May 16 2008 was earmarked as ‘Jesus Is My Logo’ Day where it is, and I quote
…encouraging Christians to make a bold statement about Christ by supporting Jesus Is My Logo Day.
The recently-launched organisation has earmarked Monday, 19 May for its campaign calling people to wear a Jesus Is My Logo badge wherever they go. Individuals who have profiles on social networking websites like Facebook have been asked to change their profile to a Jesus Is My Logo picture in support of the initiative. Icepix view the one-day declaration as a way of supporting the logo’s movement as well as making a statement to the world.
Icepix, a photography outfit, launched their coloured badges as part of a series of innovative products. The company describe it as their latest edition of ‘cool’ by producing exclusive personalised badges in a range entitled, ‘Say Something!’
Apparently, Britain’s RnB artist Lemar is just one of the many people supporting the Jesus Is My Logo movement.
Click here for more details
My view is I really dont see the point of this and think it is a cop out for a lot of Christians and will make them think they are ‘doing their bit for the kingdom’ or evangelising through the logo. Wouldnt it be better that more effort was into telling people the whole gospel whether it be in speech or written for e.g. a tract? I have never even seen any effort or facebook groups etc to say ‘each one tell one’ even for one day (which obviously is not enough). I can bet that there is only a small percentage of those displaying the logos who expound the gospel consistently to other.
I can hear the comments already. “Whats wrong with sowing a seed?” “Someone may get interested and ask questions and get saved”. My view is that those arguments are just pragmatic and the end does not justify the means. I suppose I wouldnt have this view if I knew that a lot of christians evangelised but as Jesus said, the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.
So my question to you all is am I a wet blanket or am I just nit-picking?
Alan,
Neither. I think you’re being wise.
If that’s the point, then wouldn’t someone wearing a crucifix around their neck be able to achieve the same without some new-fangled logo?
I don’t subscribe to such movements. My personal opinion is that if I want to get the Gospel out, give out tracts directly. That’s wayyyy more effective.
Oh, and about “Jesus is my logo”?! NO, He’s NOT! He’s God, Savior, King of King and Lord of Lords. My God is nobody’s logo!
Forgive me if I’m wrong cornishevangelist, but were you answering the above question or plugging another blog? Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just unclear to me.
I agree that the above will just encourage people to display this sticker and think ‘all is well between God and I – I’m openly declaring my Christianity’ which obviously is a danger – and in years past, I would’ve probably done the same!
On the other hand it could be a good way of bringing fellowship between Christians, I always smile to myself when I see an icthus on the car ahead etc.. that’s assuming this new idea will be widely used, and I doubt it will. These fads are ok I suppose as long as we remember that half this country are ‘nominal Christians’, and we don’t begin to rely on a sticker for our salvation.
I agree Laura about Cornishevangelist. I will be deleting his comment.
Cornishevangelist, please keep to the topic at hand or you will find any other comments you make deleted also
Thanks for your comments and also your contributions to my blog.
I think it’s another evangelical gimmick – like the “Jesus is My Homeboy” t-shirts from way back when. Simply preaching the Biblical gospel is the way to go. Call it “old-fashioned” but it works…
Hi, Alan.
I am not sure how I feel about this event. What exactly does ‘Jesus is my logo’ mean? And, why organize to do this for just one day?
If this is really an effort to evangelize, why not make it a bit more engaging? Instead of it being about Christians declaring their faith, why not make it about engaging non-believers?
I don’t know… these seems a bit too passive. It’s like saying, “Hey, look at me. I’m a Christian!” — OK, and…? I don’t see this being a big conversation starter.
But who am I? I don’t exactly stand on street corners and teach the Gospel.
I always found the ‘Jesus is my homeboy’ thing a bit offensive, or disrespectful – kind of though it appeared to be a bit of a mickey take. Jesus is our Lord and our Saviour, calling Him ‘my homeboy’ makes Him sound normal and… thugish. I thought anyway!
PS: I disagree with the person who said that wearing one of these badges is a ‘bold statement’ – I think it’s actually kind of weak. Sorry!
Why can I not post???????????? Argh!
ooops sorry!
I find it somewhat troubling that the response to the evangelistic efforts of fellow Christians is to be needlessly negative and narrow-minded. Grow-up, and stop gossiping on the internet. Because that’s what this is – gossip.
Judging and back-biting within the Kingdom. For what? Who are you serving?
My opinion (for the record) is this: if your friends see you’re Christian because you’re wearing a badge that says you are (loads of people wear crosses – it means nothing to most non-Christians), and they see the life you lead, then maybe something will come out of that.
