Video: Reverend Billy on 'What Would Jesus Buy'
Last night Bill Talen and his wife Savitri Durkee discussed American consumerism at a special Sojourners screening of 'What Would Jesus Buy?'
For more information on Reverend Billy check out What Would Jesus Buy? from the Novermber issue of Sojourners.
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Comments
Of course we also should ask "Who would Jesus whip?"
Posted by: Don Gisselbeck | December 21, 2007 4:52 PM
Challenging message. We are all complicit in the consumer culture. Complex interconnections. Difficult to imagine what the alternative would look like.
Peace, Tim
Posted by: Duh-sciple | December 21, 2007 7:22 PM
Don Gisselbeck:
Of course we also should ask "Who would Jesus whip?"
Good question. Biblical scholars seem to be divided on it - some assume he whipped the traders, others say that careful reading of the Greek indicates he whipped only the animals. Either way, he didn't like the invasion of the temple by mammon.
Mark
Posted by: mark | December 22, 2007 1:14 AM
To All My Democrat Friends:
"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.
I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere.
Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee".
To All My Republican Friends:
"Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may GOD Bless you and yours!"
Posted by: Mick Sheldon | December 22, 2007 2:32 PM
There went 6 minutes and 52 seconds of my life that I'll never get back. I'm very happy that this "evil" economy has allowed me to generously contribute to worthy charitable organizations that help the indigent. I get the feeling that Rev. Billy and his kind could only be happy if all people lived equally, even if everyone in that society were poor and destitute. Merry Christmas right back at you, Mick, and to everyone else! Be sure to give to the charity of your choice this Christmas season.
Posted by: Cads | December 22, 2007 6:58 PM
Billy's understanding of even basic economics is laughable. Sheeesh.
Posted by: Zig | December 23, 2007 11:02 AM
And Sojourners lack of discernment would be laughable if it were not so disturbing. I guess anybody who goes along with their overall agenda is worth supporting, especially if they mention Jesus. Bill Talen mocks Jesus Christ. Perhaps this is part of what McLaren means by the secret message of Jesus, but I guess if you're going to agree with McLaren that we can't really be sure about what the Scriptures teach (which apparently Sojourners does), then I guess it doesn't matter what anybody does, as long as its anti-Republican, critical of America, socialist in its agenda, progressive in nature and quasi-spiritual in its presentation.
Posted by: Steve | December 23, 2007 3:32 PM
Nice post, Steve. It is rather disturbing to see what makes it to the blog on this site sometimes. Anyone who follows the preachings of Reverend Billy and actually believes they're helping the problems of poverty are hereby warned to avoid his particular brand of Kool-Aid, especially if it's made from the same red dye #2 that was used to make their choir robes. It's protests such as this and the Westboro Baptist Church anti-gay funeral disruptions that keep normal-thinking people from having open minds to perceived problems.
Posted by: Cads | December 23, 2007 4:32 PM
Something about Rev Billy sounds like the latest fad to me. And...I'm not much for fads. I've known the Lord and been around the calendar just enough times to know fads come and go.
But...I do know that every dollar I have is a gift - and a trust - from God. Jobs are hard to find in my town. And the Lord's blessed me with one of the better jobs in town. I may not make a lot of money - but at least I have good benefits. And the Lord's saw to it that I got promoted a couple of times.
And I feel God blessed me with it because he's entrusted me with this money. And so...I don't want to waste it. And face it, in America, we have so many things to waste money on. And lots of media telling us we need so much that we don't.
This is something I pray frequently about. I finally had to buy a new computer (Mine was 8 yrs old and no longer functional with the amount of memory and speed processor required today.) And tellin' ya's, it takes PRAYER and WISDOM to make sure you're spending money wisely and purchasing wisely.
The Lord's not against us buying things - we need things to use to serve Him. But the question is how much? How can we have as much left over to carry out His work as possible?
Because THAT is what life is about. Walking with God and serving Him. It takes money to do that. And in order to have that money, we need to not waste it.
By the way, I'm a swing-voter. And since I celebrate Christmas heartily, you can wish me Merry Christmas any time ya's want!
Not so sure about wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.... If they're not celebrating Christmas, if they're celebrating Solstice, then I kind of think it's rather goofy to wish them a Merry Christmas - because they're not celebrating it.
