Christian retail
Readers of CHN may recall my two posts about this time last year of my observations from the ‘International Christian Retail Exhibition’ (formerly known as the Christian Booksellers Association Convention).
Another first-time attender, Rick Phillips, has just posted his observations of the 2007 fair over at Reformation21. I certainly relate to what he has written, including this helpful observation:
I understand that the CBA has no—as in zero—doctrinal requirements. I am sure that one could not sell a book at CBA advocating abortion. But one can most certainly publish books there attacking the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the inerrancy of Scripture, the atoning work of God's Son, justification through faith alone, or a biblical understanding of gender and sexual purity. In short, if you call yourself a Christian, then a Christian you must be. And that leaves us with little else left but, well, marketing ... It was also striking to observe the Christlessness of the Christian Booksellers' Association. The vast majority of it is about you.
Please pray for the Christian publishing (retail) ‘industry’—particularly in North America. It is highly influential in shaping Christian thought and culture. In addition, while there are good pockets of worthwhile publishing (as Rick Phillips points out), the ‘industry’ does at times appear to be quite spiritually sick and in need of a reformation.