At work, I got a letter offering me a subscription to American Photography for free because of what I do in my job at the church. Am I really their audience? Well, given how I use photography in my work, maybe. I went ahead. The magazine would be sent to my work address.
Yesterday, the first issue showed up. One of the secretaries who helps me out a lot brought it to me and joked “You have this come to the church?”
The bikini-clad model on the cover of American Photography was out of place. The model was decent, but not exactly how one dresses for church.
Now, I don’t have a problem with bikini-clad models. Had it not been in the church office, my first thought would have been “How did the photographer accomplish the lighting?” What did you expect? I’m a happily married nerd.
But this felt out of place. Worse, the secretary didn’t care, but chances are someone would. My job is to help strengthen the church, not create a new controversy to struggle over. Someone with a problem in that area might stumble. Someone concerned about appearances might get upset. Those concerned with the sexualized images of women foisted upon society would be offended.
Today, I’ll call the publisher and ask if the subscription can be moved to my home. If so, fine. If not, I’ll ask them to cancel it.
Is that overkill? Probably. Working in a church, the question is not “What are my rights and what can I get away with?” The question is “What works toward the common goal of bringing glory to Jesus Christ and strengthening His church?
That’s what I face with this blog as well.
April 15th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Just the way you presented it, is funny. But I will say it is just a picture, yes maybe there are those that might struggle with that image due to other problems they have to deal with, but if you don’t go flaunting the magazine, how many really are going to see it?