You’ve seen the shameless marketing of Christianity through Christian sunglasses, you’ve been disgusted with the Christian socks and shoe inserts, and you’ve endured the horrendous attempt to “spread the gospel” via trampy Christian jeans; now I present for your perusal The 60 Worst Christian T-Shirts Ever.
All of these shirts are marketed for professing Christians and gobbled up by professing Christians.
The following 60 Christian t-shirts only scratches the surface. I could have easily reached 100 but why waste any more of your time?
To view the rest, click below.
Christ Alone Wyoming 
WOW this is a sad state of Christian Church in America.
Marketing Jesus to the Church. Cheap!
I remember a song by a Christian artist Carmen called “This blood is for you”, When I heard the song it made me sick and this T-shirts do the same.
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Yet this is Vintage Emerging Church. This is their idea of “contextualizing” the gospel to the culture. And if you don’t like it, you’re just another one of those “religious losers” (“Blasphemy? Lighten up!”)
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No. As stupid as these banal shirts are, I’ve seen two that are even worse – I’m pretty sure on A Little Leaven. One was the “Jesus is my Boyfriend” one, and the other was “Jesus is my BFF” and there’s a cartoon of him, with the crown of thorns, giving the peace sign. I couldn’t figure out at first if they were made by and marketed towards Christians, or if they were atheist satire mocking Christians (like Christian underwear). They were both put out by Christian companies.
Un.believe.able.
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Wow – how utterly disgusting is this?
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Such a blight.
You know what is almost worse, dare I say it??
The theology of the guys behind things liek this.
Worldy, pragmatic and ever so disgusting!!
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What absolute rubbish!
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Those are horrible, unfortunately some of them were actually included in the London Daily Telegraph’s list of “20 BEST Christian T-shirts”.
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I actually saw at least three of these at the ‘Deeper’ conference this weekend (not being sold there, but worn by folks).
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These are some prime examples of the complete trivializing of the message of Christ, and the siliness that is being passed off as “Christianity” in the 21st century.
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I am between a loss for words and an entire post in response to this. However, the pictures speak for themselves. This is NOT Christianity.
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As I look at these, I can think back to when I was a very young Christian in the early 70’s. As a Charismatic, in the “Jesus movement”, I can recall similar “cool” slogans, pretty cool artwork, clever thought provoking images and sayings. All “in the name of Jesus”. And at the time, I thought there was nothing wrong with it. Because I didn’t really know God. I was a church “Christian”. What I only came to realize later, after I matured more as a Christian, after I had gained a greater understanding of the holiness of God (such holiness that Moses had to remove the sandals from his feet to even approach God), was that to speak or proclaim of Christ, is to represent the Almighty God Who left heaven, came to earth, lived a hard sinless life to die in my place for my sins. That same loving God has the power to caste people body and soul into hell. That same Jesus forgives me mercifully 70×7 every single day for my sins, mistakes and failures in patience and love for me. How can I possibly trivialize anything about Him? How can I possibly wear anything that will present a false, perverted, or insufficient image of Him or of His holy word in any way? If I truly love Him, I cannot do that to Him.
But what I see displayed on t-shirts on Christians today is something worse than what was around over 35 years ago. I see the All-Holy God of the universe, and His glorious Gospel reduced to ad slogans, game characters, beer jingles. Now I know many of those who wear these think they are getting Jesus “in the door” of the culture in this way. They think they’re providing opportunity to dialog with those who wouldn’t normally talk to a “stuffy hypocritical judgmental church Chrisitian”, and they want to show them they’re not one of “those”, but are cool and “relevant”. Problem is, once you’ve trivialized Almighty God in this way, reducing Him to a “cool party dude”, how are you ever going to reverse that and teach the ignorant and gullible that God Almighty is really All-Holy? Once you’ve reduced the Gospel to a jingle, an ad slogan, etc., how are you ever going to explain to them it is nothing trivial? How are you going to do any of that without eventually looking like a hypocrite? So you re-define Christianity to “loving” a “Jesus” who doesn’t require personal, practical holiness. A “Jesus” who doesn’t require repentance from sin and worldly fleshly living. A “Jesus” that allows them to be as worldly as they want to be.
And one day we’ll stand before the Lord. There won’t be any people to impress with cool slogans, t-shirts, bumper stickers, irreverent jokes, etc. We will stand before the All-Holy, Almighty God in judgment. Will we hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful to Me and My word”, or “Depart from Me, you who work iniquity”?
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David W:
Great comment.
You said:
“How can I possibly trivialize anything about Him? How can I possibly wear anything that will present a false, perverted, or insufficient image of Him or of His holy word in any way? If I truly love Him, I cannot do that to Him.”
That’s exactly the question we’ve been asking about Mark Driscoll’s t-shirt presented in this post.
– The Pilgrim
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To The Pilgrim:
I did recognize Driscoll’s shirt. The “Jesus the D.J.”. Totally expected for him to wear, since he has often preached that Jesus is a “cool party dude” (as well as a “bartender”, “punch you in the nose dude”, “Prize fighter with a tatoo on his leg”, “ultimate fighting Jesus”, etc.). His theology of Jesus is unbiblical, schizophrenic, perverse. So it’s no surprise that his gross misunderstanding of Jesus Christ would be displayed in the shirts he chooses to wear. And so when he continually pushes “it’s all about Jesus”, the “Jesus” he’s talking about is not the Jesus of the Scriptures. Not according to what he has said about Him in his sermons and books.
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they’re not all that bad. Yes, some are a little cheesy but I doubt that anyone need to waste their time criticizing folks for creating them. They are mostly made by Christian companies that are trying to appeal to the youth of Amerika.
No need to get “religous”
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“Oh, Eve, the fruit on the tree isn’t THAT bad. After all, didn’t God create it? It doesn’t matter if you only have a little bite! After all, you are just being a little bit too religious and you need to show your husband how to be ‘relevant’.” Satan is insidious and the reasoning is the same. His question, “Hath God really said?” come in all forms and many different ways.
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Larry,
Are you saved, Larry? Your Bible will tell you haw awful these are. The High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies wearing a rope around his waist in case he had not been completely cleansed of his sins and God would strike him dead! The rope would then be used to pull his dead body out of the Tabernacle.
While we are under a New and better Covenant, God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is not our BFF and Jesus’ precious Blood merits so much more reverence than “This blood’s for you”. Grace is not cheap!
In light of how God describes Himself in the Bible, do you think He would agree with your assessment?
Matthew 15:8
“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;”
Hey, that’s what they said!
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I view myself as a ragamuffin saved by grace through faith. I know that I am a sinner but still viewed as a child of God. Some of them are pushing the envelope but some of them could actually spark a conversation with an unbeliever.
I just don’t think that we should be so quick to persecute the clueless or ignorant t-shirt creators for trying to give Christians a variety. They definately swung and missed on most (especially the zig zag one).
If any of them are trying to make money off of God and uneducated Christians that is wrong, I will give you that, but lets try to focus on what they can accomplish.
I think religion taints peoples views and closes their minds. I love God and am not a fan of organized religion, that’s why I like the shirts because, at the very least, it sparks thought and conversation against what is viewed as, “the norm”
I respect everyones views but do not agree with them all. I just love talking with folks.
Matthew 23
In vv. 34–35, Jesus speaks about a war between religion and the Gospel within the people of God, which dates back to the time of Adam and Eve. This war between religion and the Gospel penetrates so deep even to separate people of the same family. God has sent Prophets, wise men and scribes (from among their own people) to avert this great conflict, as described in verse 34, but the religious people have killed them.
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Uh, Larry…
Did you even read my post to you, or are you just trolling?
I must say that your ‘handling’ of Matthew 23 reveals much about your ‘understanding’ of Scripture.
Did you read that ‘explanation’ of the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees on a t-shirt somewhere?
saved from Hell by my Lord Jesus Christ,
– Jeff H
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So you view yourself only as a ragamuffun? Do you understand how God views you — wicked and undone before Him? Yes, He views us all the same way. Do you see yourself as a wretch in His eyes or only a ragged oafish person? Do you see yourself as Isaac Watts said in his song, “Alas and did my Saviour bleed and did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?”
Maybe you should go back and read Scripture, Larry, and see what the prophets said that caused the religious people to kill them. They always said, “Thus saith the Lord…” and would go on to say what the Lord said. The religious crowd NEVER wanted to hear what the Lord had to say. The Lord eventually said, “These people honour me with their lips but with their hearts they are far from me.” Unfortunately, the “clueless and ignorant t-shirt makers” will still have to answer to God for their sin. If they are “clueless and ignorant” it’s because they choose this path. The Bible makes it very clear how we are to view God and it’s definitely not popular with the world. If you are looking at what’s popular then you’d better begin reading the Word of God and find out what God has to say!
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Yes, our Lord is holy and anything that doesn’t reflect that is questionable. However, our Lord also sat down with tax collectors, spoke to a Samaritan woman, and saved a sinner like me.
The challenge is to communicate the accessibility of our Lord without cheapening the presentation of who it is that is accessible.
The beauty of the Good News is that our Lord will talk to anyone — we do not have to purify ourselves, be “holy”, etc, in order to come into his presence to seek salvation. As we get to know him, the miracle of that grows upon us (he is God!) and we continue to realize how broken (and in need of grace) we really are.
Many of the shirts are tasteless and some are downright theologically questionable but how do we communicate realistically the fact that though our Lord is God, bears the name above all names, etc, he will still welcome ANYONE who comes seeking his forgiveness?
— Ishmael
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“…how do we communicate realistically the fact that though our Lord is God, bears the name above all names, etc, he will still welcome ANYONE who comes seeking his forgiveness?”
Open our mouths and speak that truth into the hurts and pains and disappointments of life that our neighbors are experiencing.
He will do the rest.
If I tried my hardest I could not come up with worse T-shirts.
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Jeff H / Desert Pastors wife,
Thank you for you thoughts. I did read your comments, twice.
I do not share yor same views.
I know that you are brothers and sisters in Christ.
I hope that t-shirts cannot divide us from eachother. That’s what this whole conversation was about, your OWN opinion of what message they are sending.
In no way will I let your words form my relationship with God.
You people are just down right mean.
How’s that scripture go again??? Oh yeah, Matthew 7, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye.
So quick to judge.
I should have never commented on this web site. I am left questioning the future of Christians. With the way we act I wouldn’t be suprised if God plucked us from the earth out of pure disgust, but I know that Jesus did not shed his blood in vein. We are saved by grace and I do not have to earn it. We may not deserve it but that is our gift from God and I will never deny grace because I can never forgot what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Maybe that’s why I find myself at home with the outcast; because they don’t speak with a forked tongue and can admit that perfection is not in our sights.
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Jeff H,
Your comment below is despicable and in my opinion is no different than the message you claim the t-shirts are spreading.
Quote
Did you read that ‘explanation’ of the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees on a t-shirt somewhere?
Unquote
You’re a real jokester, huh? What is this? Myspace?
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So quick to judge.
Larry, are you judging me?
____________________________________________________________________________
Well Larry, that’s about the caliber of the ‘understanding’ of Scripture you displayed in your ‘explanation’.
Actually, I was being kind.
The Bible indicates that it is VERY important that we handle God’s Word correctly.
Did you? No.
__________________________________________________________________________
Maybe that’s why I find myself at home with the outcast; because they don’t speak with a forked tongue and can admit that perfection is not in our sights.
I think you’re the one speaking with a forked tongue, Larry.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:48
“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
… but your forked tongue says:
“Hath God really said?”
Which other forked tongue uttered that, I wonder?
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I’m done, just don’t think you can steemroll your beliefs over people on the way to Heaven.
I in no way judged you. All I said was that your comment was despicable and no matter what play on words you type next will change that.
I’m not about to fight with you.
What kind of message are we sending to the casual internet browser that happens to land on this page?