Icepix haven’t said do this and nothing else, it’s more of a reminder. People need that sometimes. What they are saying is if Christ lives in you, let Him live on the outside also. Be a living testimony. Let the world know what you are and hold you to account.
If this feels like a telling off, good. That’s exactly what it is. Deal with it! Take it to the Lord in prayer.
And yes, Alan, you are both a “wet blanket” and a “nit-picker”. But I still love ya!
Wearing ‘Jesus is my logo’ is an evangelistic effort????
Thankyou David for your ‘loving’ words
I think that a button like this is one of those feel-good things that doesn’t, ultimately, mean anything. I’m rather fond of the Steven Curtis Chapman song, “The Change,” which includes a list of all kinds of stuff, identified as “almost everything a good Christian needs.”
“Jesus is my logo” is fine, whatever it means, if people really live it. But if anyone plans to use the logo in place of a real ministry, then they’re deluding themselves.
The WWJD? thing sounded reasonable, until it was turned into What Would Yoda Do?, What Would Ronald Reagan Do?, What Would Jimmy Buffet Do?, etc.. Maybe the Gospel works better than cheap marketing gimmicks.
Again, who said it was in place of the gospel? No one. It’s part of an evangelistic effort. You can’t expect a badge, a cross, a tract or anything to do the work for you. But who said it would?
As with all evangelism, you have to pray for and engage with people so they truly know what it is to be Christian. Say something. Be a living testimony. The living, breathing Word of God. Let them know who it is you represent. That’s what it’s all about.
People aren’t perfect, and some will just wear a badge and miss the point (some will miss the point without wearing one). But others will make it part of their work within the body of Christ, and that’s got to be worth something.
Alan, despite your sarcasm, yes, the words were said with love. Just because you didn’t like what was said doesn’t mean it wasn’t said with love.
Your comment ‘If this feels like a telling off, good. That’s exactly what it is. Deal with it!’ didnt sound like it was in love to me
Did your parents apologise for telling you off as a child?
I’m by no means putting myself on a par with your father, but when I feel correction is in order, being apologetic about it is far from constructive.
And please don’t misquote me, it’s a poor tactic. Especially when my entire comment is displayed above. The paragraph reads: “If this feels like a telling off, good. That’s exactly what it is. Deal with it! Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
It’s not as if I said I’m right, you’re wrong, so take that, fool! I finished with “take it to the Lord in prayer”. I’m humble before the Lord, and in the end, all I can do is ask you to humbly seek His counsel.
God is love – remember that.
As I always say, lets major on the major and minor on the minor so even though to me the tone was a bit offish, if i misinterpreted it, I can be man enough to say I apologise. We are on the same side
No offence was meant in my words. I merely sought to provide balance to an otherwise one-sided discussion.
But I will close my input at this point as you have clearly misconstrued some of what I said.
Perhaps the love was not adequately conveyed, and for that I apologise.
God bless
“My view is that those arguments are just pragmatic and the end does not justify the means.”
You’ve said what I’ve been thinking for a while…..I dunno..just seems like a gimmick to me. I’m known as both a nit-picker and a wet blanket, as well as “heresy hunter”, “judgmental pharisee” and so on….as I’m sure you are. I don’t think you are either. As Isaiah said above, I believe you are being wise.
I’m agreed with wickle, I pray those who wear the badge (many of whom I know) live it. Unfortunately I know of too many who rely on gimmicks such as a badge or “Jesus Loves Me” t-shirt to “sow evangelical seeds”, as opposed to actually engaging in evangelism. However, I know of others who engage in evangelism, but they are in the minority unfortunately.
Personally speaking, Jesus is far more than a logo to me.
Your 2nd to last paragraph sums it up for me. Out of all my christian friends, I only know a handful who purposely engage with unbelievers to preach the gospel whether it by words or a tract. The very vast majority or more willing to wear gimmicks and like you said think they are ’sowing a seed’, but just wait for the fish to come to them instead of them going out fishing. It is an indictment on us that we do not care for the lost. If I have the cure for a disease and I know someone is sick with the disease, I will make sure I tell them, explaing the symptoms and the cure, I would not wear some gimmicky badge which talks about how the cure is my logo. How much more should we engage with the unsaved who have a terminal disease called sin. If the company steps it up and goes into real evangelism, then I will stand corrected, but if it just stays as a ‘Jesus is my logo’ badge then it is wrong
Nice lil debate we have going on! My first reaction to this ‘product’ was that i just don’t like it and that’s my personal opinion. Seems like we try and develop anything whatsoever to make us {Christians} look cool/relevant to the secular world. When the reality is we are the most UNCOOL set apart people on the face of the earth in the secular worlds eyes. We should literally stick out like sore thumbs not by how we dress or wear neccesarily but by how we LIVE!
