Holy Moley! Even Possibility Thinking doesn't get churches out of financial difficulty, judging by the latest news. The Crystal Cathedral in California just filed for bankruptcy after a series of downsizing moves over the past year or so. The congregation best known for its beautiful building, the upbeat message of founder Robert Schuller, and the Hour of Power TV broadcast is at least $7.5 million in the red. Amongst the creditors for the congregation is the animal outfit that supplies camels and sheep for the big Christmas pageant they hold every year.
Before stepping down in 2008 Schuller preached a message which leaned heavily on creating a positive frame of mind to achieve goals. There were shades of Norman Vincent Peale in his theme, and the secular version seems to be The Secret. For critics it appeared to have less to do with the biblical gospel of Christ and more to do with "think big and prosper."
This financial trouble is a reminder that even the glitziest ministries are going through hard times these days in a society where organized religion has become less a part of peoples' lives and tough economic times has dried up financial support for many congregations.
What is your reaction to this news? Did you ever watch Schuller before he handed over the reigns to other family members? Do you think that being a positive Christian should result in tangible financial benefit?
I actually had the opportunity of visiting the Crystal Cathedral a number of years ago. It was a woman's conference and it was amazing. I remember first walking into the 'Cathedral' and being absolutely - I think the word is - gobsmacked! It was bigger than big and grander than grand. I went to the Sunday service but left not feeling like I had had any kind of spiritual experience. The cameras were rolling and it was a 'production'. I am a firm believer in the Power of Positive Thinking but it's obviously not enough to know 'the secret' you need to work it! Although I feel a little sad that this has happened maybe people are getting tired of the glitz and glamour and are happy with the basics.
ReplyDeleteI think positive thinking as a Christian is essential nowadays. I currently work within a church and live within a community that has a lot of negative thinking and it takes its toll. I was told recently that a lot of communities in Saskatchewan are like this. She said it was in the nature of farmers to be pessimists.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about this, but I know that less gets done if one thinks nothing is going to work. I don't know about finances, but I know that thinking positively can't hurt. More than just the pastor needs to be excited about the work of the church though.
Bricks and Morta, or Glass and Steel? They don't really matter. It's the people that matter.
ReplyDeleteI bet you've had more of a spirtual exprience looking out the window than going the the Crystal Cathederal.
I'd preffer to attend a service even at some small off the beaten track, remote place like maybe...Stoughten Saskatchewan.
Could there be another Crystal Cathederal just down the street they could get together with???
Dear SJD.....in California? Probably
ReplyDeleteI would love the opportunity to see the Crystal Cathedral -- I'm keenly interested in significant architecture, including churches/mosques/synagogues. As you say Lynn, the "production" part of things is a problem.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I think too much architecture is part of our problem in the United Church, a challenge to which sjd alludes. In 1925 Canada's population was largely rural and agrarian. Now it is very urban, even in traditional farm provinces such as Saskatchewan.
Other institutions such as school boards have been forced to adapt, but we are reluctant, and not very creative. We are always meant to be hopeful people as the followers of Christ, but realists as well. The early church flourished without any buildings.
As to farmers, I see them as "cautiously optimistic." What other occupation is so weather dependent, yet they come back to the task year after year!
We'd love to have any of you here in Stoughton, SK!!
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