Tapout
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Larry, you judged me by saying I was quick to judge… and you topped it off by making a derogatory judgment about my post.
See what a slippery slope you’ve jumped on? You are sounding like the ‘world’… they use the same ‘judging’ double standard you just did.
Anyway, if you really are going to leave, then turn off your computer and READ YOUR BIBLE!
It would be the best use of your time.
In Christ,
– Jeff
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thanks, I hope you feel better about yourself now.
nice play on words as I said before.
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Larry, you did not invent your ‘judge not’ battlecry.
Did you read the Rules of Engagement here?
8). If you can’t leave a comment without judging us for judging others then please find another blog to comment on that allows you to blatantly twist Scripture while you judge them.
10). If your comment contains any of the following, (combination of the following or variation of the following) remarks:
“Judge not!”
“You’re a Pharisee.”
“You’re Self-Righteous.”
…
Then there’s a good chance your comment will not see the light of day. Although we are not averse to disagreement and debate, we do not have the time to deal with such baseless, Biblically illiterate, shallow platitudes and twisting of Scripture.
I think you get the idea. You are not original… We’ve heard it all before.
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Read: brenham manning / ragamuffin gospel
great work, pure love for God
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The problem is that a lot in professing Christianity are so concerned about unity that they refuse the truth of God’s Word! Truth is thrown to the side so they can be relevant to “the world”. Of course, when those who are trying to show what the truth really is, then they will hear about it from people who don’t want the truth. Unfortunately, it sounds like you are in this category, Larry! I am not saying you actually are but it sure sounds like it. You accuse us of being hypocritical and having beams in our eyes and yet you think it’s ok for “clueless and ignorant t-shirt makers” to make light of the Lord Jesus Christ.
No, we are not perfect and never said we were but where there is sin within Christianity, it has to be addressed. Do you think it’s ok for sin to continue on just so we can be “relevant” to others? I will be all things to all men so “being relevant” gives me the license to swear, make pornographic statements, treat the Lord Jesus Christ like He’s my homeboy, and do everything that these t-shirts portray? Who’s being the hypocrite? Sadly enough, even the prophets were treated the same way because they addressed sin in the camp and the Jews didn’t want to hear it, so what did they do? They killed the prophets!
Elijah preached a hard message and was hated by the king and the queen! This is a hard message because our sin nature doesn’t want to hear it. It’s easier to just go with the flow of our sin nature. Anything going against it is an uphill battle!
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Read “Ragamuffin Gospel.” Or, rather, tried to. Got to about page 75 before I chucked it in the trash. Seems the only sin Brennan Manning thinks we need to repent of is the sin of warning people to repent from their sins. Otherwise, sin away, sin all you want, don’t bother with all that “repentance” and “holiness” and “sanctification” nonsense. After all, God loves you and would never punish you for your sins. So do whatever you want, and God will just give you a wink and a nod and let you go tra-la-la-ing through the pearly gates.
Rubbish.
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So then, Larry, that brings us to the question… “Are you really saved?” Do you see yourself undone before God in need of a Saviour? If not, then you have NO Christianity! It’s no wonder you feel at ease with the world because there is no conviction of sin!
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to question my christianity without questioning your own is, whether you like it or not, judgemental.
telling me to read a Bible, asking me if i’m really saved & am I teachable? Wow, that’s all that’s left, wow.
You persecute me as if I am an athiest and even if I was you should be issuing words of love, not hatefull, holier than thou critiques on my enterpritation of the word of God.
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable”
– DC Talk
Christians who walk around with Christ on their lips, while condemning others because their lifestyle are wrong.
How can we not understand that this conversation or blog is what causes people to turn from God.
Brenham Manning is a ragamuffin just as you and I are. The sooner we understand that, the sooner we discover the wonderfull life that we were intended to live.
Step down from the pedestal and remove your pointing fingers.
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Have we no shame anymore.
Jesus Christ is Holy.
Do we so easily forget what happened to the man that touched the ark because he thought it was going to fall?
2 Samuel 6:7 And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.
Yet we mock His one and only begotten Son without a thought in the world for profit.
Shame on us for what we have become.
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Larry, the Bible tells us (fellow believers) to judge those within the Church to call them on their error:
So, you have no scriptural support for your position. Is the Bible your authority? If so, you must obey what Scripture says, no? Please receive the correction with the love that it takes to give it.
Nope. I am a WRETCH… a FILTHY WRETCH… as in “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” Please don’t try to trivialize my sin. It is mine and it is red as scarlet… now made white as snow thanks to Lord Jesus.
and,
No. ‘The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today’ is SIN. No one seeks God…
Romans 3:11
“there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.”
Would you say the same thing to your math teacher if you wrote 2+2=5 and he corrected you?
Larry, we’re not your enemies. We are just holding the Bible up to these Christ-trivializing products, and to your defense of them.
In Jesus,
– Jeff H
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Haha, the Chinese food one made me chuckle, but by and large, you are completely right. T-shirt evangelism is definitely a pretty ridiculous concept.
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As an avid reader of defcon, I must say I didn’t enjoy reading this comment thread. I, like you, think that the majority of the shirts are shameful–even blaspemous. I am convinced that these “Christian” merchandise companies are so profit-minded, that they sell out our Lord.
I don’t see all the shirts as terrible, though (I actually kind of liked the Wii one–but wouldn’t wear it).
A little story that’s on topic:
A few weeks ago, a truck driver made a delivery to our business–just a typical drop off on his way to the next state. He had a Christian T-shirt (no it wasn’t Jesus portrayed as a rapper or something obscene like that). We noticed his shirt and commented on it in passing.
What was supposed to be a quick delivery, turned into his staying and spending the evening with our family in true, Christian fellowship–with a guy from two states away that we just met. He was doctinally sound as a pound, and knew the Scriptures well. We prayed with each other and continue to pray for his situations (at home and in his church). It was wonderful.
All of this transpired because a truck driver wanted to tell the world about his Savior (if he didn’t, the rocks would have cried out) and his shirt was the means God used to bring us together for an evening.
I’m sure you all would concur that there are some very good Christian T-shirts out there (not those above) and they can be an effective tool for God’s people to let their light shine.
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My opinion: defcon may want to consider eliminating comment threads. IMHO, they always spiral downward, not upward–regardless, I’ll keep reading this site…I love it. Thanks for all your labors.
There’s my two cents.
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This thread makes me sad. This post makes me sad.
I’ll start off by admitting that I am a Christian and also that I have no intention of starting an argument. I just want to represent the teen/early-20’s population and give you my opinon on the matter.
I received the “Pick Jesus” shirt as a gift a few months ago. I was the worship leader at my undergrad and I play the guitar for my grad school’s fellowship now. Many people have commented “nice shirt” at school, and thus have found out that they are Christians too. I would have never known that because we’re not a school where everyone knows everyone else’s religious background.
My little sister plays the drums and I am going to get her the “Stick with Jesus” shirt. She’s 16 and wants a way to tell people she’s a Christian without TELLING people she’s a Christian because she’s a pretty shy person. Yes, her facebook “Religious View” says a Bible verse, but she wants to totally immerse her day in Jesus.
A T-shirt is a constant reminder of Jesus all day because you are wearing it all day! You look down in class, and you reminded of Jesus. People look at your shirt as you’re walking by, and you are reminded of Jesus.
Yes, I think some are rather silly, but so are people. People come in all shapes, sizes, and have different senses of humor.
I think having things like “iPray” and “HisWay” and “Mr. Clean” is cool because it reminds me that Jesus is a part of EVERY aspect of my life… not just on Sundays or during my daily quiet time. He is always with me. When I’m listening to my ipod, when I’m in line at Subway, and when I’m scrubbing my floors.
Yes, we should show reverence to God and fear him, but he’s also our friend. Jesus LOVED us! And Jesus definitely had a sense of humor. Have you seen the platypus! That animal is hilarious!
Yes, we may be walking a thin line if you ONLY base your Christianity on these culture-related Jesus images, but if you take the ideas in stride, I think it’s a very positive thing.
If you wear the whole gospel truth on your shirt, people may not stick around to read the whole thing. If the first line is “Your sin separates you from God and you deserve to go to Hell” then people will be turned off by that. If you represent Jesus in a positive way up front, people may be more inclined to hear more.
This is why i think it is really important to have a Bible verse to supplement the “slogan” on the T-shirt. Maybe the picture will help you remember the bible verse that goes along with it so that even when you’re NOT wearing the shirt, you can share the verse with someone and lead them to Christ, or at least point them in the right direction.
These shirts exist, and there’s nothing we can do about it. There’s no point in arguing amongst ourselves, but rather talk about how we can USE these shirts to point people towards God… not make us all look like fools.
There’s a saying that goes something like “Be careful when you argue with a fool, because from far away, one may not be able to tell the difference.”
ps- I like the Staples Jesus as the Easy Button. It IS easy, and yet, people think it is so hard. Believe and you’re saved. It’s that easy! It wasn’t easy for Jesus to do it, he even asked God to let the cup pass from him, but if it’s His will to let it happen. But He did die for us and the invitation is open for everyone. Maybe God is using these Tshirts to reach people. But maybe you are so focused on how “bad” these shirts are that you can’t see it. But maybe these shirts ARE bad and are pushing the Christian culture in the right direction.
Well, I like my t-shirt, and I like what it has done for me personally. People should pick Jesus. And I will continue to pick worship songs on my guitar.
To each his own.
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ps- i meant wrong (towards the end. i wrote right instead. oops. sorry)
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Hi Random Girl!
Thank you for posting a great and insightful message. For those of us who haven’t been in the “teen/early-20’s population” for quite a while, it is always wonderful to see a young person such as yourself on their Christian walk. I teach Sunday School to 6th and 7th graders, and I love seeing Christ in these young people!
Regarding the T-shirts, I would suggest that while most of them aren’t ‘blasphemous’, they should give us pause.
Here’s why:
You correctly point out that Jesus is our friend. Yes. Absolutely!
But, He is also God.
I would ask you to think of Job for a minute. At the end of the Book of Job, he asks God a question… and does so very respectfully.
God ‘blasts’ Job with page after page of questions to remind Job that God is God… and Job (and the rest of us) are NOT.
Think of the levitical priests in the Old Testament. If they had not completely cleansed themselves of their sins, God would strike them dead. They would wear bells on their robes to signal that they were still alive and performing their duty in the Holy of Holies. If the bells stopped ringing, they had a rope tied around their waists so that their dead bodies could be pulled out… No one could go in to get them.
In case you think that we’re only talking about the ‘Old Testament God’, remember that God tells us that He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Jesus came to the earth to be born, have a ministry to tell people about God, and then to die a horrific death in order to pay for our wretched sins. God refers to our sins in the most disgusting terms… such as ‘the smell of an open grave, and so on… that is how grievous our sins are to Him.
Now that Jesus has reconciled us Christians to Himself, He IS our friend, as you point out. The Bible tells us that we are no longer enemies of God.
However, I would caution you about view Jesus as ‘warm and fuzzy’ or on terms that diminish the fact that He is God.
Remember, the Bible also tells us that Jesus… the Lamb Who was slain… is returning as the Lion of Judah.
When He returns, His mission will be to annihilate God’s enemies! It will be so violent and horrific (to use that word again) that Jesus’ clothes will be drenched in the blood of His enemies:
3 “I have trodden the winepress alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood spattered on my garments,
and stained all my apparel.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption had come.
5 I looked, but there was no one to help;
I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;
so my own arm brought me salvation,
and my wrath upheld me.
6 I trampled down the peoples in my anger;
I made them drunk in my wrath,
and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”
(Isaiah 63:2-6)
Also, the Book of Revelation describes God pouring out His wrath on an unrepentant world. Their are many horrific (there’s that word again) plagues described.