The funny thing is if Jesus really was our Logo and the definition i go by…
“A name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy and definite recognition”
…would we really need to wear a badge to signify it, becuase it would be blatently obvious by the way we show Love to one another, EVANGELISE THE WHOLE GOSPEL to people we know and don’t know, help those in need and even more importantly how we reverance Him in our day to day lives.
Are we trying to remind people or trying signify we are Christians by clothing items or by our fruits? {Matt 7:16} If you really wanted strangers i.e. people on the bus to know you were a Christian, you’d stand up, open your Bible and Preach Gods word!! It’s almost like this badge is saying “HEY Guys i live like you but remember Jesus represents me”
Anyone who suggests this is an evangelistic effort hasnt heard of the persecuted Church! People DIE for this Faith we so easily throw around like its nothing. So wrapped up in cotton wool in the West we’ve forgotten about real BATTLE GROUND evangelism. You try flying over all the people who wear Jesus is my Logo badges to South Korea or Northern Nigeria, or how about Pakistan? And ask them go over there to ’support’ the movement!?
People this is not radical and its not even evangelism, at best its the most shocking form of pride i’ve seen in years.
This is what i mean…
“Jesus is my Logo, Yup you read it but i dont wanna tell you how he can be your logo your gonna have to ask me! Then maybe i’ll share a bit Grace with you and if you don’t ask me too bad maybe some seed or something was left in you, maybe you’ll go home and read your bible”
Hosanna in the highest! Please Jesus just save us from this already!
From the Rich Mullins classic “Save Me”:
Save me from trendy religion that makes cheap cliches out of timeless truth
… David, since you jumped back at me for my “in place of” remark, let me remind you of what I actually said:
“Jesus is my logo” is fine, whatever it means, if people really live it. But if anyone plans to use the logo in place of a real ministry, then they’re deluding themselves.
You see? It’s fine, as long as people are living it. But all too often these things are done and don’t go any further. All of this business about planting seeds is bunk. Have you ever met a Christian whose story about how s/he came to Jesus starts “Well, someone was wearing a WWJD? bracelet, and it got me to thinking?”
And so it begins…
Wickle, you disappoint me. I didn’t “jump back at” you. I merely pointed out a fact. No one is saying what you appear to be arguing against.
And take note that I did not disagree with you on it not replacing real ministry. So what point are you trying to make exactly?
Tim, my brother, please don’t make statements like: “You try flying over all the people who wear Jesus is my Logo badges to South Korea or Northern Nigeria, or how about Pakistan? And ask them go over there to ’support’ the movement!?” It’s nonsense.
Do you have some kind of mystical power that affords you insight into the hearts and minds of everyone wearing these badges? If you do, I hope it came from God and not someone else.
Go to Pakistan or Northern Nigeria if that’s where the Lord leads you, because going there without His backing is foolishness. (And I think you mean North Korea. My pastor is from South Korea and Christians are quite safe there.)
Addressing this wider argument of Christians standing out and representing their faith daily is perfectly valid. But you’re making sweeping generalisations about Jesus Is My Logo with little or no evidence.
And before you say it, I know I said I would step away from this, but as Wickle mentioned me by name, it would have been remiss of me not to repond.
Stay blessed
David, brother… you slightly mis construed some of my arguments and that’s ok because i don’t profess to hold a doctorate of the English language so let me clarify a few things… (Also i started by saying i do not like this ‘product’ and that it was my personal opinion.)
“You try flying over all the people who wear Jesus is my Logo badges to South Korea or Northern Nigeria, or how about Pakistan? And ask them go over there to ’support’ the movement!?”
Firstly a meant North Korea that was a genuine slip up on my part, apologies! And i was only trying to point out how comfy we are in the West rarely stepping out of that comfort zone, and i’m most definitely included. The reason why i mentioned those countries is because surprisingly when i new convert gets saved some find it very hard to keep quiet. Which often leads to torture/death.
I just wanted us to check motives because if you knew you faced a threat of death wearing that badge on UK streets would you really still wear it? becuase if you would you might as well open up your Bible and just preach! Which is far more effective anyway, according to the Bible itself.
Yes i did make generalisations but they are based on evidence as my brother and majority friends wear this badge. And i have spoken to them about it and none of them, not one have used it as a tool to evangelize. They all gave the same reason “because no one has asked me about it” I went on to ask them why they wear it and the general consensus was because “it looks cool”. I should have stated that above so it gives some background as to where im coming from.
Let it also be known that i do not believe this badge is sinful in and of itself but i believe it does become prideful when you wear it for the explicit purpose to evangelize and wait for people to approach you about it like i stated above. Jesus didn’t say go out and they will come to you {Mark 16:15} We are commanded to go out and preach.
