Coca-Cola Evangelism
Todd Rhoades, at Monday Morning Insight, shared this insightful post from Christianity Plus:
The Impact of Coca Cola
91% of the world's population has heard of Coke.
74% have seen Coke
51% have tasted Coke
yet only 10% of the world's population has heard the Gospel.
If Coca-Cola were in charge of world evangelism then we would be done by now.
Is it true that only 10% have heard the gospel? I tried to look at the Christianity Plus site but it kept coming up page not found. I have seen other estimates that said 98% have heard and another said 70% - 80%. Do you know why there is such a difference in the estimates?
ReplyDeleteJonathan Wilson
Don't know why the link isn't working. I, too, thought 10% seemed low -- but I guess it depends on how you define "hearing the Gospel" They might have heard of God -- but have they heard about grace,and how the love of Jesus is reaching out to each of us, to save us from our sins and give us a new life -- both now and in eternity? They might have heard of Christianity -- but have they heard the message of Christ?
ReplyDeleteCompanies like Coke, Pepsi, Anheuser Busch, or any other successful company, strive to do outreach. This is their mission. They are not satisfied with feeding (in this case, satisfying the thirst) of only those that work for their company. Each year the goal is to increase market share, not only worldwide, but in their own community. Sadly, the goal of many Churches is to sit back and enjoy their Cokes, while the rest of the world dies of thirst (including those in their own backyard).
ReplyDeleteHi Mark,
ReplyDeleteWhatever the percentages Coke is doing a pretty good job. I like your perspective too Linda.
We hear of Cola wars but no blood is shed there. However, plenty of blood is spilt over religious differences. I think the difference between Coke's successful progress and the progress of the gospel is the spiritual battle. Coke doesn't have to worry about that aspect. You see Coke just has to appeal to my carnal desires (thirst, taste, look), and that's an easy sell. But facing someone with the spiritual truth about their sin is a pretty hard sell.
Over at the Australian Pastors blog (Ra'ah) we've just begun a discussion about faith sharing and inclusion. We'd really value your input. I'm adding a link to this post.
Keep spreading the Word.