Kind of like wishing someone a Happy Birthday - when it's NOT their birthday, or saying "Congratulations on your wedding!" when it's not their wedding. See what I mean? They'd think you were goofy - because they're not celebrating what you're wishing them.
You generally only wish people greetings when they are celebrating what you're wishing them.
But - since I DO celebrate Christmas - go ahead! Wish me one.
And to the rest of you, Happy Holidays - whatever you celebrate.
Posted by: Amazon Creek | December 24, 2007 2:06 AM
But - since I DO celebrate Christmas - go ahead! Wish me one
Oki doke , Merry Christmas .
Someone wished me a merry Soltice yesterday . I said thanks , not sure what they were wishing me , but I believed their intentions were sincere .
So why does a soltice make us happy ? I don't get it , but then again I am a goofy guy .
That was good enough for me .
I must make people feel silly I guess , but I tell you I see the gleam in their eye when I say Merry Christmas , well I guess I am goofy .
swing voter a ? This must be an interesting political season for you . I have never seen so many possible candidates that may win . Pretty sure Hillary has it , but the republicans ? I think they are good canddiates basically , but none that stand out in my opinion .
Thanks for your take on the merry christmas V happy holiday take . You seem to have the spirit of the season in your heart !
I notice where I work many people are saying happy holidays , its a very left leaning community . A Seattle suburb , I work in a toll booth . Last Christmas the ferry dock I worked for was different , and worked near the Boeing Plant . More Blue Collar , those folks were wishing me a Merry Christmas . Both friendly , just a different culture I believe .
When you sit in a booth all day I ponder these things. ;0]
God Bless , Mick
Posted by: Mick Sheldon | December 24, 2007 1:16 PM
Mick, might you get the plank out of your eye before you try to see the splinters in the eyes of others?
To all those Democrats and Republicans who are celebrating Christmas...have a Merry one. For those who are of differing faiths, or none at all...peace to you as well.
Posted by: maxcat06 | December 25, 2007 1:18 AM
Mick, might you get the plank out of your eye before you try to see the splinters in the eyes of others?
LOL , splinters ? Who and where . Have a Happy Day my friend , no harm intended , Love covers a multitude of splinters , sorry for what
ever was said that caused Jesus to be used in correcting my faults by you , or Him.
I am sure He will let me know , unless it was something you might have not digested correctly as the carrol goes .
God Bless,
Mick
Posted by: Mick | December 25, 2007 4:53 PM
And talking about planks . From the Huffington Post no less
"Democrats have never sought to appease muslims. I for one was strongly behind the invasion of Afghanistan. I was against the invasion of the SECULAR government of Saddam Hussein.
Republicans, throughout the 1990s and 2000s, sought with all their might, to polarize this nation, whether religiously, ethnically, economically, sexually, or any other way they could think of. They are now reaping what they sowed.
Posted by: maxcat06
Posted by: behinddoorno.1 | December 25, 2007 5:31 PM
'What Would Jesus Buy?'
We know he allowed perfume to be bought for Him .
Maybe its more what would Jesus Need ?
Posted by: Faith | December 25, 2007 5:43 PM
Posted by: behinddoorno.1 | December 25, 2007 5:31 PM
Republicans, throughout the 1990s and 2000s, sought with all their might, to polarize this nation...'
I don't think that you can polarize and still win congress in 94. Polarizing is one thing the DFL in MN excel at and I believe the Dems in general do well too. When you can get people to vote for you by telling them you are going to soak another group of people and give them the money - you have to tip your hat to anyone that can do that.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | December 26, 2007 8:19 AM
the person (female) introducing the movie says something to the effect that it was not picked up by a distributor because of 'Wal-Mart'. I believe that she is wrong. Indy films in general have a difficult time getting distribution. Also - from what I have seen on the web of this film - several of my high school students could have done a better job shooting and editing a production like this. The scripting and camera angles/shots are very rudimentary. Her wining about why they did not get distribution is like playing the 'victim' card and she does not understand how the industry works.
I believe I will wait to see if they have a DVD release and I am sure that their might be a library that will put it in their collection so that it can be checked out. If I have to - I will purchase one somewhere. Maybe a few shots of Southern Comfort might help in staying focused while watching this production.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | December 26, 2007 10:01 AM
Interesting - looking at the shots again and seeing how something things play out. I believe that 'Rev Billy' and his production crew took some of the shots without securing the proper permits and consent forms.
