Sensational Advertising by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · May 23, 1912

Sensational Advertising

By Editor

THE question of how to reach the people is one which deeply concerns every minister of Christ. Proper advertising is a blessing in Christian work. There is no reason why the minister of the gospel should not acquaint the public with his services, and by every consistent means seek to secure the attendance of the people. However, in the growing competition which exists at the present time between churches and worldly attractions, methods are sometimes employed by the Christian minister which savor strongly of the sensational, and it is a question if the minister who does this does not lower the character of his work in the minds of sober-thinking people. Speaking of this, the Lutheran of Jan. 4, 1912, says:—

In front of certain church doors are hung up large advertisements of special attractions,—such as noted singers, magnetic speakers, sensational themes, unusual programs, magic-lantern talks on Scriptural subjects, moving-picture descriptions of religious scenes and facts,—anything and everything that is outside of the ordinary routine of a legitimate and edifying service. Even where these unusual attractions are not advertised with such characteristic bad taste as to put the church of Christ on a level with the theater and other worldly institutions, much effort is expended in providing what will appeal to the novelty-seeker.