Review of What Would Jesus Buy? (2007) by Thomas B — 08 Jun 2008

So, What Would Jesus Buy?

"X-box 360.".

"Definitely X-box 360.".

"A Wii, or an X-box 360 if the store's out of Wii's.".

"Probably not much. I don't think he would buy shoes, but it's pretty cold outside right now, so he might buy a pair of socks.".

These answers provide a pretty good representation of our society's attitude toward Christmas, and, in a very real sense, toward our role as consumers in general. An attitude that some people might say is unhealthy: specifically, the people attending the worship service/show of a New York City based church/performance group.

Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir hold a weekly service, and witness in the streets of Manhattan singing, proclaiming, and acting out their message: "Slow down your consumption, America!" But they do more than just nit-pick at passing shoppers; these people can put on quite a show. Combining the language of anti-consumerism with that of evangelic preaching (i.e. "Shopocalypse") Reverend Billy goes about warning shoppers of the danger at hand and exorcising the credit cards of those will listen.

As fun as it is to watch the antics and musical abilities of Reverend Billy and his Choir, what sustains our interest is the well-timed documentary moments interviewing teenagers about their shopping habits and informing us about the real needs felt by those who work in third-world factories to make many of the products we buy. Particularly moving to me was the comment of an elderly lady remembering how special Christmas used to feel and how much it meant when her father would supply enough peaches for everyone for the family's Christmas dinner. Now Christmas is primarily an excuse for everyone to feel good about their dependence to acquiring and giving out a bunch of 'things' that no one has a real need for.

The message of ending our addiction to constant stimulation is one our society can truly benefit from. Corporate interests drive our country's decision making in everything from politics to elementary education (who do you think is behind all the standardized tests?). Consumerism distracts us from being the creative individuals that, as Reverend Billy so wonderfully reminds us, we are meant to be.