What Would Jesus Buy: Whether you agree with the tactics or not, this movie reminds us all the reason for the season.
I subscribe to the Daily Worth newsletter, where I was alerted today that the movie “What Would Jesus Buy” was streaming for free on Snagfilms. Being that it was Friday afternoon and I was getting much else done, I decided to watch it.
It was a pretty good tongue in cheek look at our consumerist culture, which ramps up to new levels during the holiday season. Seeing clips of crazy shopping footage, encouraging television anchors (buy now!), and pervasive holiday commericals all together made me realize just how bad it was. Sometimes I forget about these things since I don’t have cable!



In one part of the movie, a little girl is taking toys out from under her bed. She pointed out one box, asking “Daddy, what’s this?” Yikes. In another scene, you see a woman shopping for a wardrobe for who you assume to be her spoiled daughter, only do realize the Louis Vuitton bag is indeed for a dog.
Of course, these were some of the extremes. Most of the movie was spent talking to regular people like you and I, justifying overspending during the holidays with the excuses of providing for their families or being generous in a way they wish they could be all year. In short, the sentiments were good but the actions weren’t.
Whether you agree with the tactics of Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Choir doesn’t really matter. As one of those people who is overly paranoid of having any kind of criminal record, even for trespassing or disturbing the peace, I wouldn’t have the courage to join the activist choir, but I will sing along, both internalizing the message and passing it along in my own way, like a blog for example. ;^)



Near the end of the film the question underlying it all is raised: What was Christmas before the shopping started?
As Christmas approaches and we are all bombarded with more ads, be mindful as you walk up to the checkout line. Why are you buying that item? And if you have to buy it, will this purchase positively affect others? These are always good questions, and I think watching this film now (versus, say, in the middle of July) gave me some good perspective heading into Christmas.

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