Christian Controversies

Christian entertainment.  The Law.  Two completely opposite ends of the spectrum.  Unfortunately, the two ends meet at times.  In order to know how to manage them, it is first important to understand what the Bible says about Believers suing other Believers.  There is a fine line between frivolous charges that prove principle, and legitimate efforts that defend intellectual property.  1 Corinthians 6 (New International Reader’s Version) tells us not to take Believers to court.  In a nutshell, the Apostle Paul uses this passage to warn Christians about potential defamation that can happen to the church through legal rodeos.  But what about instances in which Christians are not initiating the legal smack down? 

Here are three controversies that have impacted the Christian entertainment industry:

Controversy #1:  The Talk of the Bourbon Night

Bars.  Strip clubs.  Liquor.  Cultural history.  This is a summary of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street.  It is the pulse of the city’s neighborhood, culture, and economic existence.  I’ve head these famous Mardi Gras blocks label the streets of the rebels.  Pretty soon, it may be illegal for evening evangelical escapades to happen in these streets ever again.  (Murashko, 2012)  The Christian Post (2012) recently reported the city of New Orleans has outlawed preaching at night on Bourbon Street.  (Murashko, 2012) 

Our duty as Believers is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout all nations.  As citizens of this fine nation, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution (freedom of speech) aids us with this duty.  Even with this right, we are still obligated to serve with respect and order.  God is a gentleman and He never forces himself on anyone.  As we are created in His image, so should our actions also be.  Freedom of speech should be given.  (And in this case it should absolutely be honored.)  But the respect of the non-Believers must be earned.

Controversy #2:  Movies and Mayhem

Egypt claims seven United States Christians has insulted the prophet Muhammad in a movie that allegedly slams Islam.  (Menzie, 2012).  The Christian Post reports that ruthless protests have broken out in the Middle East and North African nations as a result of a Christian minister and a few Egyptian Christians blaspheming an idol and its nation’s religious beliefs.  (Menzie, 2012).

Contrary to popular belief, contemptuous commentary of any religion is not entertainment.  In fact, it’s shameful.  The unorthodox approach to educate and reveal the minister’s and Egyptian Christians’ version of the Middle Eastern truth was morally antagonizing and opposite Christianity.

Controversy #3:  Christian Concerts and the Radio

LMG Concerts, a Christian concert promoter filed a lawsuit against Salem Communications (responsible for much of Portland’s radio airwaves) for being greedy with the airwaves.  LMG accuses Salem Communications of “monopolizing” the airwaves and cutting LMG off from opportunities to have fare dibs at promoting concerts and Christian entertainment events.  (Althoff, 2012)

Anything that interferes with one working hard to earn their bread and butter is much more than a down right shame.  It’s a violation of one’s human rights.  Article 23 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights argues that everyone has the right to earn money that is worthy of human dignity.  (United Nations, 2012) 

As Christian entertainment managers, our obligation extends past our commitments to our clients.  Our obligation rests, ultimately, with God.  Understanding and becoming good stewards of the laws that govern the territories we do business in is the first step to managing Christian entertainment justly.   

Co-Branding: The Big Picture

Co-Branding: The Big Picture

Christian Entertainment Branding 101

What is your brand?  Who tells you what your brand is?  Who manages your brand?  If you (as the artist, band, or entertainer) call yourself the “best ________ in the game”, will your followers grab ahold of that tag as your brand?  If only it were that easy…

Christian Entertainment Branding 101: you do not determine your brand.  Your followers determine your brand for you.  In his blog Personal Development for Smart People, Steve Pavlina explains the branding process as, “out of one’s control.”  Think about it.  You’re a Christian.  You perform “clean entertainment” with just enough edge to appeal to the secular industry.  Your goal is to set a trend that corrals Generation X into jumping aboard the movement of clean entertainment in hopes that you (as the Christian entertainer) will lead them to Christ.  You want the support of the Christian entertainment industry.  But what’s the problem?  You are capturing the attention of the secular industry.  Your “Christian act” has now branded you as a secular entertainer.  This artistic approach is not entirely wrong, though.  But if you’re attempting to have total support of Christian followers and the Christian entertainment sector, you’ll have to revisit what your main mission is and strategically set a plan on how to accomplish the mission.  Are you clearly spreading the message of Christ?

Phil Cooke wrote a blog entry called, The 10 Biggest Mistakes Made by Christians in Entertainment.  Wowsers, right?  I mean—get straight to the point, why don’t ya!  The entry is spot-on though.  Cooke doesn’t deny the Believer’s impact on the entertainment industry.    In fact, he completely supports my industry prospective that Christians have the duty of putting our personal thumbprints on the industry.  There should be no question that we are Believers with a deliberate attempt to shake the industry up.  Cooke’s concern, however, is the unprepared Christian that wants to make their mark on the industry.

Of the 10 mistakes Cooke addresses one that Christian entertainers habitually overlook: poor branding.  Cooke encourages Christian entertainers to know, understand, and comprehend the importance of branding.  It’ll either work for you or against you.  A brand is an influence.  Influences create perceptions.

At the end of the day, entertainers do not have the ability to create their brand.  Christian entertainers are no different.  They do, however, have total control over the way they influence their followers.  A film director cannot tell the viewer that the movie will be a great movie.  (No matter how much the director believes in their work.)  The viewer determines if the film was a good one, or not.  The director, can, however, direct the artistic aspect of the film and guide the actors to act with conviction.  Actors that act with certainty have the ability to influence viewers. 

An influenced follower can be the biggest mouthpiece for a Christian artist, band, or entertainment group.  How are you influencing your audience?  Are you clearly delivering the message you want your audience to leave with?  Are your followers now inspired to change?  How are you directing your brand?