In response to your question
concerning the goals of both Catholic-based and non-Catholic based app creating
companies, I agree that there exists a division of interest between "genuinely
promoting the Christian faith" and simply acquiring profit. As for the
agenda of not only Surgework, but any religion-based companies out there, it is
indeed hard to discern their motives. As we continue to live in a consumerist
world, religion has become heavily infused with popular culture. As such,
religion then becomes, in a sense, commodified—certain features can now be
bought (cue funding for churches, expenses to purchase the Bible, and in your
case, applications themselves) and there is a mentality of generating an appeal
to captivate the mass population. Boundaries are expanded as religion chances
upon a myriad of mediums to promote their faith—television, the Internet, smart
phones, radio, etc. Consequently, an inextricable link ties religion and
consumer culture together to a point where the former can actually take upon
the identity of the latter: the more "consumers/followers" we obtain,
the more powerful the religion or product becomes.
I believe it is due to this link
between Religion and Popular culture that makes it challenging to discern the
motives of not just Catholic and non-Catholic app making organizations, but for
any companies in general. One example that comes to mind is companies
advocating to assist children in developing countries. Would this be a genuine
act or is there profit driven intent behind it? The line between authenticity
and consumer/popular culture has been so heavily blurred that to give a clear
demarcation is irrevocably challenging. Sometimes, a religion needs to take
upon a consumerist approach and acquire profit in order to promote their
ideals. This can occur unintentionally and without awareness, likewise for altruistic
acts: I can help someone without being aware that there was a hidden sense of
relief of being troubled by the person's distress.
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