Christian consumerism...
One for of christian consumerism is the mega church/motivational church. Churches that are far more interested in the number of pews filled than anything remotely related to Jesus Christ. There is so much of the world, in the modern church that the God quotient of christianity is barely traceable. The christian consumerism, or iconism that is happening in churches all accross the nation is not only sad, but absolutely a laodicean spirit invading the bride, and I fear for all of us because of it!

You have this post dated September 1, which means it's going to hang around at the top of my RSS newsreader for months. I'm already a little tired of seeing it there for a day or so. Please correct the date on it so I don't have to unsubscribe from this feed

Does 'Consumer Christianity' include the promotion of this book through this contest?

Just askin. ;)

Consumer Christianity: a blogger on a website filled with adds for conferences, books, schools, etc., having a contest to promote his new book that will be sold for profit. Does this seem to anyone else like a bunch of fish getting together to see who can come up with the best definition/criticism of water?

It seems far too simple and circular a criticism to say that selling a book about the pitfalls of consumerism is hypocritical. The same could be said about anyone who gets paid for writing a book about the problem of poverty (if they're so concerned, they should give their wages to the poor), or about Naomi Klein for profiting from her book on the evils of capitalism. Or about rendering any critique of film, books, current affairs, or blog posts, because in order to criticize media, you must use media yourself. That last one might lead to a Utopian scenario in which no one criticizes anything, but that just sounds unhealthy (not to mention dull).

Yes, selling a book that criticizes consumerism is a paradox, but I believe there must be a point at which such paradoxes must be considered inconsequential.

Asking people to write 100 words to win a free Christian book sure seems like consumer christianity to me. And putting it at the top of one of my favorite blogs until September 1 is more than a bit irritating.

As the pundits might say, my consumer confidence is shaken.

I quit...Dave said it way better than I ever could...

You Urbanites are sharp...that's what I love about you. If you fear that selling a book about the dangers of mixing Consumerism and Christianity is being hypocritical, I've tried to answer your questions on my blog. You can read my response here:
http://www.skyejethani.com/consumption-versus-consumerism/356/

Blessings,

Skye

Hey Skye, just finished your book and I have to say I was impressed. It was insightful and well written. I also have a whole new appreciation for Van Gogh now! This is something I struggle with also as a member of a mega/seeker church. Being spoon fed pop psych sermons with fill in the blanks; remove the bible verses and a few God references and you could totally be at a corporate motivational retreat. In the spirit of full disclosure I lean toward what Mark Driscoll calls the emergent reformed. I don't think 60 minutes with loud rock music and jumbo screens and some drama skit is what people connect with most. It's almost awkward when the preacher stops and stumbles through this come to Jesus salvation blurb and then points out the visitor card. There is nothing sacred or Holy about theater seating with cup holders. What are we left with then? I have kids and they are not going to sit through a traditional service. Why I wholeheartedly believe that tradition and hallowed space and silence have been offered on the altar of relevance; I have to wonder. If RC is right and the lost don't 'seek' God is there a middle ground? I am also very guilty of being a religious consumer.

Two things about the photo: At least Jesus is "non-toxic" and if one should swallow the toy Jesus at least then they ould be closer to having Jesus 'growing inside them'. Terrible. As far as the many comments about the book and contest feeding into consumerism - get over it! This is the world that we live in and as it has been said in order to get the word out the media must be used creating a paradox. If this is going to keep you up at night then don't look at who owns Zondervan (Rupert Murdoch) and his views on religion and Christianity. As a pastor of a Reformed Church in America, there are different expectations placed on me and my position by the different generations that I serve. This has led me to become nicknamed Pastor Paradox, not because I my faith, beliefs or salvation is being called in to question but because of the communication methods that I use to communicate accross the many generations, the music I like crosses many generations and opens several conversations with youth and the elderly alike, the experiences that I had with my years in the Army are not all "pure" and my undergraduate is in Public Adminstration (Politics) not religion. I do not fit many of the molds that some would try to fit me in and so I become a paradox because I can relate a little to so many people. Does this mean that I am a terrible sinner - yep, but I am saved by grace and that is what allows me to follow the call to be the pastor that God has called me to be. I don't pretend to know everything either and that is why I am thankful for people who write what appear to be down to earth books like the one Skye has written. I will dig up a picture of the pink "Buddy Jesus" eight ball that we passed around at Seminary and send that in as a horrifingly perfect examply of christian consumerism for a free copy because I am also very cheap! I will count the free book as a shot in the butt of consmerism. Take that Mamon!

this is a really funny and ironic post (and comments). I'm sitting here giggling like a kid, but it truly is ironic (as per Dave's insightful critique).

I wonder deeply about some ecumenical leaders whom I respect yet shamelessly self-promote their "letters of self-commendation" on their blogs. I'm not exempt, but I've dabbled in the idea of paring down my own media outlet and closing all comments.

I think the big problem has essentially largely always been the failure of many of us christians to really value our faith over worldly pursuits.

How many people would become anxious if they were failing in their career, but who wouldn't feel as concerned if they found themselves failing to live up to what Christ commands?

God Bless,

Ummm...there has been a magazine around for decades criticizing consumer Christianity...it's called "THE DOOR" or formerly the Wittenburg Door. They used to give out "Green Wienies" that were exactly what you are soliciting for this book. So, all criticisms of a contest for a book criticizing consumer Christianity in this blog are fairly accurate. Catchy title though!

btw...trying to take some consumers out of Christianity is as feeble as trying to dissuade a certain segment of our population to forgo flea markets and garage sales.

Shouldn't any book titled "The Divine Commodity" at least be available as a free download?

To confuse consumerism with buying and selling is to confuse consuming God's word with eating Genesis. Consumerism, it seems to me, is an attitude of the heart and mind that focuses mistakenly on temporal things rather than eternal being. Jesus said that "Nothing that goes into the mouth defiles us but that whic comes out of the mouth and heart shows we are defiled." MK 7

Buying and selling do not defile us, in fact the Bible exhorts us to help the poor buy and sell more stuff. I counsel many clergy who are anxious wrecks over numbers, noses and nails in the walls. Their identity is based almost wholly on pleasing people, getting new people and receiving affirmation. These are what Procter & Gamble need to sell to consumers so they spend two billion dollars annually on marketing. The have a consumer mentality.