Links to Sites on Consumerism and Christianity

Christian Responses

• Culture-Makers.com is website by Andy Crouch with various articles touching on consumerism
  Andy is a wonderful writer and a very perceptive cultural observer.
• 'Why the Devil Takes Plastic' by Rodney Clapp
  This article is so often referred to, we might as well consider it a classic.
• 'Floating Along?' is an excellent article by Yale Theologian, Miroslav Volf
  This article is very short but so incisive. Do yourself a favor and take time to read it.
• 'Overcoming Consumer Christianity' by Benjamin S. Sharpe, Jr.
  In this article Sharpe provides an analysis of consumerism as a world-view that shapes Christianity.
• 'Christian Asceticism: Breaking Consumerism's Destructive Hold'
  This article provides real, concrete advice for countering consumerism.
• America's Other Religion
  Dr. W. Fred Graham, professor of religious studies at Michigan State, East Lansing, argues that consumption is America's religion.
• A Review of Seven Books about Consumerism and Christian Community
  Catherine M. Wallance provides an extensive review.

Responses Aimed at Youth and Young Adults

• The Consumer Trap: What postmodern people need is a different relationship with money.
  An article in Leadership Journal by church planter, Doug Pagitt
• 'Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ': The Consumer and the Practicioner' by Dorothy Bass
  In this address, which was given at a conference for youth workers at Princeton Seminary, she extends Volf's ideas to youth
• 'Shopping with Jesus: Countering Consumerized Christianity,'
  This is an article in Youthworker magazine by by Sheryl Fleener.
• 'A Brand New Jesus' by Jonny Baker
  Here is another article from Youthworker magazine, this one on branding.

Responses Around the Globe

• Article by Nigel Scotland on consumerism and the church in England
• Excepts from an addresses by Pope John Paul II on consumerism and materialism
• Church of Norway General Synod on Consumption and Justice - November 1996
• Sermon on identity as consumer or as Christian, preached at Christ Church in Amsterdam on Nov. 23, 2003

Other Resources

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