Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Feb. 2, 2006, edition 1 / Page 16
Part of The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
8B RELIGION/Stte C^arluttt $ot Thursday, February 2, 2006 Christian bookstores lagging BLACK HISTORY MONTH mt.ASS(K lATtJ) f‘RtSS NASIiyiLLE, Tfenn.- Christian bookstore owner Steve Gray was counting on big sales from the “Left Behind” series—until Wal- Mart started selling the titles much cheaper. “That hurt us big time,” Gray said, ‘We had invested a lot into those books.” After that, Gray decided to restock his store in Eddyville, Ky, to offer more of what Wal- Mart doesn’t have; hymnals and communion supplies. lb compete against chains and big retailers, indepen- John 3 Continued from page 5B means “let this truly be.” So Jesus is stating a truth of utmost importance: only those who undergo a new birth will see God’s kingdom. The Greek word translated again can also mean “from above,” and Jesus may be using both meanings at once. Thus this new birth is not only a rebirth but it is also “from above” as it is accom plished by the power of God. No one is exempt, not even Nicodemus. Certainly he is very religious. As a Pharisee he keeps himself from every thing that breaks God’s law. He does not dream of lying, stealing or killing. But Jesus makes it clear that even Nicodemus must be bom again. But Jesus makes it clear that even Nicodemus must be bom again. No mat ter how “religious” he is, he will not see God’s kingdom without a new birth. Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Most of the Jews in Jesus’ day expect God’s kingdom to be a politi cal realm where Jews will be militarily, politically and materially greater than all Gentile nations. But God’s kingdom is within, where (Jod rules in the heart. (Luke 17:21). dent CTiristiEin booksellers like Gray are looking beyond books and selling music, gifts, jewelry, stationery and church supplies. Books now account for only 40 percent of sales in Christian retail stores. Hundreds of retailers were in Nashville this week for the Christian Booksellers Associ ation exhibition, which is focused on ways to boost busi ness for independent ven dors. Bill Anderson, president and (CEO of the CBA, said independent retailers need to emphasize their strengths: wider selection, more knowl edgeable employees and part nerships with local churches. “The reality is that they have to be more competitive,” he said. “How in the world do they make it up against the behemoths of Barnes & Noble and Virgin Records and Wal-Mart? You operate on your strengths.” (Christian retailers continue to struggle. Membership in the (CBA peaked at around 3,0(X) in the early 199()s, but now fewer than 2,3(X) stores belong to the association. In 2005, 337 Christian retailers closed, according to the (CBA. “This past year was another tough one for many member stores,” Anderson said. “The reality is we live in a Wal- Mart ecosystem.” ^ The success of best-selling (Christian titles like “The Pur pose-Driven Life” and the “Left Behind” series has un^cpectedly hurt (Christian bookstores by attracting the book chains and discount retailers. Religious books, primarily Christian, generated U.S. sales of nearly $338 million in 2003, which represented a 37 percent growth over the pre vious year. In 2004, the reli gious segment grew 5.6 per cent while the overall book publishing industry • remained flat. ‘It’s almost the only sector or genre that is growing in the book publishing indus try,” said Robert Baensch, director of Nfew York Univer sity’s (Center for Publishing. The increase in religious book sales is likely the result of people turning to God after events such as 9-11, the Iraq war. Hurricane Katrina and the stress of day-to-day mod em life, Baensch said. ‘Tou have the major issue of the continuing Iraq war, and it’s not only those who’ve lost their lives but those who have been injured, come back and cause a real challenge to the family unit,” he said “Then you have major natural dis asters like the hurricanes along the Gulf (Coast. People are learning to pray again. “When pressures are beyond the control of the indi vidual ... then you reach out. You turn to prayer and God.” We Salute Black History Month TT Walter B. Davis Company, Inc. General Contractors * Specializinii in Indastrial and Commercial Contracting * • Construction Management • Industrial Maintenance • BUILDINi; A REPLTATION OF EXCELLENCE Unlimited Licensed Contractor - Certified-MBE P.O. Box 3524! • Charlotte, NC 28235 (704)358-3739 • FAX (704)358-3887 GODS KEYS TO FINANCIAL FREEDO.M AND GOOD HEALTH Imagine getting paid $1000 each time you have 20 new people simply try our amazing prixluct! You can help others, and make money, too! It's 100% Risk Free! It s quick, ea.sy and professional. START NOW! www.tfostervitamins.com Send .self addressed stamped envelop for FREE GIFT! FOSTER, Box 613, Clover. SC 29710 Theatre Charlotte Y0IR CIMMDNIIV IHlAIRt Predentd I’m Not Rappaport Contairu mature lan^aa^e. Jan. 26-28, Feb. 2-5, 9-12, 2006 For Tickets; 704.334.91 28 Adults $20.00 Seniors $15.00 ChaHottE wvw.theatrecharlotte.org Students $10.00 XJENCE 501 Queens Road (Charlotte, NC 28207 CXIUNUL Creating Drama Since 19271 We know how important it is to keep funeral costs within the budget of every' family. Dr, Anihony L. and Hamei R JinwTighi Certainly quality, comfortable facilities and professional, personal services are important, but so is price. A.L. Jinwright Funeral Service has consistently provided families with dignified funeral services at the best possible price. The best doesn’t have to cost you more. In fact, it may cost you less. Call A.L. Jinwright Funeral Serv'ice today for more information. Funeral padtages to suit every budget. 4300 .Statesville Rd • Charlotte • (704) 599-5994 • www.aljinwrightfuneralservice.com
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Feb. 2, 2006, edition 1
16
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75