I was listening to a discussion yesterday on CBC Radio One. They were debating whether it was wise to allow corporate sponsorship into public schools. On the positive side, it was a tremendous source of income. It also filled a need: kids need chocolate bars and pop, right? On the negative side, the interviewee questioned whether it made sense to manipulate a child’s mind in such a subliminal manner: if I see it in school, it must be okay, right?

Today I received bulk email from CCLI with a link to a free Father’s Day video illustration. You can watch it here. I wanted to vomit. I don’t care whether the movie that the clip is from passes Dobson’s family-friendly filter or not. Does it seem wrong to anyone else out there to shamelessly advertise a film to a congregation—a congregation that, like a student in a school, trusts most of what they here while in the building?

Let’s hear Jesus’ words one more time (John 16:13-14, NRSV):

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth [This promised spirit is brought to you by our fine friends at Christian-Singles online. Choose Christian-Singles online for all your christian companionship needs.]; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears [Having problems hearing the message? For just three monthly installments of $99.99, you too can hear God’s word at home in crystal-clear 5.1 surround sound.], and he will declare to you the things that are to come [Worried about your financial future? RRSPs taking a nose-dive? Invest in Christian theme parks. There’s a 100-fold blessing guaranteed. You’ll be glad you did.]. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you [And you can take what is mine in this special offer…].

I just had to get that rant out of my system. I feel better already.