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This project arises from religious education courses at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago but can be opened to other programs as well. Interested professors of religious education or faith formation should e-mail edaily@luc.edu if they want their students to be included.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Review of Religious Consumerism in general

All you have to do today is go to Google and type in “Christian Book Store”. No fewer than 61 million hits come up. But, rare is the site you click on whose main purpose is to sell books for gaining knowledge and understanding of one’s faith. While all of them will offer these books, the big sellers on their pages are the gifts and accessories, including music, movies, knick knacks, jewelry, socks, ties, etc
The excerpt we from the “Anglican Theological Review” reviewed several books on the subject of consumerism. Throughout the reviews much focus was placed on the nature of our society to seek solace in spending, which does not in fact create happiness. The author concluded the reviews by noting that ultimately we are all seeking to be loved and know we are loved. The author states that “God’s love is both free and abundant.”
But is God’s free and abundant love being advertised by the Christina mass media? Or are we being told that in order to really know God’s love, or show others that we know God’s love, we must have plaque with the 23rd Psalm in our front yard or a WWJD bracelet? One would think that the Church is the place where you can escape the consumerist agenda. And maybe it is. But how can you truly escape it when the place you go to buy a bible also tries to sell you a tea set to remind you that the Lord is always faithful?

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