All of this to say that I rejoice at your (and my) salvation… I too LOVE the Lord Jesus… I am happy that you (by your own testimony)and I are now adopted into God’s family through Christ…
Nevertheless… for the reasons I have stated, I can’t see God’s character in any way compatible with a T-shirt that says “Jesus is my homeboy”. Perhaps if it were drenched in blood… JUST KIDDING!
You’re right, God does have a sense of humor. Remember, though, that your T-shirt messages are a billboard telling the world a message.
Is that message reverent to Christ… to God’s Character… to God’s Name?
Jesus is given a Name above all other Names, so that at His Name every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!
Random Girl, thank you again VERY much for your thoughtful, respectful post.
Blessings,
– Jeff H
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hey this is a very hilarious website and yes these t-shirts are indeed very lame. just like the so-called contemporary christian music genre, created by the world, the flesh and the devil.
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haha, this is what my company is trying to undo lol? marketing to the church, but isn’t the church called to reach the lost..man this post says it all check out http://www.washedclothing.com and tell me what ya think?
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I sat here and cried as I gazed upon this garbage. I thought I had seen it all with “Christian” heavy metal, rap, hip hop, R & B, virgin dancers (un)dressed in spadex suits, smoke shows, strip tease church…etc., but this I wasn’t prepared for. Is this what the future leaders of the church are wearing proudly?! Come Lord Jesus come, how can it get much worse?
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a few (or maybe one) of the shirts seem ok for christians to wear…like “Jesus Wants You To Be Saved”
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ummm………….. some of these are really sad, but some aren’t so bad!!! it seems that a lot of christians think – ‘wearing a christian t-shirt?’ Thus automatically makes you sad! I don’t wear christian t-shirts, but only because for some reason they cost too much and t-shirts aren’t often part of my fashion sense. but some of the above are ok!
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@ Larry and Jeff –
why are you arguing? Over t-shirts?!!!
What example does that give to the world?!!!!!!!
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Much like random girl, I do not intend to start an argument or initiate feelings of chagrin among any of the readers. My only purpose in posting this is to offer my personal thoughts.
Forget the word “christian.” Quite seriously, wipe it from your dictionary for a moment.
If one is introduced to the presence of Christ, becomes convinced of the truth behind his existence, and decides to follow him, they are saved. That’s what the Word preaches to all who read it, that’s what millions of churches proclaim, and what Jesus Christ insists is true throughout the bible. This is most notably illustrated in the sunday-school quote: John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
EVERYONE who believes in him. Not just those who wear the right clothing or memorize the correct scripture, everyone. On a different note, I believe that Wm and Random girl were both right in addressing the aspect of evangelism the shirts introduce. I’ve seen plenty of shirts–as all of you have–and I don’t see anything wrong with these. There are a few of them that don’t seem to have a purpose/media connection in my opinion (like the DJ one), but other than that, they serve as a friendly and clever way to reach out to people. As a follower of Christ, one should be fully aware of the “Great Commission” in Matthew, which tells us to “Go and make disciples, of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all i have commanded…” Keeping our mission in mind, what about these shirts is so wrong? What crime are those who design/wear these shirts committing? It’s not blasphemous or sinful to wear your faith in a fashion that may spark interest/conversation with non-believers or believers. It’s just convenient and “trendy” to many persons in the newer populations.
One other thing:
“I sat here and cried as I gazed upon this garbage. I thought I had seen it all with “Christian” heavy metal, rap, hip hop, R & B, virgin dancers (un)dressed in spadex suits, smoke shows, strip tease church…etc., but this I wasn’t prepared for. Is this what the future leaders of the church are wearing proudly?! Come Lord Jesus come, how can it get much worse?”
What’s wrong with Christian music genres that aren’t singing “How Great is our God” or “Amazing Grace?” I am in FULL agreement that dressing immodestly or strip teases(?) cannot be advertised as a “Christ serving” act. (I must admit that I’ve never seen someone claim that a strip tease was “Christian”) However, I’ve heard plenty of Heavy Metal and Rap artists that create music for Jesus, praising his name in their lyrics. Look up Kutless, Demon Hunter, August Burns Red, Lecrae, The Washington Projects. All of these artists preach goodwill, or verses straight from the Holy Bible in their music. It doesn’t mean that all Christians need to like listening to it, it just allows those who listen to heavy metal or rap and don’t want to condone artists like Vader, Pitbull, Slipknot, Snoop Dogg, OR their lyrics that are known to be “dirty,” or “satanic.” I think it’s a beautiful way to accept and incorporate a plethora of musical interest and talent into the way that we praise our Lord in heaven.
Finally, in all honesty, I wasn’t going to say anything in response to this post; I didn’t want to. And then, I saw the way that the conversations progressed, and it really saddened me to see how many of you were addressing one another. Christ bids us to make disciples, to spread his word, to not judge one another, to believe in him, yes; This is all true. However, above all, he commands us to love. To love Him, to love ourselves, to love one another. Pastors wife, Jeff, Larry, Mr. H, all of you: Can’t you see that you’re on the same side? We all seemingly share one thing in common: we consider ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ. If we follow Him, and live in Him, we should be more than able to express our varying opinions without condemning each other or expressing harsh words, or claiming that the other is not going to Heaven because they like these shirts. “if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” You were all designed as unique beings, to grow, to love, to become something beautiful. Appreciate that, grasp it, don’t forget it. We are LOVED by our heavenly father, and I know that it hurts him to see us tear one another apart over something that was initially created to bring him praise and adoration.
Anyways, I’m sorry if I have offended anyone, and I hope you all have a great weekend, if you’re reading this right now.
-Shammy
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Hi Claire,
If we were just talking fashion, I would more than agree with you…
There is a 1987 photograph depicting our Lord Jesus Christ on a cross submerged in a glass of the artist’s urine.
One could argue that it’s just ‘art’.
I would disagree.
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How does a t-shirt exalt the holiness of the sovereign God of the universe! Why do we deem it necessary to use man-made methods to try and ‘evangelize’ the lost. I do not find anywhere in my bible the disciples wearing t-shirts depicting Christ as their ‘homeboy’, or ‘bff’.
Are those who manufacture these t-shirts born again believers, and what is their motive for the manufacturing of the t-shirts.
Wearing a t-shirt with writing on it usually draws attention to the wearer, so how is God glorified in that.
My comment is not meant to be argumentative, it’s meant to cause us to think of our motives behind what we wear, what we say, what we do. Are we really doing all for the glory of God, or are we simply making a fashion statement….
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What part of, “He is Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” do they not understand? Do they not know the God of the universe for who he is. Would you belittle the King of kings by lowering Him to your standards. Do you not know what the word tells us, take off your shoes for you stand on holy ground.
Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.Shame shame on your shambling.
Will you not lift Him up and praise Him before men telling them the truth that they are lost and without hope without the Savior. And the one who can save them set’s high and lifted up at the right hand of the father who makes intersession, Even His Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Do you not know who it is?
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Did you hear that? Not some cheap piece of clothing to be merchandised, But the living God who deserves our praises and love for the great thing that he has done sending His Son to Calvary for our dirty ungodly sins that separate us from him. Do you not care? would you wear him on your sleeve like a cheap rag? Bringing Him down to our leavel Unreal… No ignorance of who God is, not even watered down milk, but something that is sour and gone bad….repent
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Amen Jonathan!!!
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I have always thought that John 3:17 should be included with John 3:16: For God sent not His Son to condemn the world, but that through Him, it might be saved.
There are two sides to this post, because of the wide range of T-Shirts. I don’t think the idea itself is good or bad, but the execution is either positive or negative. T-shirts based on degrading salvation to marketing a product, encouraging the self centered “seeker movement” or having a pseudo image of Jesus Christ, are not helpful, versus providing a Biblical message and those acknowledging thoughtful Christian messages seems fine to me.
I don’t think Jesus Christ ever commented on fashion, but has provided guidance. In some parts of the world, you might have to fight to wear some of these T-shirts, so I would choose thoughtfully the message you want to wear.
It has to be kept in mind that the enemy of Christianity and true seekers of the Spirit of Truth is always at work to try to degrade Jesus Christ from His position as Saviour, Lord, and our only true King, to just another rabbi or prophet. These attempts will end badly.
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Y’know sometimes I sit back and read the comments on some of these posts and shake my head. If I allowed them to, they would send me off into a fifteen page rant, making me all stressed and mad in the process. I can truly understand how Jesus ‘snorted’ sometimes because of comments such as Shammy. All the love and acceptance and tolerance almost makes one want to scream. And it’s not because she is convicting me of some sin of pride or prejudice or something, but it’s the fact that she sounds so sweet and loving, but I see nothing in her comment about exalting the holiness and sovereignty of God. Where is the fear???! God does not run a land of powder puffs and rainbows. Where is the repentance? Where is the brokenness? Where is the submission? Yes it takes believing that Jesus is Lord, but guess what Shammy? So does Satan! Does this make him a Christian? He believes the Bible is true too…does this matter? He believes Jesus is coming back soon too, but that doesn’t make him saved. It takes more than a prayer, belief and walking around with a “Christian” air about you. It is a renewal, a renovation, a tearing away of the old and replacing it with that which is glorifying to God. Do you tremble in His presence? Or is He your “Big Daddy?” Jesus is not marketable anymore than is His church marketable (remember what He did to the temple?) There is no fear for God anymore, and Shammy, sorry for saying so, but you are the poster girl for the church of today, and that’s is not a compliment. This is said in love, because unless there’s more than a “belief”, the person is headed to hell.
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Shammy I didn’t even see your post or your name, I just droped down and started to write how I felt about the t-shirts. I wasn’t making an referance to your name.
But with that said and out of the way, read what I said of just who God is and who are we to make Gods image into earthly images like us. He is the creator, the God of the universe. Give Him praise in truth and in word
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
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I have always thought that John 3:17 should be included with John 3:16: For God sent not His Son to condemn the world, but that through Him, it might be saved.
Agreed, and to be completely honest we should also include John 3:18–“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Indeed, I look at these shirts, and I think what probably 90% of the lost see–a cheap “Christianized” knock-off of someone else’s idea, and a trivializing of our Savior and Lord. About the only response these would get from the world is a glance and a quick “Hmm. That’s cool” before they move on and forget, without any conviction over their sin.
That said, I do believe it is possible to make shirts that include Scriptures and even warnings to the world about their need for Christ. But these attempts to hijack popular cultural icons, principles, and ideals are quite gimmicky, and gimmicks are not going to lead people to Christ (no matter what your local Seeker-Sensitive™/Purpose-Driven™ “pastor” might tell you). Especially if the person wearing the shirt is just as hip-deep in sin as the rest of the world.
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Jonathan, no worries. (:
But, revivalandreformation, I’m sorry that I’m seemingly the “poster girl for the church of today,” and I know I have flaws and don’t have the requirements and characteristics of being an ideal follower of Christ down pat. I’m sure that if anyone did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation about “the 60 worst christian t-shirts ever.” I don’t mean for that to be sarcastic or rude, I mean it in all sincerity.
However, I directly stated that “If one is introduced to the presence of Christ, becomes convinced of the truth behind his existence, and decides to follow him, they are saved.” The act of “following him” definitely describes more than just believing in Christ, which is why I listed it in addition to being convinced of his existence. I’m sorry that I failed to make that clear; when I write, I think that those reading know exactly what I am thinking, which isn’t always the case. Being a follower of Jesus requires much more than just faith. You are correct: in order to be “saved” and to be a disciple of Jesus, we must be convinced, revolutionized, made new. We must realize we are broken, we must submit to him and his will, we must exhibit self-control and discipline in following him in our everyday lives. This is something I wholeheartedly believe, however, I was attempting not to delve into a conversation about how to live in Christ. I don’t feel as though I have the wisdom, right, or knowledge to instruct on such a subject correctly.
