Morgan Spurlock who directed and starred in the anti-fast food documentary, Super Size Me is back with an examination of how America handles Christmas. What Would Jesus Buy? is described as "The film focuses on the issues of the commercialization of Christmas, materialism, the over-consumption in American culture, globalization, and the business practices of large corporations, as well as their economic and cultural effects on American society, as seen through the prism of activist/performance artist Bill Talen, who goes by the alias of "Reverend Billy," and his troupe of activists, whose street theater performances take the form of a church choir called "The Church of Stop Shopping," that sings anti-shopping and anti-corporate songs. The film follows Billy and his choir as they take a cross-country trip in the month prior to Christmas 2005, and spread their message against what they perceive as the evils of patronizing the retail outlets of several different large corporate chains."

"Reverend Billy" was recently interviewed in NEWSWEEK:

It concerns us deeply that the heart of Christmas--�the giving and receiving--�be recovered from the industrial juggernaut. The seed of hope in late December that all cultures regard, is denied us in so many ways in our society. It's denied because we can't create it ourselves anymore. We have thousands of advertising exposures a day all about the hope you buy: beauty, sex, status. We're saying "create Christmas this year; don't go to the big-box store this Christmas."

We can give a gift of a commitment of an activity; we can give the gift of praise. What is Christmas about? The birth of a child who was supposed to grow up and teach us peace. When you give a gift you enter an intimate economy with your closest witness to the remarkable state of being alive. What's so remarkable about a PlayStation 17 wrapped and vaccu-packed in fossil fuels? link

Now no documentary by some smart-aleck producer and activist is going to keep Americans from pulling out the plastic and going deeply in debt (and is it a coincidence that the kick-off of the Christmas season is immediately after the day people are encouraged to eat themselves into insensibility?), but Spurlock and Rev. Billy aren't the first guys to wonder if the meaning of Christmas has been lost, stolen or strayed.

*The questions for debate:

1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?

2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?

3. Is there a way to balance what Christmas should be with what it has become?

bonus question: Are you better at "giving" or "receiving?"

* Remember, this is NOT a religion debate.

1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?

OK, i do not want to be a party pooper, but Christmas is a Pagan ritual adopted by the Christians.

I assumed this was known in the U.S society, but was still celebrated? (Thats a question).


2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?

Well, in most societies, especially the U.S, the entire "festival" is based on Capitalism. This is what make capitalistic systems going. Most people have a good time, so does it really matter WHY we have it? As noted above, it is not a Christian festival, but a Pagan one. Do anyone care? I like the food myself. Wiiiii. (no, not the Nintendo).


3. Is there a way to balance what Christmas should be with what it has become?


I dont know, what is Christmas suppose to be? Goat sacrifice? I can certainly not find anything positive in Christianity (having read the Bible and all), so i dont know how you mean. It should be like all other holiday, a time for reflections and being with the people you like (or alone).

1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?
I can't say that I know the "true meaning" of Christmas. But one secular holiday, Veterans Day, has definately been distorted by commercialism. Every year that Memorial Day or Veterans Day comes up, some veterans voice their disgust over the fact that those holidays are used to promote shopping rather than honor veterans.

If Christmas itself is a pagan holiday, then chances are that it is meant for shopping, since many of the Pagan religions prior to Christianity put a lot of focus on materialism and sex. Back in those days, there weren't too many shopping malls. So the first people celebrating Christmas most likely didn't get a lot of presents for Christmas. America does need holidays where people do things besides shop and drive their cars around.

2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?
Capitalism itself is not bad. But many of the excesses of American Capitalism, like the obesity rate and the loss of manufacturing jobs to 3rd World countries, are certainly not things that should be praised.

1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?

Ah, tis the season to overspend, overlight, overeat, overindulge, fa la la la la . . .

But it's not like they've got a gun to your head. Keep it simple is my way, has been since college. Think there have been maybe four actual (not artificial) trees along the way for various reasons.

What a failure I am at consuming. Oh well.

2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?

Well, people are prone to buy a bunch of useless junk this time of year. The feeding frenzy is on, but haven't heard what the hot new thingy is this time around.

I don't see what's elitist about bashing capitalism and retailers. The game is to sell a pile of useless junk to consumers, and that's that. Or maybe this game is to sell a movie about what we already know, so there's a different term to use here other than elitist. Let's see, no new ideas, gotta do something next, it's probably part of a contract . . . Ghost Busters II? Disaster in a Can? Grinch-a-mania?

3. Is there a way to balance what Christmas should be with what it has become?

Yeah. Celebrate the dark time of the year how you feel it should be celebrated. It's a free country.

bonus question: Are you better at "giving" or "receiving?"

I like them both. Even played Santa at a local hospital. That completely creeped me out, never ever again. There was this little girl who thought I really was old St. Nick, and this boy who challenged my authenticity. Yeah kid, it's a fake beard, so you're getting coal. Poor kid. Sarcasm is totally lost on the young.

Still have some simple little things given to me throughout the years. I like simple and something that reminds me of the person and time. My brother once gave me this folding hunting knife. It's on the desk right now to trim the candle. He had been back from Vietnam for about a year and was drying out, getting a life together.

