I've been noticing the NOTW symbol on the back of truck windows and SUVs for a few months now. I never really figured out what it stood for. I figured it was some Christian thing. Last night I dreamed that zombie people wearing these T-shirts with this emblem, were trying to kill me. My mind works in odd ways, dreams are one of the ways my mind functions to resolve problems. I knew upon waking that if I did not find the answer, the zombies would be back again tonight. So, I resolved to find the source.
It turns out to be a crass commercialization of Christian imagery and not really worth my time. but....
"Not Of This World" is an alternative lifestyle brand that goes beyond the norm. NOTW is an identity set apart, designed to save and empower lives.
Uniquely made and part of a bigger plan, NOTW provides fashion that communicates the grace, truth and love of Jesus. It is about you and the One who loves you most.
Source: NOTW Clothing - Not of This World - Wholesale Christian T-Shirts & Apparel
They have a web based alter call. That makes it ok to see cutting edge Christian clothing embellished with in-your-face imagery. Whoohoo - I love America! Now, where are those damn money changers?
It's stunning that someone can miss the irony of buying logo merchandise to demonstrate how above worldly concerns they are. But if the flock start actually reading their Bibles the churches are in big, big trouble.
ReplyDeleteOf course, this shouldn't be confused with "Not of This Earth," a sci-fi soft-porn movie. :)
ReplyDeleteI tend to take the NOTW in a whole different direction. While my wife considers the sticker caring and thoughtful, the intent is true, she is NOT OF THIS WORLD!
ReplyDeleteI wonder why it is that if anyone in the world makes a buck selling clothes for Chrissake, it's perfectly okay. Yet somehow if a Christian sells anything that in any way encourages people to follow God, it's some abominal sin.
ReplyDeleteAll your favorite bands sell fucking t-shirts. Why don't you give them shit for it?
Sublime Red hot chili peppers Dave Mathews Band Bob Marley & The Wailers Burning Spear Cake Counting Crows The Dandy Warhols Green Day Weezer Pearl Jam Supertramp
Oh. Because you and the whole of atheists are fucking liars and hypocrites yourselves. Put that in your pipe and smoke it bitch.
Ok, to the annoying person by the name of “Anonymous said...” who posted at 8:14 PM (just to be more precise so everyone will know specifically, whom I am addressing)
ReplyDeleteOi-vé! That is not something that will make you look any smarter, by saying bad words you just belittle yourself in public, where anyone can see the daft remark which doesn’t even make since. I find it to be interesting and good that this person would take the time to gain knowledge and understanding on this matter. Hopefully, this will further the Christian’s love for Christ, and for them to show and be an example to the world, and bring others to him our Savior! I like the phrase, because it states a fact people often miss, the Lord is Not of This World. If you pray for material things, the Lord may chose to answer it with a yes, no, or later… Most of the time, we don’t need material things, so the Lord answers it with a no. But sometimes for reasons we do not understand he answers yes, even unto unsaved sinners. I find this to be wonderful, because he loves us even though we have sinned. He even gave His only Son to die on the cross, for us. Now, that is true grace. If I had a son, I would never let him give up his life for people who didn’t deserve it. But He loves us that much! Have you ever thought of that? That someone gave up their own life to save you? It’s true! And I hope that more people try to find out what “NOTW” means, find out, and come to Christ. Praise the Lord! Have a wonderful day!
Ps. And addressing the part about the selling merchandise, I think its ok sometimes. Because it reminds some people to keep going and act like what God wants them to act like. But I don’t necessarily believe that churches should sell the merchandise in the lobby of the church or something like that (see Mark 11:15-17). I think it is ok when it’s sold at a separate store farther away from church. I like stores like Lifeway because they close on Sunday.
@ John - there is nothing ironic about that - i think you need to lookup the definition. Just because someone buys a shirt or a symbol doesn't mean they aren't above worldly concerns. If anything it shows that much more that they are above worldly concerns, because they are openly talking about how they are.
ReplyDeleteHow will churches be in ' trouble' if people read there bibles? All real christian churches read the bible all the time - that's why their so strong and confident - the only one not reading scripture is you.