Where Would Jesus Shop?

I saw this up at AdFreak, who many moons ago I promised not to link to, but the fence is mended now and they frequently find some gems like this.

Seems Pastor Joe Phelps of Louisville, Kentucky is urging everyone to boycott Wal-Mart because they aren't acting right when it comes to healthcare, among other concerns. (And if I remember correctly, the New Testament guarantees affordable healthcare to everyone.) Joe is part of the Wake Up Wal-Mart group that urges people to waste their energy fighting the One True Beast. I hear you can buy a few items for $6.66 at Wal-Mart too. Joe's brief message is below.


And now, in the interest of equal time, a word from Jesus:

Back in the day, I frequented whatever market was closest to the crib. There was this one, Cornelius and Jonah's Discount Emporium, which was just around the corner from where the disciples and me were hangin' in Capernaum, and it was rumored to have really poor manager/employee relations as well as being a blatant polluter of the wells in the south of town. But what could we do? C&J's had the best prices, they were open all night (except on the Sabbath) they had humble roots and a market presence that simply trumped everyone else. Sure, some Mom and Pop shops got the shaft, but when you need olive oil and a grail at 3AM, where are you gonna go?

All that to say, with all respect to Pastor Joe Phelps (whom I met at a Vacation Bible School when he was a youngster and haven't seen or heard from since) I think to deny your congregation quality at an affordable price is to be a Pharisee and a hypocrite. (I hear from the Phelps kids that the child labor laws in the Phelps home aren't so hot either.)

Maybe Pastor Joe is running for the Kentucky State House soon? I appreciate his looking out for the "least of these" and attempting to "do unto others as we would have them do unto us" but Joe, my man, the poor single mother from the seedy side of Louisville deeply appreciates Wal-Mart's ability to help her put a few small gifts under the shabby Christmas tree for her kids.

You want to make a difference and help kids and poor folks? Louisville needs you, Joe. Healthcare and China's child labor laws are not your problem right now.