Is this proper and right to break laws inorder to create something on video and market it?
A few months ago this site promoted the Camden 28 and their actions of breaking in to a Federal Office and destroying property - is this site supporting that kind of action?
Just asking the question -
Blessings -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | December 26, 2007 11:29 AM
ML, you're not tricking me into looking at this again.
Posted by: Cads | December 26, 2007 11:58 AM
Posted by: Cads | December 26, 2007 11:58 AM
ML, you're not tricking me into looking at this again.
Not unless you have a a shot of something first.
Hope you had a great Christmas with family and friends
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | December 26, 2007 12:15 PM
If you are not a believer what else do you have to live for other than consumption? I think Rev. Billy's stance is right for the church, that we ought to be more concerned with caring for the least of these, but I fail to see how it applies to people who have no rational purpose behind caring for others except how it makes them feel good. God calls us to sacrificial love - which does not feel good, by definition.
I said it last time, too: What would Jesus buy? He would buy your soul and pay for it with His blood.
Nathanael Snow
ndsnow@gmail.com
Posted by: jurisnaturalist | December 30, 2007 2:04 PM
As a society I believe we have unconsciously created a system which takes us further and further away from the will of God. As Christians we need to stay focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in perfect harmony with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Christ calls us to live as best we can in loving relationship with one another. I believe at the heart of what it means to be a Christian is to live in right relationship with the other. This is the true meaning of God's justice. Too many of us, including myself, have searched for this love in all the wrong places - alcohol, drugs, sex, and way too many things. Let's face it, there is a lot of things which we can do without. Sure, there's nothing wrong in having things. We all need things. However, when things prevent us from being in right relationship with one another, then we have strayed from the life which God intends for us. When a child of 14 has to work in a factory in Indonesia to make our Nike shoes, there is something morally wrong in this. Would we want our own American children working in a factory? I can hear people saying to themselves...this guy is a bleeding liberal. Instead of sticking a label on me, take a look at your bible. Take a look at the life and teachings of Christ. What are we going to be judged upon? We are going to be judged upon how we have lived with one another, most especially the poor and those who live on the margins of our society. We were created to reflect the relationship of the Triune God - Father , Son, and Holy Spirit. When anything gets in the way of this, this becomes idolatry - whether it's alcohol, drugs, sex, power, money, politics(republicans/conservatives vs. democrats/liberals), nationalism (U.S. vs. the world)or even things. Whether or not Rev. Billy is preaching his message in the right way, I am not certain on this. However, like many prophets in the bible, he preaches a message which is hard for many to hear. For many of us we are blind to our sin which in terms of our globalized economy has become social sin and perhaps we need to be shaken up in order to see with the eyes of Christ.
During this Christmas season, let's give birth to Christ in our own lives. Peace and good to all in 2008.
Posted by: Harvey | January 2, 2008 11:48 AM
First time posting.
Harvey, thanks for sharing; I felt inspired by your words, they are like a breath of fresh air, especially in light, or lack there of, of some of the other postings. As another posting asked, I too wonder how some of these "voices" reach this post? Anyhow, I welcome them as they too need to be heard. I wish they were as inclusive as they sound exclusive.
Peace/Blessings
Posted by: José | January 3, 2008 6:09 PM
For the love, is this comments section a cattle call for the humorless? This film is HILARIOUS. May I never find myself among Christians who can't laugh at themselves.
As for a "basic understanding of economics," that a previous poster thinks Rev. Billy lacks, uh...try again. Economists, environmentalists, politicans and religious leaders have been discussing the same issues around mindless consumption for centuries.
But the consumer culture--an entire population centered around consumption--is a recent invention. Billy doesn't argue against industry or open markets. He's talking about what organizations like Slow Food and unions world wide have advocated for--fair pay, sustainable local economies, environmental impact, and genuine variety in the market place.
We consume far more than any previous generation with no regard, particularly to the effects of contemporary globalization. Consumption isn't the problem--it's how we go about it. *That* is what this group protests. And it does so in a way that mocks the equally modern invention of the Christian "charismatic" movement. Which could use some mocking. Combined with the economic and social justice concerns of Evangelical Christians, it makes an excellent commentary and activist approach.
Posted by: Demandra | January 18, 2008 11:09 PM
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