All i really wanna say is if you wanna wear a badge then wear one but please DO go out and evangelize. I peronsally do not consider this an evangelistic effort but more like a passing fashion phad that helps us christians feel all inclusive.
A statement on a badge means nothing after all not every who calls him Lord Lord will enter his kingdom {Matt 7:21 } …
Hope i’ve conveyed myself properly and clearer this time and please do pull me up on anything you happen to disagree with.
Blessings!
Tim, you’re entitled not to like the product. That’s not a matter for debate. I don’t work for Icepix, so I have no issue there.
I must admit, I was aware you made an honest mistake on South Korea. I was just in the mood to split hairs. Been a long day. Sorry.
Yes, we are very comfortable in the western world, but that’s no excuse for deviating from the facts. You can’t make sweeping generalisations based on a survey of your brother and friends (especially on the internet).
Your anecdotal evidence says more about your brother and the friends you keep than it does about those you are judging.
Indeed, it is true that if you wear a badge, cross, T-shirt, novelty hat, set of commemorative plates or antique wooden deckchair, and simply wait for people to approach and ask why, then you should take a long, hard look at yourself. But at the same time, you can’t quote bible scriptures all day everyday.
You can’t verbally minister to every person that sees you. But maybe (just maybe), you’re walking around with your badge (or deckchair), you do something nice for a passer-by, and someone watching you sees that you mention Jesus on your badge.
Perhaps that person thinks to themselves, “that was a really nice thing he did, maybe it’s because he’s a Christian!”
Guess what, you’ve just represented Christ right there!
Where’s the harm in that?
Hi David you made a few comments i’d like to address. Like you said this is the internet and you really don’t know me at all (vice versa) I happen to know the people i’m talking about personally (Icepix etc) so please don’t call my evidence anecdotal, at best you could have called it unreliable due to the fact you cant personally substantiate it. (and btw im not talking about 5/6 people i’ve spoken to more like 50/60. Do you happen to know anyone who supports this movement?)
And sorry but what sweeping generalization did i make exactly? I only gave possible scenarios of pride. By the same token you made the same ‘generalizations’ i did. “just maybe your walking around” and “perhaps that person thinks to themselves”. I never anywhere stated that what I said is 100% what is happening i merely gave an example of the dangers of pride and misuse based on a family member and MANY people who wear the badges. You just happen to give an example of perhaps proper usage.
And your right theres no harm in wearing one if your motive is right. That was just my long winded way of getting that one small point i had out.
Using your same logic David how about this version of events…
*********
You can’t verbally minister to every person that sees you. But maybe (just maybe), you’re walking around with your badge (or deckchair), you SWEAR at a passer-by, and someone watching you sees that you mention Jesus on your badge.
Perhaps that person thinks to themselves, “that was a really horrible thing he did, maybe it’s because he’s a Christian!? Those Hypocrites!!”
Guess what, you’ve just represented Christ right there!
Where’s the harm in that?
*********
Catch my drift!? Those are my two cents anyway… Thanx for letting me share Alan! Thats my last comment on the matter.
God Bless!
No, you’re right there, Tim, if you feel I’ve made some sort of personal statement about you, I’m happy to retract.
I say anecdotal as you made a statement that encompassed “all the people who wear Jesus is my Logo badges” suggesting that they would not preach the gospel if it became inconvenient. You were sweeping so hard I almost mistook you for a street cleaner.
I do know a number of people who support this movement, but that is irrelevant as I’ve made no claims about them.
You’re example is all well and good, but if you let those fears (which are not of God) control you, you’d never evangelise or go anywhere near a church just in case you failed to accurately represent Christ in your every action.
Plenty of harm in that.
If you’re a Christian and you’re out in the world living as God intends, then you should let that be known (and be held to account) in whatever way He leads you to.
Thanks for the chat, Tim. Also thanks to Alan and everyone with whom I’ve conversed on this. I wish you well in your respective callings.
Stay blessed,
David
Thankyou for your contribution David
Hello, I maybe joining in a bit late but better late than never! In my opinion though Icepix’s intentions are as David said, to be used as a reminder, I can also agree that they can be seen as a gimmick. David, your opinion seems to be that of ‘what is the harm’ but from experience even the best of intentions can have negative consequences. With all the criticism that the Christian church is facing at present I feel that most important thing is to lead by example – observers should witness our behaviour and the love we have for Jesus should be evident in our daily lives – not attached to an item of clothing. As a young person who lost my faith for a long period of time one of the main contributors was watching people who claimed to be Christians (church every Sunday, crucifix around the neck) yet did not behave in a Jesus-like manner. It is ok to wear the badge but if while wearing the badge your behaviour does not resemble that of what Jesus taught it becomes yet another perceived hypocrisy of the Christian faith which in my opinion is the main deterrent for an individual being ministered to.
