Christian energy drinks raise hard questions about Christian branding

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I had no idea there was such a thing. I have nothing to say. It’s utter nonsense.

Oh wow, I admit I chuckled at the names of these drinks. :joy:

I think branding things using Jesus, the Bible, or other aspects of Christianity can potentially be just fine. It would all depend on the motives of the people who started the company. With something like energy drinks, it’s a bit more complicated since it could definitely be argued that they aren’t good for our bodies (I’m not sure exactly what ingredients are in these ones).

I think at the end of the day, though, entities and commodities can’t even be “Christian” or “not Christian.” Only people can be Christians or not. It reminds me of one of my favorite bands that once made waves for saying they aren’t a Christian band and their music is not Christian music, even though many of the lyrics talk about God and the life of faith. Their point was that we often like to think in these black and white terms, as if there’s this clear sacred/secular divide, but that’s unhelpful at best, and actually harmful theology if it’s lived out at worst.

Is Christian branding okay?

I think it boils down to the product. I think it would also depend on the message. I mean, we would never want to see “Jesus saves” condoms. “Or Jesus is Lord.” Handguns. But John 3:16 on a coffee cup? Or John 14:6 on the bottom of a “Last Supper Happy Meal?” I think that would be ok. Interesting concept.
Peter

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I recently read another article talking about an influencer who blessed each of his products before shipping and that was all part of the lore to buy it. :woman_shrugging: I don’t know. I think there’s a really fine line these types of things are walking. I see both sides, but it feels mostly icky to me.

Why would anyone care if it is isn’t?

I think this raises an interesting question that goes beyond energy drinks. We see Christian books, music, clothing, jewelry, coffee shops, and many other products. Simply putting a Christian message or symbol on something does not automatically make it meaningful, or meaningless.

For me, the more important question is whether the product points people toward Christ with integrity or simply uses faith as a marketing strategy. Motive matters, but so does the impact it has on others.

I also agree that our faith is ultimately reflected more in how we live than in the labels we put on products. A brand can start a conversation, but our character is what gives that conversation credibility.

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Yeah. Prayer cloths, hankerchiefs, cups, even “Blessed Bibles.” Kinda reminds me of snake oil.
Petert

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Honest question. Care to elobrate? Always open to hear other opinions.
Peter

I don’t understand your question. Elaborate on what?

It’s using Jesus how He shouldn’t be used. Christian culture in America is getting weird. Too me Jesus’s energy drink is too much. Be an energy drink company that is Christian and puts Bible verses on its cups, just like In and Out burger and Cook Out. But this is another story

Isn’t what? Are you ok with “Christian branding?” Are you against it? either way, why? That sort of thing. Not that you have to, just wondering your thoughts.
Peter

Agreed. I also think the product itself should be considered first. A Firestinguiser with “Jesus extinguishes the Fires of Hell” May be ok, but a bottle of cyanide with “Jesus Saves” may not be so much.
Peter

It’s more that I feel like some of it is breaking the second commandment about graven images. Jesus has been used by Christians for stupid things like political signs and memes.

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In high school there was a Christian band called All Star United with a song titled “Smash Hit” which took aim at the commodification of Jesus.

Another song from the same time is “Jesus Junk” from Atomic Opera, more explicit in its condemnation of Christian themed junk sold to the Faithful in the guise of piety.

Christian branding has been a thing for a long time now. The commodification of Jesus has been big business.

Five hundred years ago it was the thigh bone of a saint, today it’s Christian energy drinks. Luther once nailed to the church door in Wittenberg 95 reasons why the selling of indulgences was a problem. We’re still selling indulgences today, we just call them something else.

Sorry, I just thought thast this was interesting. Are these not examples of Cristian Branding in of themselves?
Peter

My sister stopped by the other day and put a small rubber figure of Jesus that says, “Jesus loves you.” So yeah, I don’t know what to do with that. Didn’t throw it away cuz she gave it to me and at the same time, I just shoved it behind a picture sitting on my desk. It means nothing to me. When I see it, it’s something that she gave to me rather than glorifying my Savior, Jesus. He’s in my spirit, not in a piece of rubber on my desk.

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