beholder.

As to Christians obsessing on the torturous death of Christ, the party line (as much as there is one) is that it’s a reminder of how much God loved us; a reminder of how even such a horrible death can be defeated; a reminder of what we owe our fellow humans in the way of selfless sacrifice; humility over our own sacrifices and blessings, vs. those who have died for the faith; etc.

That said, plenty of Christians go overboard (IMO) in dwelling on the gory, nasty bits, rather than what they mean or lead to.

Hmmm. On further reflection I suppose it’s not any more tacky than the cross itself which is also a symbol of Christ’s torture.

“Isn

Very tacky. Seems Christians thrive on tacky crap. Movies, music, television, it’s all tacky as hell. They have to be happy though that nails were used to put him to death, I can’t imagine Christians running around with a hang-mans noose around their necks to proclaim their love for him. I guess I should wear a downed power line around my neck to proclaim the love I have for my dead uncle.

oh come on man, you and I both know that when it comes to tacky crap, Christian merchandise takes the cake.  Don’t even get me started on those freaking t-shirts.

-a disgruntled Christian

Yes, Bob’s the creator of the whole “WWJD” line.  He’s been making money off Christians for a long time, and is conveniently located in the heart of TBN country… smart guy.

this bob simeon dude has been selling nail and cross jewelry for a long time, way before the passion movie thing.  its nothing new. 

Devotional jewelry? Forget dressing up like the devil, let me just walk into the theatre with some goat hooves and a machete tied around my neck to honor the death of these loving, innocent creatures sacrificed to the big red guy - and see how that goes over.

Isn’t there something inherently wrong with all this devotion to his torture, rather than his life (especially for those who believe he was a real man)?