I am sick every time I walk into a religious bookstore and see all the "shiny little things" for sale; all of the books that cover every single aspect of the faith. $300+ for a piece of art, $10, $20, $30 or more for a book or trinket that does absolutely nothing deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. I think often they take us further away. The books are nothing more than "crib notes" - one persons take on the bible or the teachings of Christ - often inaccurately interpreted. If you want to know what Jesus taught...READ HIS WORD. If you want to wear a religious trinket...WEAR THE LOVE OF CHRIST ON YOUR SLEEVE. There is more beauty in that than any shiny little thing you can purchase. You are lining the pockets of the merchants and doing nothing for your faith.

Religious symbols in good taste can be a catalyst to missionary work. My CTR ring has stimulated many conversations with people who have been curious about my ring. In some instances, that has led to me giving them copies of the Book of Mormon. I also used to have pictures of some of the temples on my cubicle at work. That was a springboard to discussion, too, and I even gave a copy of the special Temple issue of the Ensign to someone who was impressed by the pictures of the temples. I also have bulletin boards on My Space and Facebook with bumper stickers and buttons with LDS themes. They are a fun way to share my beliefs, but you do have to be careful, because there are also copycat anti-Mormon stickers and buttons out there, too.

One thing I do find offensive is "rock star" type T-shirts with Jesus' face printed on the front of it. I think some of the T-shirts out there, especially from Evangelical sources, are too "in your face," and I especially don't like the ones that twist the scriptures and tell people they are going to hell.

There is value in people providing religious goods.

Religion has ALWAYS been about separating gullible people from their money.

CTR my brothers. This rocks.

I think it is great that people have to opportunity if they want to spend their money this way. I am not a trinket buyer but I can see why people would want to visibly show their beliefs. I agree that all should read his word as mentioned, however if people want to spend their money on religious "shiny little things" then let them, it's not like anyone is forcing them to buy this stuff.

As LDS we are a humble people and should not need such trinkets. I think they are silly and prideful.

Lynn, you are right about ""rock star" type T-shirts with Jesus' face printed on the front of it." Add to that bumper stickers & window decals about the Savior, and other such tasteless stuff. I revere and worship my Savior and would never reduce his sacred name to a meaningless moniker on a t-shirt or bumper sticker. The true tribute would be to live as He did.

I wear a wedding ring. i don't need it to remind me that I'm married, nor do I wear it to show others that I am. I wear it because, for me, it is a representation of something very dear to my heart. i have on a number of occasions just sat there looking at it and thinking very fondly of my wife. A religious "trinket" for many people acts no differently than this. It calls their attentions to reflect on their faith from time to time. They don't need it in order to remember that that have a religous affiliation but if it can act from time to time as a means to reflect upon thier faith then they are all the better for it. However, just like wedding rings, some peices are worn specifically to attract attention to the wearer. In cases such as these there is probably an ulterior motive that a silent, personal reflection. In either case, I support religous retail in general. Just as my wedding ring acts as a symbol very dear to me, so too can a CTR ring or a crucifix pendant to some other individual.