Workplace Calisthenics: Religion, corporate sponsors are unpalatable pair

Cal LeMon, of Executive Enrichment Inc., solves organizational problems with customized training and consulting.

"Would Jesus drive a Chevrolet?"

What an inane question, especially at this time of the year. I am convinced that when life gets just a little bit crazy, we anesthetize our national depression by getting crazier.

Try: "Chevrolet Presents: Come Together and Worship" live concert tour touting the likes of Christian notables like Michael W. Smith, author Max Lucado and the "spiritual" rock band, Third Day.

This synergistic blend of Jesus and a Chevy Malibu is just way over the line. And, the problem is not with General Motors; it is all spreadsheet bottom line stuff for them. No, the real problem is a religious community that believes faith and filthy lucre can occupy the same stage.

The surreptitious message is very clear come and express your personal commitment to Jesus, and by the way, Jesus really likes anyone who buys a Chevrolet (and, for this month only, Chevrolet offers 0 down, 0 interest and 0 payments until 2005!)

Please notice this music/devotional tour did not wind across America to raise money for starving children, hurricane victims or abused women. No, this show is strictly a sectarian worship experience.

I am offended that what is sacred and highly personal has been glued to corporate America. In my opinion, a line has been crossed.

First, how will Max Lucado or Michael W. Smith respond if it is discovered that senior management at General Motors has lied, cheated or otherwise cooked the books in order to pump up this quarter's earnings report?

Or, what will be the reaction of these spiritual glitterati if Victoria's Secret and GM co-brand a new automobile that markets a spandex-and-lace interior?

When spiritual organizations, which distinguish themselves as purveyors of truth, get in bed with a corporate giant, the offspring often becomes the bastard of piety.

The practice of selling indulgences in the 14th century church should have reminded us that making bucks and making converts are the oil and water in any pew.

Second, is the Velcro of spirituality and profit creating a new theocracy in the 21st century? You know, "believers" only do business with other believers.

In my limited understanding of Jesus and his teachings, I am missing the "salt and light" component here. If I have my Sunday school training right, his followers, and the religious right, regularly maligned Jesus for his insistence on showing up in bars, seedy parts of town and hanging out with the homeless.

The idea of creating a "closed community" built on confessions of faith is so antithetical to teachings and lifestyle of Jesus. If I eliminate from my business contacts all but those who can repeat the Apostle's Creed, I defame divinity.

The unmistakable message of these concerts is Christ equals Chevy. I know someone who is not a happy camper about all of this.

Third, this practice of linking the sacred with the spreadsheet opens a Pandora's Box of an ethical dilemma for the church.

Run this through your synapses:

What would be the response of your church if DeBeers Diamonds came along and offered to build you a new sanctuary if your would place on all of your publications, "This house of worship is provided by DeBeers the diamond place."

DeBeers has been investigated for victimizing its miners in South Africa.

How would your mega congregation respond to a gift of $500,000 for five new buses if the giver was the Nestle Corporation, which has been indicted in Third World countries for providing free infant formula for three months so the new mother has to continue to purchase the product even though she makes $324 a year?

The problem with these concerts is not General Motors. This is just another stadium or venue to parade their logo. It is all about sales.

The problem is the church has adopted the agenda and language of the world it serves, only to have its message adulterated by the medium.

"Would Jesus drive a Chevrolet?"

The church should respond with a wordless invitation to revisit a stinking, dark and cold stable.