About This Video
Shawn McCraney highlights the pitfalls of religious manipulation through the overemphasis on "culture" in Christian life, where individuals segregate into niche groups that demand conformity to certain behaviors, contrasting this with a true spiritual path that transcends cultural boundaries. He also critiques the misapplication of the word "concerned," noting how it becomes a veiled judgment used to marginalize and control individuals within faith communities, suggesting that genuine spiritual growth involves embracing inclusivity and questioning norms without fear.
Shawn critiques the pervasive "Coffee Culture" within Christian institutions, emphasizing its potential misuse by churches to stimulate and manipulate congregants during worship services for heightened emotional engagement. He suggests that this strategic use of coffee, while socially acceptable, raises concerns similar to those associated with the inappropriate use of other stimulants, albeit in a less harmful manner.
From the Mecca of Mormonism
This is HOTM where we are learning to walk together in the Age of Fulfillment. And I’m your host, Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion..
Three Troubling “C Words” in the Faith Today
Show 25
Taped April 4th 2021. Aired April 5th 2021.
Because I am so adamantly resistant to religious manipulations, I have a tendency to collect terms or concepts in my head (that I hear or see) sort of like in a file cabinet which (in and of themselves) are benign but in the modern church have become something fugly to me personally. It so happens that the words that I see as representing fugliness in the faith all begin with C – and I want to quickly mention them to you tonight.
Christian Culture
The first C word (which you have heard me talk about before, so I won’t spend too much time on it) sort of acts like an umbrella looming over the other two – and it’s CULTURE. Specifically, the lie called, Christian Culture. Again, not too much time as we recently did an entire show of the dangers of culture being a predator, but I will say that it is very natural for human beings IN THEIR FLESH to create their own CULTURES of religion and the like, but in my opinion, the SPIRIT works on all of us to “transcend cultures” (and cultural demands) and to see and receive all people as they are, without demanding that they join our respective culture clubs (Karma karma karma chameleon, you come and go, you come and go). Sorry. There is such a difference between Christian Cowboys, Christian Bikers, Christian Athletes and Athletes and Bikers and Cowboys who are Christians. I don’t think we get anywhere by segregating ourselves (as Christians) into special cultures so we have these little identifiers – but this is especially true when we create cultures around church and organized religion – which is what men and women seeking to build religious empires do – they brand themselves with an established look, with established behaviors (they drink or they don’t drink, they have live amplified electric guitars or they have organs and acoustic guitars, etc. etc.), but worst of all they demand that everyone embrace the established brand. Not overtly, but subtly, suggestively and perniciously.
Concerned
The second C word overused, abused and that has become code in the faith today is the word . . . “concerned.” Now, understand, I think that concern for the material welfare of others is legitimate and of God. That to be concerned over the physical or psychological health or material well-being of others is good. That is not what I mean about the abuse of the word concern.
What I am talking about is when the C word CONCERNED is used by believers or church or ministry leaders as code for:
“Treat people in the faith differently.”
OR
“Don’t hang out with them.”
OR
“They aren’t going along with the plan so watch out.”
OR
“This person is a threat to all we stand for.”
I detest that use of the word, concerned. I mean, think about it – Isn’t God at the helm? Doesn’t He lead and guide His sheep? Isn’t questioning and testing a good thing in people? Why are we concerned about people who are Spirit-led? Doesn’t the Good Shepherd have them? Does God abandon those who wander or does He walk with them even more closely with them if they are in danger? So why the “concern?”
I freaking hate that WORD when it is used by most religious people in most ways. It’s loaded, pregnant with meaning, and speaks volumes of negativity and judgement when directed at others. How many times have you heard people use the term with malice – though it sounds so good and thoughtful?
Billy is standing with his parents and says in front of his pastor:
“I’m hanging out with Michael tonight.”
And the Pastor, with a wince, says,
“I’m really CONCERNED about Michael.”
Message received loud and clear, Pastor.
Or
There are a group of women at a Bible study and one of them admits to attending another church and she is first met with glances, then silence, and then someone sputters the following:
“Sister, that, I want to be careful here, right sisters, but that is cause for CONCERN.”
OR
“I’m really concerned with your views of late. About some of the questions you are asking.”
OR
“We are concerned about your appearance, Jim.”
WHY DO WE HAVE TO USE THIS WORD!???
Why can’t we just say, “You know what, I love you.”
OR
Hey, give me a call and tell me
Understanding Coffee Culture in Christian Institutions
Tell Michael I said hello and give him a hug for me. OR Wow, sister, that sounds like a fun exploration. Come back and tell us how it goes.
The Dreaded 'C' Words in Faith
But instead . . . “CONCERN.” The second dreaded C word in the faith today. And finally, you aren’t gonna believe this last C word but I’ve gotta address it . . . COFFEE.
Now, every morning I stop in at Mavericks and get a cup of coffee – so this has NOTHING to do with whether people should drink coffee or not. It does NOT matter. I’m not being a Mormon about this so don’t get this wrong.
But I am talking about the Christian culture of Coffee and how it is abused by the institutions to energize their plans and purposes. Let’s just say, I’m concerned about it! (JOKE)
The Role of Coffee in Spiritual Gatherings
Quite frankly I actually hate it. Why? Because in the hands of institutions, it can be used to manipulate folks and they don’t even know it. Ever go to a church that is pushing coffee down your throats, either getting you to consume it for free before the service or worse yet to buy it from them?
Why do you think that is? Sure, it’s a social lubricant and fairly ubiquitous but so is the water fountain. Why the Christian push on coffee? Because it’s a straight-up stimulant and it works fast. Once ingested it makes people feel good, feel alive, feel aware, and ready. And in this case, when it is plied to an audience, just before worship, everything becomes better, more alive, more emotive and positive. With it, people participate, remain alert, feel good.
Coffee as a Stimulant in Church Settings
In some ways, but in a lesser sense, it’s no different than a church plying their congregates with cocaine. Imagine the way people would receive the worship and sermon if cocaine was given to the crowd, right? Each Sunday would be considered a magnificent success! Coffee does the same thing but in a much more acceptable, and legal, sense.
So, again, no problem with people drinking or getting their own coffee before work or to stay awake in church (which is another valuable reason for it being so popular at church) but churches that have “a coffee culture might be a cause for some real . . . CONCERN.
Write your comments below and we will read them someday on our HOTM Tuesday long Shows.
