Students for the End of Consumerism During Chapel

The Holy Bible speaks of Jesus becoming angry only once. In the Book of John, Chapter 2, verses 13-16.

"The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"

It is the opinion of the drafters of this petition as well as that of the signatories that the acts of selling products, be it literature or audio material, no matter the nature of it, during Valley Christian Chapels is against the will of God. The drafters have based this on three basic truths:

1) The money of many Valley Christian students was not earned through their own employment. The money in their possession was more than likely allotted to them by their parents or guardians to be used specifically for the purchase of hot lunch.

2) The manner in which these products are advertised is in a manner that preys on the good nature of children. When a speaker references their books or CDs, they generally do it with language that implies that their audience will not fully understand his/her message without purchasing their product. In most cases, this is misleading or at its worst, entirely false.

3) That based on the story of Christ in the Temple, the selling of goods used to aid worship is wrong.

It is because of these reasons that the drafters encourage students, parents, alumni and faculty (or any combination of the aforementioned) of either the Junior or Senior High Schools to sign this petition to end the sale or advertising of any products during Valley Christian Chapels.