post-modern penetration
When I complained about the cheapening of Christmas in a recent newsletter, I was rebuked by a lay-person who suggested that the Gospel is not limited by its present commercial context. The thought stuck. Does the genius of the Gospel lie in its seasonal penetration of secular mores and, if so, what is the extent of this penetration?
- Carl's blog
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penetrating thoughts?
I lean toward feeling that the commercialisation of Christmas is a fine example of the penetration of consumerism into the realm of religion and spirituality. The popularity of Easter, Halloween and Christmas is only in part due to their relationship to people's beliefs. The primary reason for their popularity resides in their commercial benefit - they're big money - and their social benefit - they're a good excuse for a holiday and a celbreation. Christmas is really about blessing our kids, others and ourselves with presents.
Unless I'm hearing you wrong I believe it would be sad if the genius of the Gospel lies somewhere in a secularised Christmas.
Envoy
Penetrating What?
I agree with Envoy, I think. It seems that the commercialization of Christmas is an example of a secular value (selling goods no one actually needs) penetrating a Christian experience.
Perhaps the problem with penetration is that it seems to always happen in both directions at the same time if it happens at all. The Christian value or event penetrates into the culture while the culture penetrates into the Christian value.
I'd be curious if there is a good example of this only happening in one direction.
Wiki welcome
Hi Joshua
Just wanted to say hi/welcome, thanks for dropping by. (In case you felt a chill wind around your feet and heard your own thoughts echoing away)
I was interested how you came to this site - I see you are US based.
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