The ultimate confusion of capitalist consumerism and God.

“Mr. Harrison belongs to a new breed of church consultants aiming to equip pastors with modern marketing practices. Pastors say mystery worshippers like Mr. Harrison offer insight into how newcomers judge churches — a critical measure at a time when mainline denominations continue to shed members and nearly half of American adults switch religious affiliations. In an increasingly diverse and fluid religious landscape, churches competing for souls are turning to corporate marketing strategies such as focus groups, customer-satisfaction surveys and product giveaways.”

Jesus also said to pick up your cross and follow me, overturned merchant tables at the Temple, asked for us to keep our duty to Caesar and God distinct, store up your treasures in heaven, and most of all to love God with all the heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. How misguided are curches if the criteria above are those that are seen as important to bust the seams with numbers and, perhaps more importantly, donations.