So I came across a bumper sticker today. In big print it said "Try Jesus." And in little print (so little that I couldn't read it from right behind the idling behind the car), it said something like "If you don't like him, the devil may own your soul." Google suggests that the accurate wording is actually "the devil will always take you back."
It's hard for me to gather much enthusiasm for the bumper sticker. I think product advertisement by a catch-phrase or label works great when the product is well-known, consistantly defined, easily available, and pretty much the same everywhere. Like Pepsi. We all know where to get Pepsi. It's the same in grocery stores, gas stations, pop machines, and refreshment stands. It's production is carefully controlled, and most Americans know it by name.
While Jesus' name is certainly well known, who he is, what he stands for, where to find him, or how to try him are questions sparking some volatile debate. Which churches, if any, accurate represent him? What exactly does it mean to try Jesus? And so on.
Another part that irks me is the equating of Jesus to a commodity. Try Lime Coke to cool down. Try Old Spice to smell better. Try E-Harmony to find the love of your life. Try Jesus to improve your life. I'm not sure God is really impressed if we're coming to him for a little life-improvement. "Hi God. You're big and cool. Can I get a 5% raise, a better home, and, um, could my wife nag me a bit less?"
There are funny religious bumper stickers. Here's a few I found:
Lord, help me to be the person my dog thinks I am.
Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can honk!
After the rapture, can I have your car?
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