Pastor Ronald McDonald?

(This from P. Brian Zahnd)

I like McDonald's. I always have. An Egg McMuffin with coffee is common breakfast fare and I do indulge in the occasional Big Mac. McDonald's: The Great American Success Story. Hamburgers made quick, easy and cheap. A great idea. That being said, I don't want Ronald McDonald to be my spiritual adviser. Of course you say, who would? Those looking for quick, easy and cheap spirituality, that's who.

Ronald McDonald is the iconic image of the fast-food culture; the high priest of that which is quick, easy and cheap and capable of being mass produced...all with a smile. That may be fine for hamburgers but it's no way to make Christians.

If Christian spirituality is simply a set of religious rules and a kind of success seminar, then I suppose you can order it from the dollar menu. But if Christian spirituality is a direct experience with God in Jesus Christ, then I am absolutely certain it cannot be mass produced or obtained quick, easy and cheap.

There are no drive-up windows for a mystical experience.