Fear, yes. I do believe that Jesus should be feared, his wrath must be respected, but I believe that once you have accepted him into your life and given your life to him, you have nothing to fear. He is on your side. For if he is with me, whom then shall I fear? Sound familiar?
On that note, someone had commented on how great our Savior is, and that we should not bring him to our level. I disagree. He brought himself to our level when he sent his son to live, breathe, eat, walk upon this earth. That is what makes him an Almighty God. Unlike other deities, Jesus places himself on our level, introducing himself to temptation and sin, befriending the wicked, loving those around him, dining with those who have sinned and been shunned or “shamed” by the world. While being a powerful God, he existed, years ago, as a man. It is what should give us hope, strength, faith, that we can resist the temptation of this world, that we can live a life in love, spreading his word. Yes, we need to recognize that he is God, and we are not, but why would our father in heaven want us to quiver in fear at the sound of his name? What praise or prayer would I offer to someone I could not talk to, love, or learn about? Why would I seek to know a father who seeks to instill fear in my heart and demands it remains as such? That’s just it: I wouldn’t.
Also, revivalandreformation, I feel cheesy for not replying to you by name, but you don’t have one listed. Either way, I felt like apologizing because I feel awkward not referring to you by name.
Once again, I hope you’re all having a great night! (:
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I published this post as a direct challenge to those who call themselves “Christians” but think they have nothing to fear of their big Daddy.
http://revivalandreformation.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1495&action=edit
BTW, my name is Paul, I am from Canada, and you can view my testimony here: http://revivalandreformation.wordpress.com/about/
I don’t want to offend you or anyone else unless it means saving you from standing before Jesus on Judgment Day and hearing Him say, “Depart from Me…” This is why I do what I do, because it brings God glory.
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Shammy, I have been on this earth for a very short time of 54 years. And in those years I have found out that as a Christian the world is not our friend, and those of the world are most definitely not. Though not all things are of the devil. to marry things that have come from the world with that of God is not only giving our adversary room to come into our lives, but he uses those cracks to get in and cause us to take glory from Him who is to be praised for ever and ever.
The things of this world are so temporal even our flesh is and we even will have a new body with Him. That’s why we must fight and put down the desires of the flesh because we no longer live to them and the world. We live to God and his Glory through Christ our Lord.
Yes Christ came and took on humanity in the flesh, but he was without sin and knew all things. Even John said that the world couldn’t contain all the books that could be wrote of him. And the thing that he wrote that’s is most pertinent here is that the world loves its own, and because we are not of the world but of him the world will hate us.
Remember that we will reap what we sow, and if we sow to the world…well!
It’s really not about T-shirts is it? It’s about glorifying God in the world, and we should lift Him up in love for one another and working good fruit to him. It’s not a facade that we can put on and take off. But He shows we are His by His Spirit that he gives us, there by making us the temple of God, if indeed He dwells in us. And yes we’re still in the flesh but through Him we put to death the deeds of the flesh. But remember that the devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
Oh did I say I don’t think the t-shirts are a good ideal.
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
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Shammy:
I’d like to try and clear up a misunderstanding if you will permit me. In your comment, you said:
“someone had commented on how great our Savior is, and that we should not bring him to our level. I disagree. He brought himself to our level when he sent his son to live, breathe, eat, walk upon this earth.”
Regarding that, yes, Jesus indeed became a living, breathing man. But He did not become a worldly, fleshly (fallen nature) man. And that’s what so many T-shirts seem to portray: Jesus as a worldly, fleshly, party-going man like all “common” men of the world (even if a “cleaned up” version). Jesus did not come down to “our level”, in the sense that we are still given to the flesh by degrees. And we accept it, because “no one is perfect”, we’re “only human”. But that’s the point. Jesus IS perfect. He became man, but did not become like us in how we are. T-shirts like those presented above betray this misunderstanding of Jesus. They reveal a mindset that Jesus is more like us than Who He has revealed Himself to be in the Scriptures. And that’s what I take issue with.
Regarding your other comment:
“Yes, we need to recognize that he is God, and we are not, but why would our father in heaven want us to quiver in fear at the sound of his name? What praise or prayer would I offer to someone I could not talk to, love, or learn about? Why would I seek to know a father who seeks to instill fear in my heart and demands it remains as such?”
No, a child of God need not fear his/her Father in heaven like that. He is not an abusive father. Nor is He an unfair boss. The “fear” Scripture speaks of is a reverential respect of the very highest order. That reverential fear is displayed all through Scripture by men of God who understood this “fear”. John the Apostle, who walked and ate with Jesus on earth and laid his head on Jesus’ chest, nevertheless when he was brought before the Throne of God in heaven, fell on his face. The 24 Elders fall on their faces before the throne of God in heaven. Moses had to take his sandals off when he was on “holy ground”. Isaiah the prophet said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Is.6:5). And we could go on and on. We can have a very loving relationship with our Savior, but it must not exclude that same reverential “fear” for Who He is.
Shammy, you seem like a very nice person. I just want you to understand where so many of us are coming from.
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Psalm 112:1–Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments.
Proverbs 9:10–The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Isaiah 66:1-2–Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool…On this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.”
Matthew 10:28–“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
1st Peter 2:17–Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Revelation 19:5–Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!”
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Knowing therefore the terror [Greek: phobos] of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (II Corinthians 5:11)
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fourpointer and Ministry Addict:
Thank you for supplying critical verses that I failed to supply, and should have. All glory, honor and praise be to the all-pure, all-righteous, all-holy, self-existent, eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Who will return in glory and majesty.
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Paul, it’s nice to meet you, and I respect what you are doing, but I’m not out to challenge other brothers and sisters in Christ on their belief and their way of carrying out their faith. All that I originally set out to do by replying to this post was defend all of them: every believer, or follower, or disciple of Christ–all of them. I believe that if someone is misguided, we should take their hand and walk with them, not prove what aspects of their life and actions are wrong and challenge them. It has only been through the loving and caring instruction that I have seen others drawn into following the Savior of this world. It is through that same loving and caring, compassionate instruction that I have seen lives revolutionized, that I have seen people break down, turn their lives around, and develop a passion for Christ, a desire to know more about Him and everything he stands for, begin to respect (or “fear” in the context of the above verses) his greatness and awesomeness in its entirety. Whenever I have seen someone in need of a Saviour, or in the process of finding Him, continuously challenged and critiqued, all that it did was back them into a corner with a wagging finger in front of their face that caused them to run. Not only to run, but to deny any truth or progress they experienced along the way.
To Jonathan and DavidW, I’m not the most eloquent person, so I apologize if my words expressed something different, but I’m quite positive that I agree with everything you both have just said. And yes, I believe that we should fear Christ, when fear is used in the context of the bible and where the verses are drawn from. However, when the verses are withdrawn from the whole, and either pastors or people with bullhorns threaten listeners, literally telling them they need to fear God and his wrath, THAT is what I don’t find an acceptable view. That is originally what I thought that Paul was insinuating, which is what led me to make the statements I did in the last post.
Not going to lie, my attention was needed elsewhere, so I had to walk away from my computer for a moment, and now I don’t remember what else I was trying to communicate, so I’ll leave it at that. (:
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The one thing that occurred to me today was this: Why do I have to defend the holiness and purity of God? Why am I doing this…to other Christians??? Why has this become necessary? God deserves the perfect and spotless sacrifice, not the second, third or fourth best. He deserves the best of our everything. These t-shirts do not give Jesus Christ our best, they give Him the notion that He is not feared, He is not respected. How many of us would walk around with a t shirt with David standing triumphantly over the fallen headless body of Muhammad? We wouldn’t dare. Why? Because we all know what the backlash would be. Now I am not comparing Muslims to God, but what I am saying is this: you would show Muslim and Islam respect by not defaming them, yet you would slap a pair of headphones and gaudy jewelry on Jesus and think it clever. If you stood before a judge, you would dress a certain way, answer a certain way and show RESPECT! Why shouldn’t we be giving God just as much if not more? We take Him so lightly because He is invisible to us. We think that we can get away with this stuff, because He isn’t around to do anything to us…WRONG! The old saying rings true, “The mice will play when the cat’s away…” He is taking names and remembering what you and I are doing in His name…vainly. This commandment just doesn’t apply to swearing, it applies to anything we do vainly, in His name. This applies to the Crusades, David Koresh, Robert Schuller, the prosperity message and “Christian” t shirts. God deserves our best. What would happen if these designers made a shirt that said “Glory to God in the Highest…He is holy, righteous and pure.” No pictures, no fancy colours, just the message. Not exactly a best seller I can assure you. That’s my point.
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“The one thing that occurred to me today was this: Why do I have to defend the holiness and purity of God? Why am I doing this…to other Christians??? Why has this become necessary?”
It hasn’t. You just decided that it was necessary. Paul, there’s a difference between showing the murder of someone “holy” to others as an accomplishment, and attracting attention to a shirt that says “HEAVY DRINKER” only to read on and discover John 7:37 posted underneath, revealing that person’s faith in Jesus. Whether these shirts are “right” or not, their presence in the world doesn’t mean that myself (and anyone else who doesn’t hate the shirts) are sinning because Jesus is “invisible.” We are not mice, partying it up because no one is watching. Jesus is everywhere. His presence is vivid everywhere in my daily life, and if I was to wear a shirt like those above, I know that I would be okay. Jesus knows the heart of man, and my deepest thoughts are revealed to him, always. Therefore, he would know what I would be hoping to accomplish by wearing a “Christian t-shirt,” just as he would know if I was trying to get away with something while he is up in heaven.
What do you think of this?
http://www.c28.com/shopping/productdetails3.asp?recordid=13981
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Shammy:
I don’t wish to put you down, nor argue with you. I believe I understand what you’re saying. You hope that by wearing shirts, the likes of those above, that it would cause people to think about the things of God (or the Bible) in a non-threatening way. But consider your premise: “if I was to wear a shirt like those above, I know that I would be okay. Jesus knows the heart of man, and my deepest thoughts are revealed to him, always. Therefore, he would know what I would be hoping to accomplish by wearing a “Christian t-shirt,”. What you, or I, or any other Christian are “hoping to accomplish” for God or the Gospel, must be consistent with the direction of the Holy Spirit, which will ALWAYS be inconformity with the whole word of God. And that’s the bottom line with the message we convey. It is consistent with His word? Or is it what we reason is good to do “for God”? How many times have we seen in Scripture, those who “meant well”, desiring to please God, or do something “for Him”, but was not consistent with His will? What happened to the Israelites who went charging into Ai to take the city “for God”? What happened to Aaron’s own sons who attempted to worship God in a manner He had not instructed? What happened when Abraham and Sarah desired to fulfill God’s promise their way? What has Jesus said to 5 of the 7 churches in Revelation who thought they were following Jesus? What has Jesus said to those in Matt. 7 who call Jesus “Lord” (they certainly thought they were Christians), who did “many wonderful works in His name” (they thought they were doing things pleasing to Him). But He said He never knew them BECAUSE they were ALSO doing what is contrary to His word.
The point is, Shammy, no matter how “good intentioned” we are, no matter how “right in heart” we are to do what we think will benefit His kingdom, it must not conflict with His will, nor His word. Most of the shirts you see above fall under the category of Blasphemy. They are depicting Jesus, God, or His word in a manner inconsistent with how He has chosen to reveal Himself in His word. It may all seem cool to us. We may see no harm in it. But evidently neither did those who paid the ultimate price in Scripture for doing their own thing “for God”.
I encourage you Shammy, to test what I have said according to the Scriptures.
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I’m just throwing this out there because I suppose I never quite revealed my opinion on the shirts above.
Just like you, according to your quote:
“Most of the shirts you see above fall under the category of Blasphemy.”