I forecast that the badge will eventually become the ‘must have’ fashion accessory and the meaning behind it will be lost – a bit like Christmas.
Good afternoon people:)
My name is Tope Chiedozie and I am the creator of ‘JESUS IS MY LOGO ‘ and also the founder of ‘ICEPIX’.
I have read through your comments and opinions and thank you for sharing your views on the subject, however let me clear a few things up and i’ll be out of your way
1. NOT AT ANYTIME has the creator of this blog or any of the contributors to this topic thought to call my mobile phone or email me , -even though many claim to know those involved in ICEPIX- in regards to this matter. Instead a misrepresented discourse has been created to speak on things not everyone is a 100% sure on.
-Why post a topic you havn’t researched in its entirety?
-Why would you cast an opinion on the www that hasn’t been discussed or understood behind closed doors.
2. EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion in this life we live ,NO ONE must be forced to love or accept anything , yet when opinion turns to attack and offence there is a line that is crossed from opinion to slander. If opinion is based on facts and credible evidence ,then arguments can stand …however when they are plucked from the air ..they appear hollow.
-Since when do humans determine the evangelstic ability of God?
-Since when do humans dictate how God moves to save a soul he has been longing to hold for years?
3.A badge is simply a fashion accesory , however in the hands of God has the power to translate a person from darkness to light.Was not MOSES holding a worthless stick …yet under God’s power it was used to show HIS strength and power.
-Why would you belittle a foolish thing that could be used to confound the wise?
-What testimonies have you heard of what God has used this badge to do in peoples lives ?
Have you even bothered to enquire?
4. One of the main points raised in this blog is the ‘cop-out’ theology.
Let me just say this, i apologise that not everyone is as bold and brazen to go out in the middle of the street and start shouting and proclaiming JESUS , i apologise for those who have a shy disposition in their character and personality and therefore are not as animated and forthright as BILLY GRAHAM , i apologise for all those who recently came to the faith in JESUS and come from a background where JESUS is seen as ‘uncool’ , ‘old fashioned’ and a waist of time………i apologise for all those who are sometimes embarassed to admit among their friends that they are Christian for fear they could lose their place with them…I APOLOGISE!!! ..on their behalf …im sorry they are not JOHN THE BAPTIST replicas……please bear with us as we seek to make that transition from darkness to light ..we apologise for taking our time and slowing down the kingdom of God…
-what do you REALLY know about the people that wear these badges and their reasons for doing so?
5. Every individual has been given the present and wonderful gift of CHOICE. EVERYDAY WE ARE PRESENTED with choices to make that will either promote Christ or dismiss Him.Every individual wearing this badge has a responsibilty to live up to what he is supporting or promoting .Without the badge…people should ensure they are living a life that reflects the choices they make that will promote and push forward the kingdom of God.
A badge SHOULDNT be your moral compass ..the BIBLE should …however it helps!..it reminds you the responsibility you have AS A CHRISTIAN…..badge or no badge…. to represent a higher kingdom.
At ICEPIX we continually challenge wearers of the badge when we see them at events or on the street as to why they are wearing them and REMIND them of their responsiblities.
But due to lack of necessary research this wasnt highlighted in the blog.
-Where were you when we were praying at MARBLE ARCH last Saturday for God to empower us with the ability to evangelise before descending on the WESTEND for like 3hrs?
-Where were you when we prayed outside TOPSHOP in OXford Circus for God to use every badge of the 400 we handed out to non-beleivers as a way to infiltrate their lives…?
-Where were you when i had a chance to lead a gentleman to Christ in ARCHWAY AFTER HE TOLD ME HIS DAD committed suicide?
where were you ???…..
…so please do not throw darts at a target you cannot see or even locate …ALAN you copy and pasted a commercial representation of the movement and ran with it ..without delving into the story, or understanding its true roots.
One should NOT do such things because you have a responsibility to your blog readers.
Furthermore if i was not Christian just the incessant bickering and arguments going back and forth on this topic..at times trailing way off would be enough to confirm the stereotype of a warring church body , who claim to be ONE but are far from family.
I do thank you for your time and appreciate your views, I hope i have cleared up a few things. May his KINGDOM continue on going strong and may we all be apart of its rooting in this CITY and NATION.
