Christian energy drinks raise hard questions about Christian branding

Current Events
1
1 Like
2

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

3

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.

4

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

5

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.

6

Why would anyone care if it is isn’t?

7

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.