I don’t support all of them; I don’t support “MOST” of them. I think many of them are ridiculous or pointless, serving no purpose whatsoever. Generally, i suppose that the shirts with Jesus actually on them seem the most blasphemous to me. However, I do find some of them okay. Like the faithbook shirt, the heavy drinker shirt, or the “brushing up on the word daily will prevent truth decay” shirt. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe it’s just because I’ve been raised in a Church that was accepting and didn’t mind if we wore jeans to learn about our Savior, but I think that those shirts serve as a ridiculously cute and clever way to remind ourselves and others about Christ, or a way to reveal your faith to others, or just a shirt that we find to be witty and truthful that we really like.
What I have been trying to defend (pertaining to t-shirts) was the idea of creating, selling, and wearing Christian shirts. When I got involved in this conversation however, that was not even my intention. I was just upset about the way people were communicating back and forth with one another. I didn’t like that Christians were judging one another, picking their words apart in order to prove how wrong they truly were, instead of being respectful and helpful in the way you have replied, David. I was upset that “Christians” were telling other “Christians” that they were a disgrace to their savior for whatever reason. It upset me, and I wanted to try and stop it from happening, because that’s not how our Savior wants us to treat one another, and every one of us knows that to be true.
David, thank you for your words and your introduction to helpful scripture, I’m grateful for your posts, and I hope you see where I am coming from. I agree with you fully, and I never meant to offend you or anyone else on this post with my own thoughts. Anyways, have a great day(:
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Shammy:
Thank you for your kind and courteous reply. Please rest assured you certainly have not offended me in any way. I truly appreciate your honesty. Thank you for the reminder also of how important it is, in our zeal to defend the truth, that we need to be careful to be courteous in the process (I often fail in that). All who desire to follow Christ are growing, and will grow in the Lord, until the day we die. Let us pray for one another to continue to follow Jesus, to be obedient to His word, to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and to love one another with agape love.
DavidW
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Out of all the shirts there were maybe two I would wear. The rest are a little over the top.
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I’m nearly speechless. Amen, David. (:
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Mark Wright:
Some verses for your consideration:
“And so it was after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, ‘My WRATH is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT SPOKEN OF ME WHAT IS RIGHT, as My servant Job has.” (Job 42:7-8)
God takes things far more seriously than we are inclined to.
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A friend who wears t-shirts like these (and worse) also puts christian bumper-stickers on his guitar case which have similar messages. I cannot explain my feeling that they are irreverent and don’t know how to put it into plain words. How would you?
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I have a movie clip from Nate Pfeil, in which he sums it up good: If you are a true Christian, the world ought to think of you as someone who does not belong and has nothing to offer them, likewise a true Christian should know that the world has nothing to offer him/her. (roughly summarized)
I have peace with Mark Driscoll – i never heard him until today. Yet that DJ- pic seems far off, indeed. But what hit me, was that i saw (almost) precise remakes of t-shirts by occult hard rock/ metal groups (thanks God, for saving me out of that world). And the clearest proof that the spirit behind these shirts is not the Holy Ghost, is the satanic salute on “Still waiting for a sign from god?” I intentionally decapitalized god, for their god is not the God who took me from my old life.
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These shirts are so awsome!!! I love to see people were these shirts. I dont see why most of you don,t like these shirts. Peace out an God bless
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OOOOOOOO, i finaly get it, the people who made this website, are like the christians who think skate boarding is for the devil.Ha Ha, you people make the rest of us look bad.=( Yall, God reaches out to every body, an every verity of people. For exaple, i skate board and bmx bike, i got saved just last summer,an my life has been so much better, my eyes have been opened, you know who you people remind me of, the religous leaders back in Jesus’ time…. the very ones who crucified him. Peace out an God
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I Pray some of you read these things before they delete them of this website. Peace out an God bless.
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LOVE JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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ok, i dont like how it says at the top,” michael on top 60 worst christian t-shirts, but watever. Peace out an god bless
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P.O.D IS A CHRISTIAN BAND!!!!! GET IT STRAIT!!!!!!!
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No, Michael. We are sinners who have found the Way and the Life and the Truth. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We are thankful towards Him for being willing to take our sin and our damnation on Him, for He alone could do that and yet be reconciled with the Father afterwards. For mankind, there is but one life, and afterwards the Judgement.
Feel free to ride your BMX and skateboard. I work in a maritime environment and we many times go out on waters that many people would think is an attempt at suicide (figuratively speaking). I love rollerblades and have even done parachuting. But to depict the hand of Jesus in a satan-salute, to put a skull-figure which is a part of satanist ritual, on a t-shirt that is said to “evangelise”… that is what triggers my senses.
The pharisees and sadducees hates our Lord Jesus, in no small part, because of His words in Matthew 23.
Your last paragraph makes me truly wonder, how much of the Bible you have read with the intention to understand God’s Word. Light has no place for darkness, Good has no communion with evil; how then, shall the World learn the gospel through clothing that depicts the enemy of our Lord Jesus Christ, yet is claimed to be made for Him?
I was a metal-head, self-proclaimed atheist/satanist (depending on which would fit the situation) and dedicated myself to satan. When God took me back, it took a while for me to understand why those images and that music can never be Godly: God is Life, and no depiction of the works of Death do Him glory, except for the death of His son Jesus. God gives peace, and no form of hard rock/metal can ever portray Him, for the simple matter that no metal is peaceful. Not even that one anthem that might be on an album.
And definitely no t-shirts depicting death. Few people cannot read a picture. Many people cannot read the words that go with it. Are you willing to take responsibility for a soul gone astray for seeing the skull or the salute, but unable to read the words with it?
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Michael:
Do you sir have any idea of who Jesus Christ is? Jesus Christ is God in flesh!
How dare anyone mock Him on a t-shirt with symbols of modern society. If so-called American Christina would venture out into other parts of the world where true Christianity was practiced we would be excommunicated from the church.
Be holy as Christ is holy, not childish and vile like Satan and his followers.
One day you will stand before Christ the King and you will be judged and if you are not walking righteous before Him:
Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Then Hell will be your eternal reward.
Do you not remember what the Bible teaches?
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Blessed are they that do what? And these shirts are nothing more than pure blasphemy against the Lord Jesus Christ. Even pagan religions have more respect for their false gods than Christians do for the Creator, the God of Israel, who gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.
And yet we fools dare mock His holy name.
What are we to do?
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
With that begin said:
Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Christ is Holy, treat Him as such!
Read your Bible sir!
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How’s this for a good Christian T-shirt? http://www.zazzle.com/5_solas_tshirt-235119027675579774
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Nope. No good. Too doctrinally sound, does not engage the culture with a contextualized message, and lacks relevance. I mean, after all, we always need to ask ourselves, “Would Bono wear that?”
[/sarc]
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Fourpointer, that is either a sad state or very sharp wit!
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fp – thanks for giving me a good laugh in an otherwise dreary day in cubeville.
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fp – Heh-heh.
:0)
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i actually have a couple of these shirts and i don’t think these shirts are the worst shirts ever. I think shirts that say sin is OK are the worst shirts ever. There is nothing wrong with wearing what you feel. I love God and I want the world to know that i live him and he loves me. people like me get criticized because they wear shirts like this but if someone wears a shirts that says something sexual there is nothing wrong with it.
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bre:
I have no desire to criticize you personally. Nor do I have any doubt that you love God. And I applaud your desire to let the world know that you love God and that He loves you. But consider this: is our expression of God (Who He is, His character and person, etc.) consistent with Who He has revealed Himself to be in His word? Or is it OK to give an any expression of God to the world that we like? This is a serious thing, and not to be treated lightly, because this is God Almighty that Christians have the awesome responsibility of representing.
You say “there is nothing wrong with wearing what you feel”. Stop and think about that. Is my feeling about Who God is (or what He approves/disapproves of), as accurate as what He has specifically said in His word? Is my feeling about what is right or wrong, good or evil, the determining criteria for truth? Or is God’s word the determining criteria? My feelings are changeable. God’s word alone is truth (Jn.17:17).
Have you noticed the common thing about the great majority of the shirts shown above? They present the all-holy, all-righteous, all-pure supreme Creator of the universe, Who lived a sinless life, died a horrible death to free man from slavery to his fallen human nature and from a fallen world under the power of Satan, as a profane thing. They mix holiness with worldliness, and say “it’s OK”. No, it isn’t OK. They are in actuality blaspheming God in this way. One of the great lessons given over and over again throughout the entire Bible is that God does not allow mixture (of the things of Him with the things of the world, etc.). Their depictions of God and the things of God are antithetical to how He has described Himself in His word.
You see, bre, it’s not whether something is or isn’t ethical, moral, or in good or bad taste that is the issue. What matters is whether or not it is, or isn’t, pleasing or approved by God that matters. And for that, we can’t go by feelings, or what we think, but only by what God has said in His word.
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I think this post is a little over the top. I am a graphic designer and I love making cool shirts, and let me tell you – it is difficult! Especially when trying to profess Christ in a shirt. I’d love to do more shirts and things like that though! The only good thing I will take from this post is the challenge to present God’s Word and the Gospel of Christ in such a way that people will respect.
With that said…that is the ONLY positive thing I take from this discussion and the comments that I have read.
If you have alternatives, then voice them. Some companies are (a) just trying to make money or (b) doing the best with what they have. Until you’re prepared to offer better suggestions or a real critique on these designs, I’d say keep your critical analysis to yourself. You’re trying to remove the splinters from these designers’ eyes without acknowledging the plank in your own or even giving clear reason as to WHY these are all in bad taste.
If you’re going to waste your time by finding 60 designs (and waste our time by posting them), then at least take a minute or two to offer up a suggested replacement or opinion other than “these are horrible.” Otherwise you’re just perpetuating a negative conversation amongst Christians. We’ve got bigger battles to fight than tacky tees.
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Carter:
“The only good thing” you got from this post “is the challenge to present God’s Word and the Gospel of Christ in such a way that people will respect”? Then you’ve missed the whole point of the post. This has nothing to do with pleasing man, catering to what people respect, or what people think is or isn’t in “bad taste”, or “tacky”. This post is all about that which is consistent with God’s word, and that which isn’t. We’ve already given reasons why the likes of the things depicted above are inconsistent with God’s Word, and apparently you refuse to even consider what has been said. Well, that’s up to you.
OK, you want some positive suggestions for your graphic arts to glorify God. So how about proclaiming the Word of God (like verses or sound doctrinal statements) in clear lettering so the power of God’s Word is clearly evident. Or how about depicting the majestic beauty of God’s creation with a verse acknowledging Him as the Creator, Designer, Sustainer (in a non-joking, non-jingle, non-irreverent sort of way)? Between landscapes, plants, animals, galaxies and nebulae, seascapes, etc., surely there is a nearly inexhaustible supply to choose from. Or how about a shepherd caring for sheep, a fisherman, a seed sower, etc., with an attached Scriptural verse)? I saw a cool painting once of a house on a rock with a massive storm beating on it, and Matt. 7:24 clearly printed under it.
Carter, if you will apply some prayerful seeking of the Lord’s will for your talent, I’m sure there is much He will show you that could be used to glorify Him in a manner consistent with Who He is, and what He has revealed of Himself in His word.
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Hi carter,
I am too an illustrator and have designed T-shirts in the past, but I will have to admit to my and Christ’s shame that the designs I created were not glorifying to Christ in any way, shape or form. How well would a T shirt sell, if it said Glorify God? Or Something about suffering with Christ? Plain letters, no skulls, guitars, beer cans or punk rappers? Just plain words with no darkness, goth or rebellion showing through? Chances are they wouldn’t. I wouldn’t have bought them I can assure you. If Jesus was coming back in 24 hours and you knew He was, how would you prepare? How would you dress? What would you do to occupy your time until then? I can only speak from my experience with Christ, but I would be VERY busy. I would dress in my finest to meet Him and have everything in order OUT OF RESPECT FOR HIM. These T shirts scream rebellion and worldliness. And remember, I came straight out of this culture listening to Mortification, Tourniquet and dressing in the cool “Christian” clothes. I was one of them with a cross around my neck, and going to hell. These T shirts are not glorifying to God, nor do they portray an example of meekness, humility or lowliness. We are hear for His glory and His glory alone. Our dress, actions, speech and lifestyle must always be glorifying to God, and if it is not, then we need to ask where our love and priorities are.
