God wants your change

Many church signs use double entendre to get their messages across. Do you like this message? Why or why not?

It’s a hyphenated, caffeinated world

I don’t think this was the name of the church congregation, but a descriptor of it. Anyone out there know for sure? I have to hand it to them…most people would have inadvertently omitted the hyphens. I congratulate them on their excellent grammar. If you care to see a larger version, here it is.

Drive a Vespa—no social stigma attached

This is a great one that goes all the way back to 1965! Three real priests from Glendale, Ohio got around town on their scooters. Says the Vespa ad: “You could hardly call them wild ones. But you could say that they’re wildly practical.” Nobody will get the wrong idea about you, and they certainly will not “scoot up and ask if you want to drag for beers.” In fact, you can drive a Vespa and “maintain your dignity.” Hmmm…Vespa, vespers. Click here to view the large version.

The Xerox brothers 30 years ago

In 1976, Xerox launched a unique and highly successful ad campaign for their duplicators. This “monk” appeared in many of them, and became the “face” of the campaign. These fellas appeared on T-shirts and other promotional items, too. The concept was absolutely inspired. See the full 2-page spread.

Little Miss Sunbeam

Here’s one of America’s favorite brand images, Little Miss Sunbeam. Sunbeam White Bread was first marketed in Philadelphia, PA in 1942, and began to be baked all over the U.S. after the end of World War II. The billboard (LARGE VERSION) just went up this week in Urbana, IL in anticipation of Christmas. The art looks amazingly reminiscent of the 40s, and may be an exact replica of an actual billboard from those days. Ellen Segner originated the image of Little Miss Sunbeam, and according to the Web site of home company Quality Bakers of America, the artist produced more than 30 paintings of her for corporate advertising. Although not explicitly denominational, the theme is definitely Christian, with its large, bright star in the sky connoting the birth of Jesus. The text couldn’t be any more appropriate for a bread company.

Hello Dalai

Although the Dalai Lama has been exiled from his fellow Tibetans since 1959, he remains their religious leader. The official Web site of “The Office of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama,” is definitely worth a good look. For at least 25 years, he has leant his image to a variety of ads, including an advertisement for Apple computers. See a larger version of the photo at right. According to his site, the first two of the Dalai Lama’s 3 main commitments in life are:

(1) [O]n the level of a human being, His Holiness’ first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their life happier. His Holiness refers to these human values as secular ethics. He remains committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone he meets.

(2) [O]n the level of a religious practitioner, His Holiness’ second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding among the world’s major religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create good human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other’s respective traditions. As far as one truth, one religion is concerned, this is relevant on an individual level. However, for the community at large, several truths, several religions are necessary.

How do you feel about this religious figure appearing on this billboard? Do you feel the same about him appearing in an Apple ad? Would it depend on the type of Apple ad? Explain.

Can plum brandy be Jewish?

This is a product of the Czech Republic. The brandy is kosher, but does that mean that it should be “labeled” with a Star of David? There is a recognized label for kosher products, and it’s a “K” inside a circle. If you aren’t Jewish, what would you take this to mean? The label on the bottle does not indicate that it is kosher. Do you feel that this is a misappropriation of a religious symbol or is this okay? Get a better look at this product from the enlarged version of the image. Comments?

Muslims advertise, too

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has run a recent advertising campaign “designed to foster greater understanding of Islam and to counter a rising tide of anti-Muslim rhetoric in the United States.” The ads were supposed to number 52 in the series, but their Web site shows only about 6 or 7 of these. The photo below is just a part of the ad. Click here to see the full ad. Please comment on whether or not this ad changes your previous conception about Muslims, and if it does, in what way? What was your conception before and what is it now?

Will you find Jesus in the foam of your beer?

This is a more recent example of bringing the viewer to the Lord by using secular imagery and themes. Who would this appeal to in our postmodern era? Teenagers? Young adults? Alcoholics? Would this turn off an older person who does not drink at all? In advertising, does the end justify the means? Give me your opinions, please.

Is Jennifer O’Neill a Sinner?

Here’s an example to get the discussion going. Jennifer O’Neill posed for this ad in 1972. The headline is a play on words, alluding to users of My Sin cologne being “Sinners.” If you look closely, Ms. O’Neill is nude under her velvet jacket. On her Web site, she states that about 14 or 15 years later, she was saved, and began her own evangelistic ministry mostly by writing books. How does this ad square with what she is doing these days? Is this type of ad off limits for an evangelical Protestant? Is there any reason why Ms. O’Neill should be embarrassed by this ad? Would this ad be likely to increase sales of My Sin cologne?