If unknown names are getting published in the Christian markets I'm certainly not seeing their books in the stores. It seems like you have to have a big name and an attention-grabbing topic or a new angle on Bible study or self-help ... or just a book full of God promising you all sorts of nifty blessings *cough* Joel Osteen *cough*.
I see the good and the bad in this (and in my topic). Publishers have to be careful not to publish the teachings of a fox in wolves clothing; a false prophet. The bad news is that it doesn't leave much of an opening, or trust, for someone who just may know more than the hype-teachers out there.
Publishing, like the rest of the "Christian" entertainment industry is still driven by sales. No big name or incredible hook, no promotion. That's been my observation and experience. There are a few exceptions, but they're in the minority.
I hate that business means more than the message. I understand the business end of it but it really does seem as if the quality of Christian entertainment suffers because of the business end. What low budget movies they put out there!
There is an exception though. Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany Georgia has been making the most Godly movies I've ever seen. They started out with
Flywheel, which was their first movie. It was low budget and acted by the local congregation. People might put the movie down because of the non-professional acting, but to be honest, for amateurs, they did extremely well. The movie was nothing less than fantastic! I've never felt the Spirit of God so strongly in ANY movie before! I believe this came out in 2003.
Then they made another movie,
Facing the Giants, in 2006. A little bigger budget and more congregational actors, but you wouldn't have guessed the budget was so low! It had the look and feel of a big budget Hollywood movie. I kid you not, this movie packs a huge punch. A friend of mine had me over to watch it. I hate football movies. While the credits were rolling at the end, I left to go buy my own copy! They're making another movie right now but I can't remember the name.
Seems like the most inspiring stuff I read and hear these days comes via the internet. I think we're still at the very beginning of the internet revolution - we've only seen the start of what will come of it. I'd love to see the entire entertainment industry revolutionized, including publishing and especially Christian entertainment.
www.lifechurch.tv is great. I like Ed Young, too.
I agree that Christian entertainment needs to be revolutionized, but, equally does the Christian, and what they call entertainment. Far, far, far too many Christians are still living with one, or both, feet in the world when it comes to entertainment.
I understand why Paul, in Revelation, says that in the last days it will be difficult for people to be Christians. At first I thought, "Is he insane? This coming from a man so persecuted for his faith, he was imprisoned, beaten and tortured! But now, I agree with him. Today, people are seduced by technology, toys, Hollywood, fame, friends, etc., that they lull people into complacency instead of them standing firm in their faith. These people are standing idle in the pathway to sin. To them, it's all about what they can get by with or what they can get away with. How far can they push the envelope before it's too far for God? These very people are going to have a huge awakening come judgment day. But that's another topic....