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Good on ya, Revival.
Carter, see my post #75 for a link to a good Christian T-shirt 🙂
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Thanks Manfred, if you all with a much greater grasp of theology than I have can help me out with someone who is having a hard time with Christians telling other Christians about the dangers of the enemy on my post (link below), I would sure appreciate it. I’m afraid I lack patience sometimes with this sort. Thanks.
http://revivalandreformation.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/should-a-christian-practice-yoga-can-we-separate-yoga-from-mysticism/
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CLARIFICATION: The “devil salute” referred to by some in this thread is actually the American Sign Language sign for “I love you.” C’mon, brothers and sisters, let’s pay attention. There’s plenty in this lineup to disdain without attributing occultic significance to the innocuous. God-haters (and immature greenhorns in Christ) seize on this sort of thing to discredit an otherwise valid and godly rebuke.
Having said that: Yes, these shirts indeed suck, and young Christians need to get serious about TRUTH (i.e., Scripture, sound doctrine/theology, ecclesial history, etc.) and lay off their destructive and juvenile obsession with culture, “relevance,” emotionalism and felt “needs.”
Listen up, kids: The “love” you prate about endlessly is not genuine LOVE (God’s Love, NOT man’s cheap imitation “luv”) if it is not inextricably joined with TRUTH (God’s Truth, even the Lord Jesus Christ, the very Truth and Wisdom of the Father; NOT man’s malleable, relative, corrupted concept of “trooth”). This true assertion is itself an example of “speaking the truth in love” as defined and commanded by God Himself; it is also an example of something that is not up for debate – it is a fact, and you must embrace it if you are to grow in Christ, indeed, if you are to possess Christ at all.
It is unbecoming and foolish to get on these boards and arrogantly lecture mature brothers and sisters – your fathers and mothers in the Faith, if you are indeed in Christ – about “love” and “tolerance” and other such matters of which you are so woefully ignorant. You lack the maturity (spiritual, emotional, cognitive), depth, experience and humility to take your elders to task; furthermore, you are WRONG in the first place. If you truly want to grow in the Lord, ask Him to grant you grace in being slower to speak and more eager to actively, humbly listen in the future.
There’s lots of zit-faced, corny tee-shirt-wearing “theologians” walking (and skating) around who know NOTHING of God or Gospel, and who will be stunned when the Lord Jesus says, “Depart from Me.” “But, Lord Jay-Cee, brah!” they’ll exclaim. “C’mon, broseph. I wore Your shirts and told the stuffy churchy types where to stick their ‘discernment’ and organized religion!” And then the Lord might well say, “Exactly.“
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Fr. Tex,
Is that you? How is the San Francisco parish these days? And how are the brothers in Rome?
Papa Bene isn’t going to be pleased with the Protestant sounding comments you’ve been leaving hither and thither… :0
/sarc
Good to see you around these parts, please do visit often!
In Him,
CD
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LOL. CD, you devil. Non-Triabloggers have no clue what you’re talking about. They must now think I’m some sort of liberal papist. Thanks for crapping on my point! ;-PPP
*hugs*
Tex Calvin
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Actually I got a big hoot out of your parting shot:
There’s lots of zit-faced, corny tee-shirt-wearing “theologians” walking (and skating) around who know NOTHING of God or Gospel, and who will be stunned when the Lord Jesus says, “Depart from Me.” “But, Lord Jay-Cee, brah!” they’ll exclaim. “C’mon, broseph. I wore Your shirts and told the stuffy churchy types where to stick their ‘discernment’ and organized religion!” And then the Lord might well say, “Exactly.“
“broseph”…LOL! That’ll leave a mark!
CD
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CD, you’re the best, broseph.
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the tee shirts are not all bad. yes some are derogatory to the person of God i did not see anything wrong in the following: i pray; i pick jesus; i found jesus ; jesus want you to be save; faithbook; is your name in the book of life. and if there is anything wrong with these few in your own assesment please be free to share them with me.
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beautiful:
For many of these, it’s not necessarily the words, but HOW they are used, that links the holy things of God the All-Holy One, with cheap mundane sales slogans, sure to bring a chuckle to most who haven’t seen them, or at best to trivialize the things of God Almighty. But ought we to be chuckling at, or in any way trivializing the things of God? Why print “ipray”, a direct reference to overpriced apple gizmos in the line of ipad, ipod, iphone, etc., rather than “I Pray” (with no obvious reference to such gizmos)? Why “pick Jesus”, with a direct symbolic reference to a guitar pick, (and even at that we don’t “pick Jesus”, He has chosen us)? “I found Jesus” in a trivia word game? God makes it clear in His Word that all such mixture of the things of God with the things of the world/flesh is evil in His sight. I encourage you to seek the all-righteous God in the beauty of holiness.
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I like the one with sign language (I couldn’t read the entire thing). Otherwise I agree that most of these are pretty stupid.
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I like the ‘wages of sin is death’ t shirt since it is the point from which to start preaching!
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Yes some of these T-shirts are really disturbing. But there are some of them which I think isn’t trivializing God in any way such as the “Pick Jesus” T-shirt. Personally I would buy some of the acceptable T-shirts just because it’s beautifully designed and doesn’t proclaim rebellion or death. Have you seen what percentage of shirts: Has Bad Girl/Boy written over them? Has skulls on them? Has swear words on them? Proclaims rebelling against school? Are sensual and encourage one night stands? I love T-shirts and honestly struggle to find ones I like that doesn’t proclaim something that’s against how God wants me to live. Our Father is a personal God and I think that if you truely have a deep relationship with Him you would know which shirts are dispicable and which aren’t. I honestly think the argument between Larry and Jeff didn’t have to be so mean.
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some are cheesee, some not my taste and some I found quite good. It does not matter what you wear (modesty is required however) but what come out of your heart like what Jesus said about food. Some people that preach the word of God, God does not know them but states it is important his message gets out there…maybe in this day and culture where advertising is in a psychological battle to get us brained washed into buying into certain things the only way to reach this brain washed culture and start some thought of spiritual wakening is by using such gimmicky, advertisment based things…maybe…just a thought…the battle rages on many different plains of spiritual exsistene…God will, is and has won.
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These are all laughable
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some of them are pretty cheesy indeed, but i firmly belive that all means are necessary to reach the people whom do not know about jesus christ, if a cheesy t-shirt starts a trail of thought – its all worth it!
Jesus is my lord and saviour!
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WTF get over yourselves! if ya don’t like it well then piss off! whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached!
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shar – you demonstrate an attitude that is at odds with the biblical description of a Christian. Examine yourself to see if you be in the faith.
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I think Larry, at least in his youth (and undoubtly in his generation) he believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior, that is a first good step. Larry is still developing in so many ways that it would be very very difficult to teach him with generalized truths (nonetheless valid) and with scripture as to how offensive these t-shirt are when in fact Larry needs to be sat down, shown and taught the specific significance of WHY the T-shirts are offensive in the sight of God and mature christians a like and is strongly possible that one must learn his level of understanding as a christians even before one tackles the t-shirt issue. In short, spiritual epiphanies happens at all ages and stages in life as a true believer in christ
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Possibly Baby boomers, generations X,Y,and Z are on this site. The reality is that despite many if not most are Christians, (I would like to think) we are all at developmental stages and the kind of developmental stages can be vast for young and old which should be considered when approaching an issue. In short, generational mindsets must be approached differently, specifically, and wisely and even then what might have been taught may not be readily received – what is important that the wisdom was delivered
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Yeah, they are bad. It’s better to preach the gospel, than try to look like the world. The gospel is the power of salvation. I have to admit I have gotten caught up in things like these, but I would rather just have the gospel. There is room for some creativity, but using cheesy lines or making it look like a logo, cheapens it.
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Most of those shirts are hideous, but I would say there are a couple that aren’t all that bad. Wearing Christian themed shirts can create opportunities for conversations and witnessing. Some of these are clearly just bad, but you also have to remember we are not all at the same spiritual growth levels, and to belittle someone and even question their salvation because you disagree with them on this is wrong. This is a form of legalism. Attaching a moral or spiritual value to a personal preference.
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I love ur T-shirts
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Jeff H – There is a 1987 photograph depicting our Lord Jesus Christ on a cross submerged in a glass of the artist’s urine.
One could argue that it’s just ‘art’.
I would disagree.
Are you serious? Where did this come from out of the blue? I don’t think any Christian that has posted here would have anything positive to say about that type of supposed ‘art’. But that is so off topic. You guys are just trying to argue in here. It is pathetic.
Christ is the most high redeemer, he is Holy and spotless. He is the Almighty. Christ died the death we should have died and lived the life we could not live. Fear is something we as Christians do have. We know that at any second, God could smash us like ants into oblivion. And as Christians we should pray each and every day and thank Him for the Cross. For each breath that we breathe, for our jobs, our homes, our families. It is only because of Him that we can read this post, or type a word.
In addition, because Christ died that death in our place, as Christians we know this. If we have that faith. (Matthew 17 says: Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you) We have that faith. In Psalms 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” With our Faith, and repentance from our past life we are Saved. But through His Holy and breathed Word, we are Sanctified. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5-10 7 things we should practice, and if we do these things we will never fall. We must be in His Word to truly know his will for us.
If our earthly father saves our life from a shark attack, but after being badly bitten by a shark, right before he dies he says “I plead with you..do not swim on this beach every again…” Would you then jump right back in that water? No. Christ took our sins at the cross that we might not sin. That doesn’t mean we are sinless. He was the only Holy and sinless person on this earth. So if we have the faith like a grain of mustard seed, do we continue to dive into sin? No. We strive to conform to his image. Not as works to save us, but that we are already saved by grace through faith..we abide by his Word.
If someone puts an image of Christ on something and it is a bottle of urine, or whatever, why would we bring this into conversation. That is despicable. I disagree with images of Jesus on a shirt, not because they are blasphemy, but because they are Icons. Many of these shirts are harmless. Many are despicable. Some are just in poor taste. Harmless, you say? Someone right now is wanting to preach to me about why God doesn’t think these shirts are harmless or funny. You do realize God does have a sense of humor right? Yes, he is our All Powerful Creator.
For example in the verse that has been mentioned above “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Does anybody not see humor underneath the seriousness of this scripture. Take out the ‘plank’ or ‘log’ out of your eye. Is this literal. Did Jesus want us to literally pull the Log out of our eye, lest we be a hypocrite. No. If our “eye” offends us, does Jesus want us to literally pluck it out? No. If we have some problem with sex or porn on the computer, then get rid of the computer,(did anybody see Fireproof?) If we quit drinking, and as God is helping us with this, we are still struggling…don’t go into a store that sells alcohol. The Bible is God’s literal and unerrant word. But if we read every parable as it literally is written, without spiritual understanding, would we know what each parable means?
In the book of Esther, the evil Haman was preparing to have all of the Jews killed. He was getting ready to start with Mordecai. When he went to King Xerxes to ask his permission to crucify Mordecai, the King was wanting to tell Haman about a man that he wanted to recognize. A man that he wanted to honor. Haman, believing this man was him, told the king they should have a parade, and let him ride the king’s horse and wear his robes, and have a day set aside for honoring this man. The king agreed, and to Haman’s surprise, told him that man was Mordecai (who saved the King’s life years earlier). So now, Haman, who was going to crucify Mordecai, had to prepare the robes, prepare the horse and the parade for Mordecai’s day. If anyone has read and studied Esther, and did not see God’s providence (and sense of humor in this case) then you need to read it again.
