Bryce Crawford
Screenshot from Instagram

In the New Testament, Jesus famously cleansed the temple, overturning the tables of money changers who had turned a house of prayer into a marketplace. Fast forward two millennia, and critics are accusing Christian influencer Bryce Crawford of setting those tables back up. Crawford is famous for his street preaching and viral ministry videos, but he has stirred up serious drama with the launch of 'Praise Energy.' It is a new beverage brand that basically tries to sell caffeine consumption as an act of faith. This business move has left a lot of people in the religious community wondering if the boundary between ministry and marketing still exists, or if it has completely disappeared.

A Beverage 'Rooted in Faith'

At first glance, Praise Energy looks like any other sleek contender in the saturated wellness market. The branding is modern, the cans are colourful, and the promise is familiar: clean energy without the crash. However, the marketing pitch takes a sharp theological turn. The official website describes the drink as being 'rooted in faith' and designed to 'fuel faith, focus, and God-given purpose'.

The drink contains 100mg of caffeine from organic green tea, along with zero sugar and no artificial preservatives. It is currently selling for £10.30 ($12.99) a pack, which definitely positions it as a clearer premium choice for shoppers who want their daily energy boost to match their spiritual beliefs. Crawford isn't just pitching this as a refreshment. He is selling it as a lifestyle product for believers, whether they are driving to a worship session or heading to the gym.

Profiting From Praise?

The backlash happened instantly. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have been flooded with videos from Christians accusing Crawford of commodifying the Gospel. The primary complaint is not that a Christian created a business, but that the business uses the faith itself as its primary selling point. Critics argue that slapping religious terminology on a standard consumer good—essentially a generic energy drink—is a cynical cash grab.

NoahGlennCarter, a popular TikTok commentator who frequently summarises viral drama, weighed in on the unfolding situation. In his coverage, he highlighted that Crawford is being 'cancelled' by significant portions of the Christian community who feel that 'Praise Energy' represents a 'faith for sale' mentality. The sentiment echoed by many is that while Christians can own businesses, branding a beverage with the concept of 'praise' trivialises sacred practices for profit.

@drinkpraise

This is WHY I started creating a Christian energy drink…

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Healthy Alternative or Spiritual Grift?

Crawford has attempted to steer the conversation towards health and wellness. In response to the criticism, he has emphasised that Praise Energy was created to offer a 'healthier alternative' to the chemical-laden drinks currently dominating the market. He argues that the brand is meant to support a believer's drive while 'honouring your values', suggesting that caring for one's body is a form of stewardship.

His defense hasn't really stopped people from calling him a grifter, though. This isn't the first time Crawford has dealt with skepticism about his ministry's money or his theological connections. Critics have previously pointed out his links to controversial figures like Todd White, hinting that he often leans toward shock value rather than substance. For many, Praise Energy is just more proof that the modern 'Christian influencer' world often cares more about revenue than reverence.

The Business Of Belief

The drama surrounding Praise Energy exposes a real struggle happening in modern Christianity right now. As religious figures turn into social media stars, the urge to make money off that audience gets stronger. Crawford insists his product serves a practical and moral purpose, but the angry response proves that mixing caffeine with Christ is something many believers just aren't interested in buying.