AMEN
KIND REGARDS
Tope Chiedozie
Any further queries feel free to drop me an email at:
icepix@hotmail.co.uk
First of all, thankyou visiting my site and for putting your side of the story. You have said a lot (some it seems in anger) so I will try answer your questions
1.I wrote this article based on the links that were provided. Which was UB1, your myspace and your facebook group? I assumed that if you want people to know information or your main reason for doing this, you would have added it on the sites and people would not have to do extensive research. Why would I want to email you or phone you if I am just going on the information that you have provided which I assume is correct?
2. Where is the slander? Just because God can use any means to save somebody does not justify that means. In Phil 2, Paul said that some preached Christ out of selfish ambitions (not saying you are) but Christ was preached. But we dont go around telling people to preach from selfish ambition do we? So as I said my view is that those arguments are just pragmatic and the end does not justify the means. I suppose I wouldnt have this view if I knew that a lot of christians evangelised but i have had enough experience that most christians will be more ready to wear a badge than engage in active evangelism preaching sin, righteousness and judgment and that does not have to be standing on a soapbox
3. See answer 2
4. Who says that you have to be all the things that you said? But again, if people are more content to wear a badge and just ’sow seeds’ than expound the gospel fully to someone, then something is wrong. i know we are all at different stages but I know many many christians who have been in this game a long time and still do not do it so I am talking from many years experience
5. I’m glad that you did the things that you did and I am not taking anything away from that. Can you say that most of your badge wearers did the same or similar? Why was it only for one day? Is there a Jesus is your Logo website that explains all that you have said with a clear presentation of the gospel or do you expect everyone including sinners to call you or email you? If you do have such a website for the Jesus is my Logo, I will publish it on my blog
The reason that I am like this is because I have seen for so many years that the lack of christians evangelising the gospel message CLEARLY. So the question is what is the gospel?It simply is this:
We are all sinners and have broken God’s laws and as a result the wrath of God abides on us. God must punish sin because he is holy and he SHOULD punish us all and throw us ALL into the lake of fire but Christ showed his love to us by taking the punishment on the cross that should have been ours, and dying on the cross provided a way out for us so that we can receive the forgiveness of sins and be made righteous. Simply said, we broke the law, but Jesus paid the fine. Unless a person repents and puts their trust in Christ ALONE, they will incur God’s punishment and his wrath
Now I know people talk about sowing seeds and thats all good and I’m not negating that. But the question is are people content to just ’sow seeds’ or do people AIM to present the whole gospel whether it be in word or printed form? Do they aim to preach sin, righteousness and judgment? That is the important question.
Food for thought: Maybe you should think about making any future badges/or websites promoting it more explicit and clear than implicit and unclear…or better still have a Jesus is my Savior badge because he is so much more than just a logo. Lets present Jesus as the bible presents him. Savior, Lord, King, redeemer etc
Thanks again and I hope you were not offended too much
Alan
Alan,
You talk of many other Christians not evangelising, and how you know of this through many years of experience.
I applaud the boldness of your statement and to a lesser extent, I agree.
However, your statements beg the question, What are YOU doing?
I think it is all well and good writing these blogs and countering all the comments, but if you feel the lack of evangelism is a serious problem in these parts, maybe you should endeavour to use your blog-writing skills to write evangelistic pieces for non-Christians to read, if you don’t do already.
And please let us not forget that it is not OUR works that saves people’s souls, it is God’s grace. I think somewhere in the new testament it says something like, no one has been ’saved’ except those that God has drawn to Him… Please forgive my paraphrasing, but, neglecting any theological questions this may bring up, I think the point here is that GOD IS IN CONTROL.
The badge alone is NOT an evangelistic. Its immediate effect is one of encouragement, boosting of confidence and challenge, all to the wearer, and is also an expression of faith and self.
Saying ‘Jesus is my Logo’, ‘Jesus is my Homeboy’, ‘Jesus loves me’, etc. is not evangelistic, nor do the designers expect them to be (I assume), as it proclaims your own personal relationship with Christ. There is absolutely nothing wrong with professing your faith so boldly as to wear it on an item of outer clothing. However, what IS evangelistic, is when wearers have to explain how they know Jesus loves them, and why He is their logo and homeboy. These statements are NOT derogatory. Yes, the word English logo is not mentioned in the Bible, and yes, He is more than that – but nobody said He is JUST that. (Also, if it is maintained that describing Jesus’ influence over the direction of my life as a logo is derogatory, then I guess calling God our banner is derogatory too?)
I agree that not everyone will fully appreciate the depth of the actual message Tope and other designers are trying to put across, and indeed it will become purely a fashion accessory to some people, unfortunately, until they find the next fashion wagon to hitch a ride down the road on. However, it is also unfortunate that this is beyond their control, but it is not beyond God’s. Until the Holy Spirit brings about conviction in a person all this endless argument will be futile and a waste of time. Wearing the cross has been a fashion accessory, until they are challenged into standing by what that cross means to them and the reasons why they wear it. This is the same as wearing a badge, a t-shirt, trainers, belt, etc. Just because it is a contemporary item, let’s not knock it so quickly and easily – though I’m sure the same thing must have happened when people first started wearing crosses. A more subtle, but BOLD statement of Christ our Saviour.