I have a t-shirt business. I started it out creating parodies, like some of the (better) ones you see above. But I continually prayed and asked God to help me run this business as it pleases him. He led me away from the parodies and toward Scripture-inspired apparel. That is my own experience, and God continues to open doors and grow my business. If we are in business and truly relying on God in every aspect, then he will guide us in the right direction. If we are non-Christians just trying to make money, then he will judge us on Judgment day.
But it is really not very productive, as all who read this post can see, for Christians to argue about Christian topics. Let’s talk about how to grow as one Body of Christ. How to come together as one body and further His Gospel. Our nation, this world is in disarray. It is worse than ever. We must stand together, not as 5 or 100 religions, but as a Body, moving in one direction..forward.
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While I’m a fan of Jesus, I’d like to point out the irony of the Superman shirt. Superman’s creators Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster were Jews, and Superman can be read as sort of an analog for the strengths and hardships of the Jewish community. Even in the second Christopher Reeves Superman film, after he saves Lois from drowning, an old woman in the crowd can be heard saying “Of course he’s Jewish!” I get that that’s not the point of the shirt, I just thought it was interesting.
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I have a tshirt that has Jesus on the cross on the front and says “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” I like it and its giving glory to the Lord. I don’t see a problem with it since its serious and not mocking GOD.
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I say Honor God in all that you do. I was just trying to find Christian shirts which I considered appropriate for myself, when I stumbled upon this page. It did help me to be extra careful not to offend anyone, and I do not care for most of them. We want to bring people to the Lord, not chase them away… Although, someone will always be offended by something. There are so many different types of people out there, what about that one person that did relate to (and was brought to salvation by) someone wearing a shirt that someone else thought was in poor taste?
Made a difference to that one…
Bless you all ≈≈≈►◄►
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I can agree that a lot of these shirts aren’t appropriate for Christians to wear and to be honest all of them I feel are corny and wouldn’t wear any of them but that’s my opinion. What I feel to be the problem is that so many Christians only want to view God as being “wrathfull and vengeful and you’re going to Hell for this and you’re going to Hell for that!” What’s the matter with speaking of His love and putting it on a t shirt? And I agree on some level of what Larry says as being the cause of most people being Athiest, because a lot of Christians get caught up only in the message of “Fear God or He will destroy you,” as opposed to bringing in non believers by speaking FIRST of God’s love and sacrifice. What nonbeliever would come to Christianity that feels God is only out to destroy us? Christians should be the light of the world and bring others into Christianity as opposed to shying people away and only wanting to criticize. In stead of only looking for the wrong and going crazy, salvage from the mess what is good and usable. I myself am an artist and trying to find ways to express my beliefs through a clothing line. There is nothing wrong with putting the gospel on a T shirt…many times I have stopped my self from commiting sinful acts because something in passing reminded of Christ. I’m not trying to start an argument but just sharing my view on the subject. I’m always looking for spiritual growth and improvement
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Sawce – I agree with you regarding putting proper biblical messages on shirts, it can be provocative in a good way. The problem with the majority of shirts shown above is that they are, as you noted, crass and do not portray a biblical message. I have several shirts with “5 Solas” printed on them so people will ask me what that means 🙂
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After reading so many comments it is obviouse that the ways of the world are affecting the Church……….it’s a sad thing to realize how far the Church will go. The word says we are in this world not of it, and we are not to conform to the ways of the world either. If we look, act and do everything like the world does, why should they think there is more to life than what they now have? I don’t think all of the designs bad, but we must use wisdom and discernment, which The Lord freely gives if we ask. God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, one never knows what might touch someone’s heart, plant a seed, or make them curiose, except God.
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Please post more of these. This made my day.
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Wow! I am saved, and God’s Grace does NOT come at a “Cheap” price. However, some of the comments here remind me of the Pharisees. Might want to take a look at what the Bible says about legalism. Matt 23. I am certainly NOT trying to offend anyone, but these “sayings” can be an “ice-breaker” for unsaved people to bring up in conversation (esp. with youth) opening the door to the serious conversation of SALVATION. I play in a Christian band mostly for youth. I am certainly not advocating trivializing the Lord here, jut making observation that if a 10.00 t-shirt means a soul might be saved, I don’t think the Lord will punish the person for wearing it. While I respect the views of those of you who do not agree with me, I believe that legalism is far worse than anything printed on this site. Lighten up a little and understand that even Jesus has a sense of humor and God created us with one too. Remember, If we ARE Christians, we are ALL serving the same Lord.
-In Christ
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So, Gary, I looked at Matthew 23. Non-applicable (N/A)
Verses 3-4 — don’t practice what they preach. N/A, unless you have pictures of Pilgrim in one of these shirts. 🙂
Verse 5 — wanting to be seen by others to be religious. Sounds like those who DO wear these shirts, if anyone.
6-12 — warning against wanting titles and wanting to be great. N/A
13 — keep others from the kingdom and don’t go in yourselves. N/A
14 — oppress widows, but make long pretentious prayers. N/A
15 — go to great lengths to convert someone and make him into a child of Hell. N/A.
16-22 — weird rules about oaths. This warns about trivialising God but having an appearance of religion, and seems a good reason to not wear these shirts.
23-24 — tithe small things but ignore justice, mercy, and faith. N/A, unless you are accusing those who criticise these shirts of ignoring justice, mercy, and faith.
25-27 — clean the outside, but corrupt inside. N/A, unless you accuse the critics of hypocrisy, harbouring secret sins and only having outward show in their faith..
The rest of the chapter talks about killing the prophets. Criticising these shirts is NOT comparable to killing prophets, as I’m sure you’ll agree. 🙂
“Might want to take a look at what the Bible says about legalism. Matt 23”
It only applies if you make very serious accusations against those who disagree with you. Doing that without evidence violates that “justice” thing mentioned in verses 23-24. Matthew 23 is NOT talking about believers having strict standards, it is talking about unsaved and murderous people hypocritically pretending to be good on the outside while inside they were hateful, violent, and completely corrupt.
***
To be clear, never will a $10 shirt mean someone will be saved. Salvation is a work of God, and he doesn’t need a $10 shirt or a $500 suit or anything anywhere in between. Your thinking here was man-centered. It is the Gospel which is the power of God unto salvation, not shirts or music or clever presentations or anything else. Note I Corinthians 2:1-5. It’s understandable, because so much evangelical thinking about evangelism is man-focused, but passages like this, and several in II Corinthians, as well as the very fact of God’s sovereignty, make it clear that the mentality of “Doing X to get more people saved” (whatever X might be) is simply not well-founded in Scripture.
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Wow..I read it all..and I am continually reminded that our aim as christians..is to get to know Jesus..to live a life that is pleasing to Him..and ultimately lead others to Him..so as we post…please..let’s bear that in mind.
So..yes..God is holy..yes there are different attributes of God..and it is helpful/necessary to guide others towards our revelation of who God is – as long as it is done with humility.
We must recognize that we are continually representing our Lord in all that we do…in our speech, dress..and conversation. Nothing that we do should detract from the holiness of God but something being humorous does not necessitate being ‘unholy’. However, the truth is, in far too many instances, I, along with some christians have erred on the side of not wanting to offend (when the truth may in fact be offensive). However, the fact remains that there is the chance too..that pride has an opportunity to surface when we speak with others of our biblical interpretations.
Loving people does not have to mean saying things that do not offend..but it does mean that we will choose our words and tone carefully. For all non-christians reading this..I hope that they will recognize the truths that have been debated about…without being turned off by the sometimes, very harsh responses.
The fact that I like the content of a few of the shirts is immaterial…what matters most is the truth of our Lord..and leading others towards that truth.
With love,
Annalee
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I think some of these teeshirts might be very effective with a certain age group. If something reminds kids that there is something out there besides Hip-hop, Electronic Dance Music, drugs, and video games, and gets them thinking even a little bit about Jesus, then I’m all for it. I don’t care how cheesy or commercial it is.
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So this is the day job of the guy that comes up with the horrible puns on the church billboard each week?
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Some of them weren’t bad, others made me cringe.
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Two things:
One. When I wear a cross or t-shirt, it may be a little cheesy or simplistic, but it’s not heresy and I can assure of one thing – if I’m wearing a shirt with the name of Jesus on it, I take a little more care how I act. I think that’s a good thing. Second, remember: They used to think Bach was of the Devil. In fact, they used to think musical instruments and singing was the path of backsliding. I am reminded not to call “unclean” what God has made clean.
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Has anyone seen a shirt or sticker that says -Jesus can be Your Savior now,
or later He will be Your Judge. Revelation 20:15
Your choice.
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Some thought provoking articles tend to bring about more provocation than thought.
What has been revealed is that so many professing Christians have an utter lack of solid scriptural/doctrinal foundation.
This is the fault of the elders who do not inculcate young and old alike to think and to think biblically
Typical believers could not explain and defend the Westminster confession.
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The Westminster’s position on the covenants, and a few other things, cannot be defended from the Bible, so it’s only right that at least parts of it cannot be explained 🙂
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Manfred I surrender. I will pick another document to illustrate a point from now on
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Manfred, perhaps Owens lessor and greater catechisms would be more acceptable?
imagine a pastor teaching them from the pulpit until the entire congregation knew them and understood them. The tares would set themselves on fire.
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Miller – Owen was nearly a Baptist in his later years. But I would use NO catechism that presents the Decalogue as God’s moral law. It ain’t the neat.
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Is it possible that this tshirt debate isn’t so black and white?
I fully agree that the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ should never be trivialized, cheapened, reworked or “rebranded” to make a profit, feed into vanity, sexualized or worst of all branded for reasons of pride.
Some of these t-shirts do come off as campy or cheesy and in my opinion just plain bad taste. I can definitely see how many of these images are disrespectful to the holy message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Most of us here realize that we cannot put our savior in a box or capture the unfathomable omnipotence of our holy GOD in slogans, bumper stickers or images HOWEVER…
Simple visual symbols have been used for thousands of years to communicate complex ideas, e.g., the payos (curled long side hair) worn by some Jewish men to emphasize the command to not round off the corners of their head. What about symbols used by early Christians such as doves, anchors, fish, ships
and even the cross itself. Keep in mind these people were being hunted down, slaughtered and fed to lions for entertainment. They needed ways to communicate with each other & spread the gospel “under the radar”.
I saw an earlier post condemning Christian symbolism on a lighter…seriously?
I didn’t realize an inanimate object or tool used to create fire was unholy. Is it wrong to have a lighter for camp fires, charcoal grills or candles? What about matches? Is fire itself a sin? Would you prefer a lighter with a sports team logo or a symbol indicating eternal salvation?
My point is that Christian imagery or symbolism can be ambiguous. It is up to the shirt designer or artist to not communicate the wrong message. I’m sure some of these artists know their error, some have ignorant good intentions and some are just in it for the money. These will all be judged accordingly and the true believers will be shown their error. Some preacher somewhere will ALWAYS find something wrong with any man made symbol regardless of the original artist’s intentions. (Please keep in mind I’m not speaking about idolatry- the worship of statues, paintings, beads, good luck trinkets or graven images…just symbols for communication).
Is using wit and clever wording always a sin?
Jesus used a ton of parables and spoke with a wit so sharp that it immediately struck the minds and hearts of those willing to hear.
Remember ” He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”. ??
This single phrase alone carries a depth that could (should) be studied, philosophized, written about and glorified until the end of time.
We were given extremely complex brains and deep imaginations. We write poetry, literature, paint, draw, joke, laugh, explore, ponder, philosophize, build and love. Can we not use these gifts to glorify and spread the gospel? Is it possible to use our minds to save lost souls through wit, clever wording, art and architecture?
If it’s possible then we should.
I see a bunch of posts pointing a finger of condemnation but offering no solutions. I see many stones being thrown. WE ALL, definitely me included fall short! If we didn’t we wouldn’t need the precious blood of THE LAMB to cover our sins.
