I’m regularly puzzled by the advertising that appears on the SA website

For example, at the moment I’m currently looking at an advertising box that says:

Once every ten years … since the 16th century…in Oberammergau, Germany…the Passion Play is performed

Experience this once in a lifetime event with …[sponsor and advertising details]

Now a lazy google brings up this link to an article entitled “The Play that Carries a Plague”, from the religion online website, including quotes like:

That the Roman Catholic Church blesses such a representation and that Protestants, beguiled by romantic publicity, countenance it is evidence of a shocking weakness in religious and moral sensitivity.

Lots of other good stuff too, including a fine usage of the word ‘folderol’, an expression I haven’t seen or heard for quite a while but seems a rather good one in this context.

I don’t know if the article is on the mark or not. But I was wondering why we are advertising Roman Catholic folk dramas with anti-Semitic associations (see the wikipedia article, etc.) on the Sydney Anglicans website?

And apart from capacity to pay, what theological criteria are applied to advertisers generally?

And is this a good way to be encouraging Christians to spend their money?

Hi Gordon,

Your linked article is apparently a review from 1960.

It could be a touch out of date… 8-)

The Oberammergau script has been revised significantly since then to address charges of anti-Semitism.

This Christianity Today article reports on the changes made for the year 2000 Oberammergau play.

Grace & peace,
Terry

Gordo, the AMS policy is that advertising is accepted at the discretion of the editor.

The policy does not flesh out any theological criteria but allows Mark (web) or me (paper) the final call.

I think that’s very wise for reasons I am happy to discuss offline.

While our strategy remains aimed at providing a free news service, we will continue to have to balance the need to raise advertising revenue to cover costs. I am well aware that Matthias Media has chosen a different model (subscription/cover price). That has its strengths and weaknesses as well as you are no doubt aware

However, I can assure everyone we are not about to sell our souls to the devil.

In the past year there are are at least two examples of Southern Cross turning down big advertising $$ because it conflicts with the aims of the Diocese of Sydney…

Yep, that 12- page World Youth day guide hit the wall. Best after church drinking holes, ditto. Full page ad for Episcopal Life, gone. Indulgences classifieds page killed stone dead.

John Sandeman - 29 April 2008 04:53 PM

Yep, that 12- page World Youth day guide hit the wall. Best after church drinking holes, ditto. Full page ad for Episcopal Life, gone. Indulgences classifieds page killed stone dead.

I was hoping to see an ad for the new life-like action-figures of “Superapostle" Jensen with his word sword engraved with Eph 6:17
8-)
Terry

Terry Gallagher - 29 April 2008 03:28 PM

Hi Gordon,

Your linked article is apparently a review from 1960.

It could be a touch out of date… 8-)

Yes, I did notice that, but such was the attraction of the word ‘folderol’ that I couldn’t resist. And it allows latitude for the sponsor or someone to come along and explain that following Protestant complaints, the 2010 Oberammergau will now feature a tacked on (sorry) bit where a local peasant dressed as Martin Luther comes along and nails 95 theses to the village cat, or something.

I know almost nothing about Oberammergau except its alleged nature as folk folderol of the RC variety! It was really a question about advertising policy, which Jeremy has now clarified a bit. Thanks Jeremy!

Anyway, if I can just ask the specific question then, is there a reason why the Roman Catholic folderol that is Oberammergau gets the advertising nod? Who knows, the Protestant Reformation may have bitten deep since the 2000 event and the play may be a pretty good piece of evangelism by now. But even so, aren’t there better evangelistic events at home that we could consider advertising instead?

And if Oberammergau 2010 really still is essentially a piece of folk Roman Catholicism, then I have to say I’m still a bit concerned.

Am I right in thinking the Oberammergau advertising has disappeared?

If so, credit to those behind the decision.

Not for policy reasons -

We have asked the tour operator some hard questions about the event.

The answer is that while its true the play has origins in medieval Catholicism, the entire dialogue of the current play comes straight from the Bible. So they were surprised Syd Angs would object.

Happy to continue investigating if people have further concerns.

In my mind its in the same category as Gibson’s film ‘Passion of the Christ’. Use with caution but not blanket ‘off limits’.

Yes, that’s an interesting one, Jeremy.

Did SA advertise POTC? I can’t recall. I’d have similar questions about that. Except that it’s not as expensive to go to the movies as it is to go to Germany to watch folderol ;-)

‘folderol’

Is that a kind of anaesthetic, or a dental hygienist chewing gum? Not sure why, but it sounds medical and kind of stinky.

I dunno Dave, but it is such a good word that I have been using it all week. As far as dentistry goes, I believe you can use ‘folderol’ while flossing.

Did SA advertise POTC?

Yes. We regularly run adverts for movies… presumably because the distributor is targeting the Christian market…

Movies are pretty tricky for us to check because there is not always previews on before we are asked to run the ad!

Hey Gordon,

Just opened this site and there on page one on my screen was ‘that’ advert !
( Why is Skyhooks’ “Horror Movies” ringing through my head ? )

Yes, “they’re back”. Is it true that you’ve been approached to be the tour leader ?

What i find hilarious is the ‘once in a lifetime’ tagline.

If this runs every 10 years, than your average Aussie could expect to have at least 5 opportunities to see it! And each season runs for 5 months!

Tom Melbourne - 13 June 2008 10:44 AM

What i find hilarious is the ‘once in a lifetime’ tagline.

maybe it’s a subtle reference to the rising price of oil and in 10 years time no one will be flying nowhere?