The Religion of Walmart

A few weeks ago, an acquaintance needed a new pair of glasses. He usually goes to Walmart because they are close and the most affordable. However, he wanted them ASAP and could not wait the usual 10 to 14 days that it took for Walmart.

So he went to a competitor who offered same day service. The price of the glasses was close to what he would have paid at Walmart until the technician said, “Would you like the warranty?” The warranty was separate from the price of the glasses, and my friend told the technician, “Walmart includes the warranty.” Some discussion ensued, and soon the manager came over, and the customer pointed out that Walmart’s price included a warranty. Their warranty was an up charge.

The manager said, “This isn’t Walmart.” My friend said, “Walmart is your competitor.”

The manager replied, “They are a large out-of-state retailer, and my store is just one of seven, and why would you give your money to a company who takes the profits out of the local area?” My friend said, “Walmart is your competitor.”

The manager said, “You’re mixing apples and oranges!” “Not so,” my friend said. “Walmart sells glasses, and you sell glasses, so they are your competitor.”

The exchange went on for a few minutes, and finally the manager got the hint that unless the warranty was included at no extra charge, my friend will leave. In the end, the manager gave my friend an AARP discount which made the price of the glasses, including warranty, a little cheaper than Walmart’s price.

Now you ask, “What is this all about?” “what’s the point?” This is a David versus Goliath scenario. “David,” is the local business. “Goliath” is a Walmart. David must compete with Goliath. Goliath won. The local business can’t compete head-to-head with the giant Walmart. It must cross its fingers and hope not everyone shops at Walmart.

While pondering this episode, I connected this to American religion. First, what is Walmart? It is the business model of merchandizing in America. Forget about its behemoth size and its connection to cheap imports. Consider what its presence in retail America dictates. Walmart began as a small town five and dime store in Arkansas. Sam Walton reduced costs by revolutionizing the supply side and warehousing of merchandise. This brought about savings, which he passed along to his customers; this built his business. He was a major pioneer in the distribution center, which is now considered a given in retail business.

So again, what do buying eyeglasses at Walmart and religion have in common? Walmart forces their competitors (other retailers) to compete with them. In the business world, this is called a market leader and price setter. Few competitors can compete head-to-head with Walmart and win. Their sheer size and volume discount drives out competitors. Driving one’s competitors out of business is the name of the game.

Christianity is suffering from the Walmart syndrome. Churches compete. The church at large is no longer a cohesive unit. Not too long ago, Catholic and Protestant denominations shared core beliefs. While no one was paying attention, liberalism crept into the church. The leaders of divinity schools demanded that the church jettison it’s rock of ages theology and morality and embrace progressive views of scripture, sexuality, and become culturally relevant. Social action replaced evangelism. Vatican II swept away centuries of Catholic tradition, including the Latin Mass. Since then, the Catholic church has realized a decline in its membership and a loosing of morality.

Look around. Gone are the religious ministries and action groups that were the watchdogs of morality. In their place are political action groups and social justice ministries. Protestantism is in a free fall and all mainline denominations now embraced abortion, feminism, homosexuality, no-fault divorce, transgenderism, and a slew of isms ad nauseam. You will not hear the cost of discipleship coming from the lips of most TV pastors and televangelists. Many programs are only slick infomercials with a demand that the viewer send them a sizable donation so that God can bless them.

The church stands silent as Hollywood bashes Christianity and makes believing in Jesus a comedy show. Where was the outrage to ABC’s sitcom GCB (Good Christian Bitches)? The fact that they can broadcast a show like this says the entertainment moguls hate God and aren’t worried about Christian blow-back. Christianity in America is taking a pounding. Why doesn’t Hollywood produce a show and call it “Good Jewish” or “Good Muslim Bitches?” Because the Jewish Anti-Defamation League will come down with a vengeance shrieking antisemitism. Muslims will kill the actors, writers, and producers. Christians keep watching, laughing, and buying the sponsor’s products.

Dante, the 13th century playwright, declares the “worst traitors” are those from within. The traitors from within Christianity demand that we become relevant and discard the core morality of Christianity so that we can connect to the modern world. The church continues to cave in their demands. All across America pulpits are filled with clergy who reject historical orthodox Christianity. Many believe humans are not sinners: people don’t need redeemed: Jesus was not God: did not die for our sins: did not rise from the dead: and many other beliefs of heresy and apostasy.

The church of Walmart has created a church seekers paradise. People can shop around and find a church to their liking and flavor. Don’t want to hear about sin? There’s a church just down the street you will feel comfortable in. Want to feel sexually liberated, there’s a church on main street for you. You like to entertained? There’s a church that puts on a good show every Sunday out on the highway. Looking for a church that believes the Bible? It closed last week.  They couldn’t find a pastor. Think I’m making this stuff up? I only wish this was dream instead of a living nightmare.