It seems many posters here have a high opinion of themselves or their piety.
None of us should boast.
I’m sure many of us here have seen the 300lb woman sitting at the buffet after Sunday service gorging herself with the most unhealthy foods. In between bites of food and gasps for air she speaks in judgment of others and condemns certain people to hell. She sits high and mighty with her uncut hair and long skirt boasting about her religion or sect.
Hey, at least she isn’t wearing a T-shirt with a Christian message on it right??
If Christian messages on clothing is such a problem we need a line. If the line is ambiguous then maybe we as a community of believers should make a new law. A law to clean up our message and purge our churches of confusing imagery.
Our new law should be the removal of any and every symbol.
We as believers should remove all symbols, drawings, paintings and cartoons from our church buildings and homes.
Imagine taking down all those crosses atop all steeples. Imagine removing all stained glass depictions of our bible stories. What about the cartoons of Noah’s flood, Jonah & the whale or Moses presenting the law that many of our Sunday schools use to teach children the scriptures?
Of course we would never do all of these things because we understand the power of symbols. The simple symbol of a cross high in the air above a church spire is a beacon of light, hope and most importantly a symbol of the mercy and grace offered by our Holy Father through his Son Jesus Christ. This symbol is recognized by believer and unbeliever alike.
I believe the same goes with a T-shirt, lighter, necklace, bracelet, sweatshirt or shoes.
If I see a man standing on the street wearing a T-shirt with a cross on it I have a fairly good idea that he is in some way shape or form associated with Christianity.
What if he uses his shirt as a communication device?
Let’s say there’s an agnostic kid on that street lost in the sins of the world. Let’s say the guy with the cross T-shirt appears to this kid as relevant, cool and edgy.
Let’s say this guy has a certain demeanor or charisma to his way of walking and talking that is attractive to this lost kid.
Let’s say that this kid looks up to this guy as an example. Let’s say they get into conversation. Let’s say this guy is successful in showing the kid the error of his ways. Let’s say that the kid realizes his sins, repents and asks forgiveness.
Now imagine that the guy with the cross T-shirt doesn’t exist. That lost kid instead sees some button up, anal retentive, stiff, zero personality, cardboard cutout of a cold man pointing his finger, judging and rebuking everything around him.(similar to the pharisees of Christ’s time)…. The kid laughs, calls this cold man lame and goes on his way, lost forever.
Which situation do you prefer?
It is our duty, EVERY single one of us, to spread the gospel and save souls.
If a lighter with a cross on it helps break the ice and opens up a dialogue with an unbeliever, what atrocity has been committed?
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I agree with Ryan. I think (and this is my opinion) that God can use anything or anyone to save a soul—anything! Heck, I found Jesus on the internet—hello? Thats right—I Googled. And you know what?—Jesus’s name came up all over the place! And if it wasn’t for the internet and my seeking Him, I would be still walking in darkness—unsaved! Most would say I should have found Him in a church or in a Christian home, but such was not the case for me. We are suppose to be “fishers of men”. Im not saying I like all these t-shirts—ok well,—with the exception of one t-shirt, but if I was to wear that one t-shirt and it sparked conversation—then God can take it from there. Amen to that! Just getting someone to talk or ask questions about God is a miracle! God can move a person to seek, to ask questions, etc. Its not always about the object itself or even the symbol, its about how God can take a bad or a good thing (or ANYTHING for that matter) and bring about something good—a miracle! Is God not bigger than these t-shirts? Can He not use the internet to save people or Facebook or even these t-shirts? Of course He can! Thats what makes Him so AMAZING! I don’t know who is making these t-shirts or why (various reasons, Im sure). All I know is that I have seen God make miracles and He can use ANYTHING or ANYONE, or any ENVIRONMENT or ANY SITUATION to save a soul. And before I conclude, I just want to say that the attack on Larry for his opinion is no different than the village people who were ready to stone the adulterer. Shame on you all (and you all know who you are). Your behavior is worse than some of those t-shirts you loath so much. What you did was publicly display your character(s) as mean Christians. You did not express any of the fruits of the spirit—the first one being love. We are ALL sinners— and to jump on one person just because of difference of opinion—even so far as questioning ones spiritual status is not your place, but God’s. It is this very behavior that makes those who are “walking in darkness”, turn their nose up on Christianity when they see such behavior. How can we claim to be “loving” Christians who want to spread the gospel if we then go and attack a brother/sister in Christ just because he/she has a different opinion about a t-shirt? Is that “Christ-like” behavior? It wasn’t even done in a loving way, it was just a straight up attack! Is it any wonder why most people don’t view the church as loving or merciful? How can they when a few in the church are so quick to throw stones and judge—even to a potential brother/sister in Christ? Even if they weren’t part of the kingdom, where was the love in your tone(s)? May God bless all the commenters on this forum, but more importantly, may our eyes be open to HIS WISDOM!
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Yes this is all so wrog i agree. after reading about 5 negative things said without a positive solution i had to stop reading all this negativity even though they were right. let me give an example of what we should already know an eye for an eye,
do we fight fire with fire even though we are in the right; not in Gods eyes we do. so were is the true weapon of faith that brings forth a solution. i do use this phrase to help free my mind from negativity and apply it for different situations ” instead of coming up with excuses come up with solutions. i will pray and ask the LordGod to help me make a trusted Christian only t shirt shop not for profit but because i am a fighting soldier of God allmighty. i put on the armer of God when i wake up and again before i go to bed to protect and free my mind.
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p.s. and know this i am not angry but extremely hurt, that people are trying to make my LordGod out to be a clown. i will do whatever i can to provide another direction or source for people to get good t shirts.
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A lot of these are highly insulting because these ignorant people are taking God’s word/Gospel and twisting it and making it seem that if you don’t worship him and call him your savior he’s gonna come down and scare the living day lights out of you. My thoughts on this was based on all the shirts I saw with fiery skull heads on them. But honestly what follower would buy that.
It’s like a demon is selling this stuff
As a 14 year old and not being very experienced and ‘wise’ in this situation but it doesn’t take a lot to catch that these T-shirts have a mocking aura towards God. And a lot of the makers make them sound so ‘Christian like’ to have a Christian shirt and I get that but I just want to advise to people to at least look up that religious text before you purchase something with a bible verse on it. Most of the time the bible verse doesn’t even say that but you think it does so you end up giving your money to fake followers of Jesus Christ.
But I really liked the one with the Jesus buzzer thing. I see those a lot but they have ‘easy’ on them.
P.S. I was just stating what I thought. And I’m not looking for an argument 😉
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In the late 80s there was a Christian t-shirt company, Theocratic Thrash, that put out black shirts with white pentagram/goat head symbols, and then this image was crossed out with an X in blood. I bought one, wore it to my job at a high end bookstore in Hollywood on Halloween Night, and made a witch turn pale, her pupils pinpoints with rage, She left the store. We need more shirts like that, no words, just damning images that cut to the quick and get the job done.
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I’ve been looking for Christian t-shirts that simply display my faith to others who are passing by. My real intent is to 1) remind other Christians to be outspoken about their faith in a time when many Christians are hiding from the increasingly secular culture and 2) engage others in conversation. My thoughts have ranged from just a simple cross in the front of the t-shirt or golf shirt to this, which I wore to six flags last week (http://christianbook.com/this-shirt-is-illegal-black-large/pd/0197L), to just scripture reminding believers to expect persecution, or a proclamation to unbelievers that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. If you have any GOOD shirt ideas, let me know. Otherwise, I’m going to design my own using Fiverr since so many are cheesy. Appreciate advice on this. Blessings to you sisters and brothers!
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We are a word-inundated society, not a Word-inundated society. No words, brother. Words confuse, and many English speaking people can’t read fast enough to see what’s on your shirt, so what about the millions who have English as a second or even third language? No words. Symbols only. The Cross is powerful enough without words. In a former post here, I talked about how I used to wear a black T with a well-designed Pentagram with a goat head in its center and then the whole thing was marked out with a giant X made of the Blood. We need a whole line of Ts that have no words, only obvious symbols.
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But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:33 i would proudly wear these shirts.you never know who you witnessed to by professing your faith on your clothing. We have more important things to worry about than t-shirts!!! For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Ephesians 6:12
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I clicked on this site because I’m a screenprinter who is about to start selling Christian tee-shirts on the web, and I am interested in what designs are already out there. I wouldn’t sell these designs, but Christians attacking Christians over tee-shirts seems worse than the tee-shirts themselves. As Charlotte points out, we have greater enemies than each other. Rather, “… encourage one another and build one another up… Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” 1Thes. 5:11-5:14 Let’s not be a house divided.
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Yeah, you know the problem is we have two camps of “Christians” out there today. In one camp, we have the false-converts who claim to be saved, but know nothing of true repentance and the saving grace of a sovereign God. The other camp belongs to those who have been saved and everything is a matter of God being glorified.
Those who would defend a DJ Jesus and a rapper God obviously knows nothing of the dear Saviour and thus cannot live a glorifying life and do what he must to bring Christ glory in word, action and thought. He doesn’t understand why some T-shirts are a slap in Christ’s face. He thinks he is witnessing, he thinks he is doing works…but alas, he is just following the rest of the flock in a well-designed deception.
Those who are biblically saved live day to day with Christ’s sacrifice at the forefront of their minds, motives and decisions. Are we examples of the church or the world? Are we stumbling blocks to those weaker brothers and sisters? Are we living our lives as a continual thank you to Christ for His work? If I wear a T-shirt that has ‘Christian Chicks’ on it, will I bring glory to God and honor His lovely work on the cross? Or will I be dishonoring Him and bringing derision to His name?
Those who defend their right to do whatever “they feel is right” are missing the boat and are deceived. There is no real fighting against Christians, just between real Christians and false-Christians. Unfortunately, neither will win this war, and the real Christians need to not concern themselves with such trivial matters. It distracts from our real work of the Gospel.
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eliza volkmann, the true division is as thegospelvideoblog outlined above. in the end, anyone can claim to be a christian but in the end god’s word has the final say. false christians have their bro jesus which the bible would not support. god loves us but as our father and savior, no less than that. false christians think they are doing good but are actually doing harm because they are spreading their own word rather than god’s word.
with that said, here are my thoughts then objectively considering christian shirt designs for your feedback. first, there is that consideration of messages genuinely consistent with the bible. so all those trivializing god are blasphemous and no good. most of the shirts above fail because of this very factor.
second, there is the factor that people think god needs to be made worldly for the sake of making him relate-able. this is particularly ironic when it uses sins to hook people in such as drinking, rebelliousness, sex, drugs, darkness and death, etc.
on a lesser scale, there are those that associate him with popular objects such as apple devices and facebook. these are probably going to have less aggressive rejection however neither will they be truly strong because in the end they are just spoofs and ripoffs which emphasizes how these are merely merchandise rather than truly uplifting christian products. as an entrepreneur you might ignore this advice as you might indeed prioritize selling merchandise but a truly mature christian would avoid it.
what i personally find acceptable is using the generic positive concepts such as those related to music and then associate these as a form of praise. those with the drums and the guitar and drums are actually acceptable in my opinion nor can i objectively think of anything contradictory to scripture at the moment. i don’t believe they deserve to be included here.
in light of that last idea, i would suggest to sticking at least with other such generic concepts. they would merely be like inspirational quotes. don’t blaspheme or trivialize god and our relationship, don’t bother trying to be hip by unnecessarily pandering to socially trending concepts, or worse, to sin and vices. you should stay simply in the range of inspirational verses with generic beautiful supporting design if you want to be safe.
or of course there is also the choice to be more heavily scripture-based in both message and design. base on verses about salvation and god’s glory, mercy,, and blessing, etc. and use appropriate christian symbolism. this is also more akin to the true christianity because a true christian would not worry about being accepted by the world with a watered-down false word but about spreading the true gospel.
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