Whether or not someone approaches you to question your badge, or if you approach them DOES NOT MATTER if God has orchestrated it either way. I have done both, and to be honest, one of the most effective encounters I have had was with an agnostic I lived with for 3 months – we had two other Christian girls living with us who preferred the upfront, and sometimes overbearing evangelistic efforts with him, but I knew this was not how he would eventually have the idea of salvation sink in. So I prayed and waited on GOD to provide the opportunity for me to share my faith with him… And He did. And it was an amazing experience as it ended up the guy preaching to me with the conclusion of our conversation as, ‘At the end of the day, it’s not about works, it’s about FAITH’. And that Faith will lead to the works. So did my friends sow the seed, did I water it, was it the other way round or did I do all the work? WHO CARES?!!! The point is, it was GOD who gave Him that conclusion, and caused any seed either of us had planted to grow, not anything I did!
I apologise for writing so much (I never intended to comment on this series at all) but I kept reading these sweeping statements and complaints! If you see something wrong, do something in the name of Jesus! Don’t complain about it. If you suspect your brothers or sisters or friends or strangers are wearing the badges without understanding the breadth of it, ask them why they are wearing it. Challenge them into consolidating their expression of faith with a background of the Word and their relationship with Christ and their own demeanour and behaviour to other people. If they do understand, then wahey! – a chance for you to share each other’s faith arises, and hopefully encouragement and fellowship will ensue!
And if you wear one of the badges, but don’t fully understand its breadth, speak to Tope! Send him an email! I’m sure that, as the designer, he will be glad to explain his product to you in the way he envisioned it.
And if you have heard the breadth, and depth, of the message of the badges and cannot agree with it or like it, fine! You don’t have to like Tope’s expression of his faith that so many hundreds of others can identify with. Express your faith how you want! But please, let’s not back bite and judge others, as we are all ambassadors for God’s kingdom, and He has given us all the power to be His children to have dominion over this earth. We’re on the same team! No one has said explicitly that these badges are sinful with Biblical explanations why, and though I don’t think it is a case of ‘either put up or shut up’, but if there is nothing wrong with it, and it has proven to be effective, as well as ‘cool’, then blogs like these are rather ineffectual.
Brethren, I commend everyone’s zeal here, but let’s not forget the highest of all elements, that which is love – Alan if you had the time to research Icepix’s Say Something range and write a blog on it, then you definitely had the time to send him a message with your ideas and opinions, giving him the chance to clarify what the badges mean to him. If then, you still felt like there was something ‘iffy’ then the blog would be justified as a warning for other Christians to be careful.
The title of your blog shows your own uncertainty in your own blog content. If you have to look for other people’s approval to be sure of your opinion then maybe at that point you should first look to God. I thank you for your comments, and I am aware my post will receive an outstanding backlash
but I pray that I have represented God and Jesus Christ accurately in my speech.
So in response to your blog title, Alan you are neither. You are just an inquisitive blog writing child of God.
Sam, look at the ‘Evangelism’ category on the right hand side and you will see that I am constantly going on about evanglism
On its facebook, it says ‘For one day ONLY the initiative will be used to support the movement but to also make a statement to the world.’ What statement does it actually say to the laymen on the street and why for one day ONLY?
You mentioned about people wearing a cross and that is a better symbol of christianity than the badge but as you say, many people just wear it as fashion or to say that ‘I have God as part of my life’ and that includes sinners.
I was not looking for anybodys approval, I gave my opinion and asked to hear other peoples opinions also
However, I will leave it like this. If in doing this badge, it is encouraging christians to CONSISTENTLY preach the WHOLE gospel as we are commanded in scripture (not JUST lifestyle evangelism), then good job. If not, then maybe a rethink is needed.
Thankyou for your comments. Much appreciated
Hi Alan (and to all Christian bloggers)
Please answer this question:
Before you wrote the above, did you ask for the Holy Spirit for the go ahead ?
from your answer i’ll tell you whats on my mind and what GOD said.
Thanks bro.
I will be honest. No I did not specifically ask the Holy Spirit if it was OK to go ahead and write the post. What I did (which is what I do for most of my posts) is look at scripture,which is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and take my guidance there. However I do always ask God to help me make sure that my motives are correct and is not out of maliciousness.
