Adam's Tire & Battery Service

A sign is represented by Adam’s Tire and Battery Service located in Reading, Pennsylvania and reads, “The sign does say ‘Jesus is on the way.’”  Immediately, this sign for the auto body shop makes it apparent to those unfamiliar that Christianity is most likely accepted by many in the city of Reading.  While not every person in Reading may identify as Christian, and maybe even a majority of the population do not, this public display suggests that Christianity is definitely not a persecuted religion.  In addition to the acceptance of Christianity within the area, Adam’s Tire and Battery Service’s sign also highlights major ideas in regards to religions displays and symbols within the Christian community.

Adam's Tire & Battery Service
Reading, Pennsylvania

For starters, goods and items with religious ideals are argued throughout Material Christianity as being religious in all forms and both broken and functioning.  With this being said, this sign advertising for an auto body shop in Reading can be considered religious because of the Christian message it broadcasts.  Although the sign can be considered religious, this sign is not identified as a sacred object within the church.  Additionally, the text argues that “Christians use religious goods to tell themselves and the world around them that they are Christians,” which this sign is clearly doing (McDannell 45). Through offering a message regarding Jesus, the auto body shop has announced to everyone who sees this sign that is a business run by people who identify as Christian and openly share their beliefs with everyone.  While this generalized through the text does not ring true for every Christian, Adam’s Tire and Battery Service is a prime example of Christians who openly display and broadcast their beliefs.

Another motive for the sign could possibly be to expose Christian beliefs to those who may not believe in these views and ideals.  The text claims that religious objects “are used to lure, encourage, and shock non-Christians into considering the truth of Christianity,” (McDannell 45).  The sign outside of Adam’s Tire and Battery Service makes it very clear, and maybe even a bit redundant, that the owner(s) believe in Christian ideals, Jesus, and his return- or the Second Coming- back to earth and humanity.  Also, the phrase “Jesus is on the way” is a much more bold statement in sharing religious beliefs than those signs often seen that more subtly hint Christian beliefs, such as “God Bless America.”