Fashionable Faith
Mega-Churches And The Mainstreaming Of Religion
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini
Q: Dear April Masini,
Religion used to be a very private practice, and now it seems to be extremely mainstreamed; there are mega-churches everywhere! Why has faith become such a fashion statement? Sincerely, Cool Religion
A: Dear Cool Religion, Religion is the new black, and mega-churches are more fashionable than ever. Here's why: It's no surprise -- faith has become fashionable, and religion has become irreverent when sported as fashion. From Madonna simulating crucifixion as entertainment to crosses becoming democratized as trendy for fashionistas of every face, to Kabballah red strings making the pages of People Magazine - faith is in fashion. There is more than one reason that faith is in fashion. Here they are: 1. Terrorism has increased concerns with security, and many people turn to faith and religion for guidance and soothing. In the past the peace sign that people flashed as two fingers became fashionable as a result of wars that were being waged. Faith in fashion is an expression of a need for answers in the wake of terrorism. 2. There are no more taboos. Or, very few, anyway. Sex is out of the closet in every aspect. Politics is out of the closet in every aspect, and now, religion is mainstreamed. 3. Intermarriage and inter-religious couplings make religions and faiths that were once segregated, democratized. Christmas is celebrated by many people who were not raised as Christians and faiths are now practiced by people who were not raised to practice these particular faiths. This makes the practice of these religions relatively new, and fashion is all about what is new.
April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.
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