altar’d state

let me say, first of all, that i don’t have a problem with organized religion. i think that it serves a very important purpose for people. and if it works for you, AWESOME. i also think that religion teaches some very important lessons and that a people who are “true christians” should be commended.

HOWEVER (let me get my soap box out real quick) does jesus really want you to do whatever it is you are doing in his name? do you really need to create a mega-church that cost millions of dollars to spread the word? where in the bible does it talk about spreading hate because people are different? and should you really be using your faith to sell clothing?

a new store opened in the shopping area i go to called alter’d state. b’s sister had been and said that had cute stuff and i am always on the hunt for new places to shop. so we went to check it out. they have cute clothes. several brands that i really like. we found his sister a bday present and i picked out a sweater. i saw that they sold art with bible verses on it as well as all kinds of sorority themed crap. this is not unusual down here. i was also pleased that they had a nice selection of TOMS, Hobo purses and some nice scarves, the proceeds of which help impoverished women in some third world country (sorry i am an asshole and can’t remember). so we buy our goods and the woman hands me a bag, and there it is…their slogan…

…”where fashion and faith come together…”

WHAT? UH…this is a joke right? what the hell are religion and clothing doing together? i am not talking about clothing with scripture on it either….just boutique brands you see in other stores being sold under the guise of christianity. is this not totally effed to anyone else? also, these stores claim to be locally owned and i suppose they are…just like your hometown mcdonalds is locally owned. it is a chain. started by some guys who saw an opportunity to tap into an $8 million dollar industry of young, trendy, christians, who need the latest jean trends to look cute at their contemporary rock church service.

i just puked in my mouth.

the knoxville, tn Alter’d State’s facebook page’s about me section reads “We are a uniquely different Christian retailer, called to enrich lives and make a positive impact in our communities by growing a business for His glory.”

they do sell retail that gives back, like TOMS and they do pay their employees for doing community service, but as a good christian shouldn’t they be doing it anyway? and what about the profits? is that all going to the church? i doubt it.

i thought this status update from the huntsville, al store was AWESOME

mmmmm fashion, faith AND body image issues! YAY!

after googling them i see that their other store have the distinction of being a “christian store” under their name on their signage. this is not the case of the store in rogers, ar or i probably never would have walked in.

while i appreciate that they give back to the community and offer lines that do the same, i think that adding the tag of christian to something just to reach a certain audience is bullshit. and my god feels the same way.

so will i still shop there? ugh…maybe. i was so excited for cute clothes. maybe i will only shop on monday, when 10% of the sales goes to a local charity. i think they were headed in the right direction here and i do think more companies should give back. but please! PLEASE! leave god out of it! i thought it was supposed to be a personal relationship between you and the big guy… not you, the big guy and your $100 jeans.

okay, rant over…for now