How much is that Christianity in the window?
written by Leigh Riches.
2001 Oakden Baptist Church


How much is that Christianity in the window?



Stage: Small table and a box containing other boxes.

Setting: A shop keeper with apron on is putting away some boxes of groceries, a shopper is passing by... stops and looks in the window, hesitates and them comes in.


Shopper: Excuse me... (shop keeper turns) .. I'm not sure if you can help me... um.. I'm looking for Christianity - do you know where I could find it?

Keeper: (Puts down what he is holding) .... Christianity... why would you be looking for that?

Shopper: I've started thinking more about life - I've got some friends who are Christians and it's really changed their life, and.... well, I want the same for my life..."

Keeper: Hmm... Christianity... that costs a lot.... have you considered a cheaper alternative?...

Shopper: Alternative.... what do you mean?..


Keeper: Let me explain... You go into the Supermarket looking for something.... say.... "Coco Pops".... And you find them, but right along side them you suddenly see 'Coco-puffs',.. and then you see Choco-Pops and 'choc-bombs'. They're all there AND they're cheaper than the genuine article and practically then same thing - why not consider the cheaper ones.

Shopper: So... you mean.....

Keeper: (slapping a box in the table) Allow me to introduce you to 'Say-Right'!

Shopper: Say-Right?

Keeper: Yes, Say-Right. (reading from the box) "Contains all the good words from Christianity.... Say the right words at the right time, and you'll feel good about yourself and make others feel good too. Christianity-like speaking at a budget price... Say-Right 'Talk is cheap'"... - that's their slogan. The beauty of this one is it cost's next to nothing. Say a few good, Christian-type words and that's it. No other cost or commitment.... would you like a free sample.

Shopper: uh... yeah...

Keeper: (with false sincerity) "You know, you're looking a bit down lately.... I'll pray for you"..... (normal voice)- And that's just one of them... would like to buy the whole box?

Shopper: Well... It sounds good, but I'm not sure it's quite the same.....

Keeper: Yes.... I can see that you're a discerning shopper...Perhaps you should consider (put's second box on table) "Do-Good".

Shopper: (impressed) "Do-Good" - what's that all about?

Keeper: 'Do-Good' costs a little more that 'say-right' - It's about doing good things for other people. (reading from box) "Try some 'Do-Good' once a day and you'll be helping yourself and others too. A serve each day represents TWICE the recommended weekly requirements.'Do-Good..... It's not bad' " - That's their slogan!

Shopper: That sounds OK... what does it cost?

Keeper: Well,.. It's going to cost you a bit of time, a bit of thought, you might even have to put others needs before your own sometimes... but that's basically it.


Shopper: That's it?... I guess I always thought there was a bit more to Christianity.... (considering)... Is there anything else.

Keeper: (hesitating)..... well.... there is one more - it costs more than the other two..... but...... I think it might be what you're looking for... (slaps a third box down) "Church ianity" - It even sounds the same.

Shopper: Church ianity - yeah.. I've heard of that - what's it all about??

Keeper: (reading from box) "Church ianity - the ultimate feel-good experience. Relate with other Church ians and even Christ ians on a similar level without the un-neccessary expense. " (to shopper) - on a good Sunday, most people won't be able to tell the difference - you want their slogan? ..... "Churchianity - 1 day out of seven ain't bad !"

Shopper: I think that's what I'm after - how much does it cost?

Keeper: Well.... it's not cheap. It'll cost you a bit of time on the weekend, 1 - maybe even two Church services, you'll need to sing, pray and even put some money in the offering when it comes past.... BUT - and here's the good part - that's where the commitment ends . - You've done all the things that Christians do on Sunday but you've still got the rest of the week to yourself - You can't beat it.

Shopper: I think this is it.... (excitedly).... Does it come with Forgiveness of Sin, Salvation by Grace, Acceptance by God, and Free Eternal Life?


Keeper: (pauses).... I'll... check the box..... (reading box)..... It comes with a free gold lapel pin..... (shopper starts to look dejected).... (exasperated) Look, I don't know what the problem is. I've given you some excellent alternatives that cost a LOT less than the genuine article and yet you still want Christianity.

Shopper: (pleading) Well.... how much does Christianity cost anyway?

Keeper: (long pause)... I don't know..... maybe you should ask a Christian .


End.