Today is Halloween and the church has its own haunted house, alterna-trick-or-treat and even Jesusween? Last year we explored zombie outreach, but this year it’s time for a Halloween round up of some of the scariest church marketing we’ve ever seen.
Star Wars
The Church Nativity scene is old school. How about the church Star Wars Halloween display? Somehow, I don’t think this is what Disney had in mind. (Source)
And there’s always room for more Jesus and Star Wars goodness.
Church Signs
And what could be scarier than a few Halloween church signs?
- “No mask will ever hide your sin from God.” / “God knows you no matter what costume you put on.” (Pic)
- “You like to be scared? See what happens if you don’t accept Jesus.” (Pic)
- “Be a Jack O Lantern, Let God shine through.” (Pic)
- “Satan tricks you into hell. Jesus treats you into heaven.” (Pic)
- “Autumn leaves, Jesus doesn’t.” (Pic)
Touch Down Jesus
Not sure how we missed this, but last month a new six-story Jesus statue went up in Ohio to replace the Touchdown Jesus that was struck by lightning. Now you can celebrate Halloween in peace.
Dolphins?
And for your true Halloween nightmare, this has been circling the webs:
@PaulSteinbrueck
October 31, 2012
Oye!
Matthew Sandahl
October 31, 2012
bahhaha!
Paul Clifford (@PodcastinChurch)
October 31, 2012
I don’t get why churches have to change the name of a Christian holy day (All Hallows Eve or All Saints Eve) into some stupid version of itself like “Hallow Him” or “Jesusween.” Arghh!
Corein Brown
October 31, 2012
Thought you might like to see the line of emails between friends and I pertaining to the Star Wars photo above – trouble when theological nerd combines with Star Wars nerd procrastinating.
Friend One: Words cannot express how awesome this is! You made my day.
Friend Two: As I think more about this (and yes, I am willing to take the time), is the scene christologically accurate? Jesus may have said that he and the Father are one, but did he ever tell us that he is our Father? Hmmm… I wonder if George Lucas knows… although I guess it doesn’t matter, since Lucas sold Lucasfilm Ltd. to Disney. WHAT?!?!
Friend One: Quite true. “Luke, I am your brother,” would probably be much more accurate both theologically and scriptural.
Friend Two: Also, Jesus would only say “Luke, I am your brother” if the evangelist John were directing the film (you know, the “I AM” statements and all…). The synoptic writers/filmmakers would probably just have Jesus ask Luke, “But who do you say that I am?”