I hope that answers your question
Alright …
Let’s back up a minute, here. We’re all on the same side, right? I think that everyone here is a Christian, and wants to spread the Gospel.
We agree on that, right?
Let’s remember that what we’re talking about is how best to do that, not how much we don’t like each other’s way to do it. I regret, and apologize for, anything I’ve said that sounded like I question the intent of the project. I have a very-specific concern about how things often get executed, but that’s all.
Tope Chiedozie is, as far as I know, trying to do a good thing. Great. Alan is also trying to do a good thing. They aren’t trying to do the same thing, but they should be serving the same goal. I’m closer to Alan’s style. That doesn’t make Tope wrong.
But let’s not lose sight of the fact that we’re all brothers and sisters. I have no reason to think that Tope is a wild-eyed heretic trying to make God into a game, and I know that Alan isn’t a Pharisee.
I think I’ve done enough damage in this conversation, so I’m going to walk away with this note and an apology to all concerned. I stated my position badly, and so was interpreted in ways I didn’t mean.
Amen, Wickle. I think that is a good conclusion
Alan
PS (Tope, I have sent you an email)
“I have a very-specific concern about how things often get executed, but that’s all.”
Amen brother. I too have that same concern. Pragmatism is rife in this day and age.
I apologise also for any offense to Tope. I know that you are a good brother with good intentions and what I said may have not have conveyed this. For this I was wrong and repent for any offense caused.
“However, I will leave it like this. If in doing this badge, it is encouraging christians to CONSISTENTLY preach the WHOLE gospel as we are commanded in scripture (not JUST lifestyle evangelism), then good job.”
Amen! I pray it does indeed.
Hi everyone……
I now believe that the GOD intended purpose of the article has been archived.
I dont think i still need to give the reason why i asked, do i?
I’m sure we’ve gotten the ‘revelation’
Lets continue to spread the Gospel.
Hi,
I found your blog after googling “Jesus is my Logo”…I’d seen this on Facebook and elsewhere and wondered what was up with that?!? I thought I was being picky too, but you and my hubby share my opnion
I think it is neccessary for us to all pray for direct guidance from God before we input our toughts or whatever on this blog, if we do not then we may unknowingly go contratry to the word of God and lose sight on what this blogs basis is about. I have prayed and along with that done my research, i have heard the Jesus is my logo song and a part of it says ‘Jesus is my logo’..’not nike, adidas, converse’ etc, my view is that alot of us represent material things and worldly things without acknowledging Jesus, When really we should be representing him and striving to be more like him. AND HIM ALONE.
And so the badge (when worn) brings us back to this, and reminds us that Jesus is our logo and should be what we represent
I realise I’m coming in very very late to this blog, please forgive me for that. I’ve recently ordered the ‘Jesus is my logo’ badges from Tope, and have now ordered them for a friend of mine as well, who is a devout Christian, as am I.
Personally I don’t think there’s anything wrong in wearing a badge with ‘Jesus is my logo’ on it. When the ‘Jesus is my homeboy’ shirt came out I thought they were quite offensive, and I was not a Christian back then. Now that I am a Christian I think differently about then. Homeboy means friend and the lord gives us His everlasting friendship, so why not….
As for the badges… Jesus IS definitely my logo, I live by it and I stand by it, no matter what other people may think of it. Truth be told, I do not go out onto the streets and evangelise as I am still learning about certain things myself, but wherever I can I tell my friends and work colleagues about what I’ve done and learned at church and what Jesus has done for me.
Does anyone know the Lecrae song ‘Jesus Musik’? There’s a line in there saying ‘we try to glorify the Lord with what we listen to’, why can’t we glorify the Lord with what we wear?
We are not the ones to judge people, only He can do that. We are to share the Gospel with people and if a bagde helps/reminds them of this, then what’s wrong with it?
I normally don’t leave messages on blogs, but I felt a pressure to share this…
Stay blessed my brothers and sisters…
My Name is Jesus Christ
Jesus’s blog (isa Islam)
Age: 26
Religon: ISLAM
New world will begin in 2012 with the name Of Allah.
Islam is the answer and it is not easy to find me. God protects me from people and there evil plans. Indeed God is with me. You will never be able to find me unless I show up myself in front of people and which will only happen with the will of God. I won’t expose myself unless God allows me to.
If you will read Quran, You will really find me right after you are done reading all of it.
[6:32] The life of this world is no more than illusion and vanity, while the abode of the Hereafter is far better for the righteous. Do you not understand?!
Allah is my Only God, I am his messenger. I am not His Son. Ask for forgiveness from my God. He is Most Merciful. Thank you
Matthew 24:3-4
3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
4Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,[a]‘ and will deceive many.
http://www.needgod.com
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo