Wednesday, June 27, 2007

What Would Jesus Buy?

In the new documentary "What Would Jesus Buy?", produced by Morgan Spurlock (of "Super Size Me" fame), Reverend Billy and the 35-person strong Stop Shopping Gospel Choir preach a message of anti-consumerism. They make a good point, after all - the Jesus of the gospels seems like he would be very much against our rampant consumerism and fascination with shopping malls and one-click ordering. Shouldn't we be selling all our possessions, slipping through eyes of needles, and decrying these dens of thieves, or is the prosperity gospel the true teaching of Christ?

Apparently one of the hurdles for the creators of the documentary is finding a way to market and sell something so firmly against marketing and selling. And how do you get Wal-Mart to put your film on its shelves when the main character has performed an exorcism on the chain's Arkansas headquarters?

Clearly, this film shares my sense of humor. Read more from the Union Tribune. Thanks to Scott for the link!

Update (11/24/2007): Check out "Jesus Hates Coffee" on Current, and see Reverend Billy exorcise Starbucks of its demons.

3 comments:

J. K. Jones said...

Your biting sarcasm is evident.

Do you guys ever argue a point, or do you just use casually string together pejoratives?

Ross said...

Hello again, J.K. Jones. I'm sorry you find these posts so grating on your sensibilities. As Koheleth would remind us, there is a time for everything. Sometimes I am sarcastic (especially when writing about a mockumentary), and at other times I strive to be more serious, as the situation demands. I try not to cut people down, and like to focus on the positive. At the same time, I enjoy a bit of humor.

I take exception to being grouped in with "you guys." I'm not sure who "we guys" are, but I'm pretty sure there are those among "us" who do argue points. Clearly you see some sort of divide between us that requires categorization of "us guys" as opposed to "you guys."

I am sure you are very nice in person, and we'd probably get along if we met each other. Please don't let the anonymity of the internet cause you to be rude and forget that another human being is the recipient of your posts. I am very open to correction, and a positive attitude goes a long way with me.

J. K. Jones said...

Ross,

I apologize for the comment. It does seem rude.

I was having a bad day.

The group in question does invite sarcasm.