Recently I read in the Clarion-Ledger that the legendary Bobby Bowden, the former Florida State football coach, had been signed by a Ridgeland-based company to be its spokesperson.
The company is BFAC.com, formerly known as BuyFromAChristian.com. In a brief review of BFAC’s website I learned that this company markets all kinds of products for all kinds of businesses and donates 10 percent of every dollar it makes to the charity of the purchaser’s choice.
Thankfully they openly acknowledge that they are not in the business of determining who is or is not a Christian. They leave that one to God.
Now I have no problem with people of a particular faith supporting others of the same faith. I think it’s human nature to want to help those who share your values. I am concerned, however, with the possibility — nay, the propensity — toward isolationism, which, in my opinion, is not very Christ-like. If a person were to begin to adopt the mindset of doing business with Christians only, imagine the awkward scenarios that might crop up.
“I love these shoes! But before I buy them I have to ask, are you a Christian?”
“Why — er — what’s that got to do with it?”
“I’m trying to support my faith by buying from Christians only. Now tell me, are you a Christian?”
“Actually I’m Jewish.”
“Sorry. I’ll take my business to St. John of the Shoe Sole Emporium in Jackson. They keep Christ in Christmas.”
“But wasn’t Jesus a good Jewish boy?”
“He was at first, then he started his own religion. I want to be more like him and help others who want to be more like him, too. That’s why I’ll only buy from businesses with a fish symbol in their window.”
“A fish symbol?”
“It’s a sign of true Christianity. That and voting conservative.”
“Well, thanks for telling me. I thought the sign of a true Christian was selfless love, serving the needy and following all of Jesus’ teachings.”
“It is. And I’m following the teaching ‘To thine ownself be true.’”
“Uh — isn’t that Shakespeare?”
“Huh! You non-Christians are all alike! You mock our faith and that’s why I hope you go bankrupt! Have a blessed day!”
Or what about your plumber?
“Help! My pipes burst and I need a plumber before my whole house goes under!”
“Yes, sir! We at Pagan Plumbing pride ourselves in quick professional service!”
“Pagan Plumbing? You’re not a Christian plumbing service?”
“Well, we have people on our staff who are Christians, but we don’t choose our employees or our customers based on their faith — or lack of faith.”
“I don’t know what to do!”
“Is the water coming down from above or up from below?”
“Why does that matter?”
“’Cause if it’s coming down from above you better find a Christian plumber who believes in sprinkling, and if it’s coming up from below — total immersion!”
“Smart aleck! I hope all your pipes rust! By the way, Jesus loves you but I hope you…!”
Jesus taught that we who claim his name should live by what he taught. Isolationism is not one of his principles.
The way I see it, if we try to buy from Christians only and use only Christian-named services, you’ll not just make it difficult on yourself, but you will hurt some folks around you whose financial survival depends on people from every walk of life. If enough of that went on, eventually there could be a long-lasting impact of businesses closing and services no longer being available. I know that is unlikely, but it could happen.
Two final things. I wonder if BFAC.com would contribute 10 percent of my business to a non-sectarian organization that promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding or if their vetting process would eliminate groups I might think are important to spirituality?
As for Bobby Bowden as spokesperson? Seems to me they could have done a bit better. Let’s give our business to Mississippians. Isn’t Colonel Reb looking for work these days?
Happy holidays to all people of all faiths, or none at all.
