Christian Muddle

When I was growing up, the advice on meeting girls was thus: If you wanted to meet a girl you’d be glad to take home to your mother, go to church. I recall some rather nice girls who fit that category, but I don’t think they thought the same thing about me. Maybe that’s because they never met me in church.

I’m reminded of the sage advice of my youth every time I see a commercial for Christian Mingle, the dating service. Mind you, I applaud the idea. You want to meet someone compatible, in this case a Christian, go through Christian Mingle.

But the two commercials I’ve seen send the wrong message because they emphasize the wrong attributes. Let me parse them for you.

The first one shows an older couple, probably in their 50s. It is clear from the beginning that the woman is heavily made up. He is a rather handsome fellow. At some point, she mentions that he has a great body, which merely calls attention to her body. And she also reveals that she’s older than he is, which calls attention to her heavy make-up.

That commercial appears to have been taken off the air.

But the other one, while more balanced, still sends an off-putting message. In this one, the couple is younger and seems physically about the same. You feel good about this pairing.

And then the woman says: “He’s my second chance.” The camera pans to a photo of the two on a table behind her and fades to Christian Mingle.

Again, it’s the wrong message. It has nothing to do with finding someone of faith, but finding someone who will be husband No. 2. I’ve dubbed this commercial “Second Chance” and when it comes on and I’m in another room, my wife will yell: “Here’s Second Chance.” Of course, I don’t run into the room to watch. I’ve given it many second chances and it never changes. (The much longer YouTube version makes many good points more in tune with Christian Mingle's purpose.)

I’m hoping now for a new commercial that’s doesn’t convey a mixed message. Perhaps you could call it a second chance for Christian Mingle.