Brands of Faith: Marketing Religion in a Commercial Age (Media, Religion and Culture)

Synopsis

In a society overrun by commercial clutter, religion has become yet another product sold in the consumer marketplace, and faiths of all kinds must compete with a myriad of more entertaining and more convenient leisure activities. Brands of Faith argues that in order to compete effectively faiths have had to become brands – easily recognizable symbols and spokespeople with whom religious prospects can make immediate connections Mara Einstein shows how religious branding has expanded over the past twenty years to create a blended world of commerce and faith where the sacred becomes secular and the secular sacred. In a series of fascinating case studies of faith brands, she explores the significance of branded church courses, such as Alpha and The Purpose Driven Life, mega-churches, and the popularity of the televangelist Joel Olsteen and television presenter Oprah Winfrey, as well as the rise of Kaballah. She asks what the consequences of this religious marketing will be, and outlines the possible results of religious commercialism – good and bad. Repackaging religion – updating music, creating teen-targeted bibles – is justifiable and necessary. However, when the content becomes obscured, religion may lose its unique selling proposition – the very ability to raise us above the market.

Copyright:

2007

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

256 Pages

ISBN-13:

9781134130108

Related ISBNs:

9780203938874, 9780415409766, 9780415409766, 9780415409773, 9780415409773

Publisher:

Taylor and Francis

Date of Addition:

04/25/20

Copyrighted By:

N/A

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality, Business and Finance

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.