Viewing Religion from a Marketing Standpoint.

Today, I"m in a rambling and philosophical frame of mind. Perhaps its our new Chinese New Year - the Year of the (Golden) Pig, or that we just entered Pisces. Regardless, here's what is bouncing off the inner portions of my Parietal Bones.

Consider religion from the vantage point of marketing. We can take Christianity in its many flavors and step away from the Faith/Emotionally-based aspects of this religion look at it from a marketing/sales perspective. It makes me admire the whole religion business. (As some of you might know, many of my ancestors were preachers - they couldn't resist the light work load).

Tangents aside, a select group of people (priests/preachers) have convinced a bunch of other people (church goers) that two unseen, unfelt, unheard entities (God vs. Devil) are battling over something that these people may or may not have (a Soul). Think about that for a moment. Talk about selling something that is extremely intangible! In fact, the primary usage of the product (salvation) cannot be used until the buyer is dead. Its really amazing to think about. I mean no one really needed a "My Puppy Puddles", but at least you had a tangible product that you could fill full of water and red food dye and redecorate the furniture with.

The architects of this amazing marketing plan had big upsell plans with their loyal customers. Through the use of repetition and perhaps a bit of intimidation, the marketers (preachers) coral their customers (congregation) into their store (church) every Sunday, tell them the same stories over and over again (all of which are designed to enhance customer confidence and satisfaction with their purchase). Many of these preachers collect a weekly subscription for their add-on services. While some more ambitious sellers/preachers are on the TV/Internet collecting their dues and subscriptions that way.

The marketers have a wonderful ad campaign against their competitors, reluctant and/or non-interested buyers. They simply inform them (usually with much feeling) that they will burn in a place called "Hell" for "Eternity". Wow, now that's some sales pressure. You thought the car salespeople are bad... nothing in comparison to these cats!

Those in the Christian branch of the religion business consistently refer to their sales book (Bible) which contains a great deal of circular logic (i.e. The book is the word of God, while being written by a group of men. Since God doesn't seem to make the daily rounds here on Earth, the buyers are asked to have "faith"). Another brilliant marketing plan.

Summary

• Buy Product (Salvation) = Product promised to be delivered upon death (product sold AS-IS, no warranties or guarantees provided).
• Product Reinforcement (Weekly Church) with Upsell (Tithing).
• Intensive Marketing Campaign provides potential customers with wonderful product promises and horrifying consequences for those who don't purchase Soul Insurance.
  

The whole marketing plan is rather brilliant, if not a bit shady. Nevertheless, its something to behold.