trend setters?

I have noticed a cultural trend that disturbs me greatly.

How many have you seen a “Christian” copy of something that has already been successful in pop culture? You know, when something becomes very popular or successful in culture and then Christians come right behind that product and make a “Christian” version of that thing. I have got to be honest here…that drives me absolutely crazy. Here are some specific examples:

MYSPACE/GODSPACE

Around 2005 MYSPACE.COM started becoming the most popular social networking website. After the website exploded in popularity, some people launched GODSPACE.COM, which is a social networking website (just like myspace) for believers. The godspace home page states, “Godspace is the only social networking website for believers of all faiths. At Godspace you can discuss all aspects of religion, gain new insights, and share your opinions with others that are passionate about their beliefs.”

YOUTUBE/GODTUBE

In 2005, YOUTUBE.COM was launched. Youtube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view, and share video clips. This website has officially changed the face of pop culture. People today can become celebrities because of youtube. Things can happen and within hours the video can be available on youtube. This is the first Presidential election since youtube and it has completely changed how people get information and coverage. Not to be outdone, the Christians had to make their own video sharing website (in 2007) full of inspirational, Godly videos – GODTUBE.COM.

GUITAR HERO/GUITAR PRAISE

GUITAR HERO is an extremely popular video game franchise that presents video games where the gamer simulates playing guitar on classic rock songs. This video game franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, making many appearances in popular culture, and the games have become extremely popular as party games and hobbies. The series has sold 23 million units, earning over $1 billion USD. Not to be out-done, GUITAR PRAISE was recently released. This video game has the same idea as Guitar Hero, except all the music that one would play along with is performed by Christian musicians and have positive, Christian messages.

There are many, many more examples of Christian copy-cat products. (Can you think of any?)

Now, I have no problem with these products themselves. I do have a problem with Christians sitting back, relaxing, and waiting for pop culture to set the trends and produce great products that Christians can merely copy with a Christian twist. Can Christians please start setting the trends in pop culture instead of ripping off the ideas from the secular world? Can we not be creative? Can we not be original?

I think most people do not take products like Godspace, Godtube, and Guitar Praise seriously because of the imitation factor. It comes across as lame, cheap, and trying too hard.

This post is going to be my small, humble attempt at changing culture as we know it. I am calling all Christians to be creative, think big, think outside of the box, be original, and begin to think how Christians (who want to promote God’s kingdom and love to the world) can start setting the culture. Be the frontrunners on the Internet, on TV, in advertising agencies, in printed media, and in movies. We have to start being the light of the world…even in pop culture.