Commodificating Christianity

I subscribe to the Mars Hill Audio Series (not to be confused with the emergent churches of that name). On Volume 69 is an interview with Vincent Miller on “how the commodification of everything affects our sense of religious faith and practice (and on how we can resist).” He is a Georgetown professor of theology and I found his thoughts highly insightful. The problem, he posits, isn’t just one of materialism–people wanting more and more–but a problem of people redefining themselves and their society in a consumerist way–making everything, including religion, a commodity. We profane God when we make him into a commodity. Commodities can be chosen. We do not “choose” God. We respond to God’s calling. We need to move from an organization of choosers to a community of the called.

I haven’t read it yet, but based upon the interview, I’d imagine his book Consuming Religion: Christian Faith and Practice in a Consumer Culture is well worth the read. If you are interested in how we can be the church in a consumer culture, I’d recommend his book, as well as Unfettered Hope: A Call to Faithful Living in an Affluent Society.

for further reading . . .

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