Don't know about all people in the US, but I'm fully aware of the origins of the holiday, the tree, the angels, the lights, the foods, on and on and on. Also about post-holiday depression. We did Thanksgiving simple, will do Christmas simple too.

That's become my approach to all the pressure. Just ignore it.

Think I'll get me a jug of Drambuie this year. Goes great in a snifter alongside a hot mug of mocha. There's also a story behind that of Minnesota and below-zero weather, a little bar, a young man and young woman, stalled car, jumper cables and a little bit of magic.

For all the families out there with young children, Enjoy! Take lots of pictures. This holiday is really for you.

Time to break out the old carol music book. Hopeless maudlin romantic, yeah, I know.

When Socrates was asked who among mortals was accounted most near the gods, he answered: “Those that want the fewest things.” Diogenes Laertius., Lives, “Socrates,” XI. And, surveying the fair at Athens, he is reputed to have said: “How many things there that I do not want.”

1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?

It seems for too many this is the case. Where's that youtube flick showing the spoiled rich girl upset with the color of her new BMW?

2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?

I don't think so. Much of capitalism should be bashed. I still say more power to the corporatists and their efforts to market there wares to the public. This is a capitalist society, no? As a father, if I have a problem with what is marketed I"ll take the necessary steps to regulate it within my home.

3. Is there a way to balance what Christmas should be with what it has become?

YES! Our church congregation has shyed away from emphasizing "the Santa thing" and focuses more on "the Christ-child thing". There will be plenty opportunity to bathe in the Santa aspect of Christmas. On Christmas Eve our family hunts down a few preselected families to give a homemade pie to and to sing a few carols. There are still plenty of ways to focus on the giving aspect.

bonus question: Are you better at "giving" or "receiving?"

I'm still better at receiving! This dates back to my early experiences receiving all those cool electric race tracks from Santa. I didn't have a problem with it then and I still don't now! I must admit I do get a kick out of watching my kiddos see their own gifts though...

It's pretty obvious that Jesus wasn't born in December, so if Christians were actually celebrating that day as the "official date of birth", then we lost that a long time ago, a la Roman Catholics.

The fact that the end of the calender year and tax laws would probably account for retailers' pushy attitude towards merchandise. New CD's become old. Even video games have a short shelf date. "Commercialism" is a two way street, to include both retailer's and specific shopping groups.


Not really. I'm a Christian, but I like Spurlock and his "Hey, just hear me out and look at this" offerings. To label them "liberal elitists" puts them in a stereotype. While I may not agree with the end result, I do celebrate the fact that they look at non-traditional viewpoints.

In some cases, they might be right. That's okay with me. I don't lose God-Points for saying that. God gave them brains too.

It has been hijacked, to some degree, by retailers and toy companies. There's no doubt in my mind about that.

But "the season" brings out the best in many examples, and "commercialism" isn't the end of the story. Charitable giving, for example. Delivering toys for poor kids. Time to reflect and maybe come to terms with family or friends that have fallen out. There's nothing a retailer can do to cause that unless the people let it.

But what to do? What, are we going to start a national policy, like the ridiculous ones that General Mills had to do because they marketed "Shrek Cereal" to kids? I know, who'd imagine you'd use a CARTOON CHARACTER to appeal to children? I think that's dumb to impose advertising restrictions a retailer or manufacturer. If they're spending prime money in advertising to sell their product, they believe that enough people will buy it to recoup the cost of manufacture and advertising. So whatever the solution, keep government out of it.

I will admit, tho. Singing anti-shopping songs to people in front of retailers sounds pretty hilarious. But this point:

So if he really believes HIS message is genuine, why is he filming it and not counting on people picking up and following suit? Seems like profit is the motivating factor in both Billy and his retailer targets.

Billy went on to say:

Maybe that's the gift of an activity together of a father and son playing together. It doesn't take Christmas to see that we need more of that all year long.

Those fossil fuels were obviously better spent transporting Billy and his Minivan of Merry Men and Maidens around the country, and not on a toy for a kid, right?

That's like saying documentaries are only true if no profit is ever made. Let's keep it pure and watch the "True Spirit" of a Documentary unfold!

Excellent topic, Nighttimer!


1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?

My short answer would be: Duh! I think that's my long answer also... One only has to look around to observe this. I guess the only debate, to me, what be whether it's truly 'lost', or just buried beneath all the commercial trappings. Let me put it this way...no one should get stressed over Christmas, yet you see it all the time. I also think its a fair bet that among the things Jesus would not have done is get in line at Best Buy at 5 AM on Black Friday.

2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?

Nope, not unless I have suddenly joined the ranks of liberal elitists myself.

3. Is there a way to balance what Christmas should be with what it has become?

Yes, I think so. In fact, I'm not sure that's not the direction we're heading--I see things going away from the crass materialism I've seen in the past. I think giving gifts is wonderful...it just shouldn't be as all-consuming as it seems to be so often. Christmas shouldn't be a time to be dreaded, as it is for many now. Personally, I would love it if stores stopped setting out Christmas decorations before Halloween, but that's probably not going to happen. I also wish they'd show the Christmas shows around, uhhhh, Christmas...instead of just after Thanksgiving. Again, that's probably not going to happen (although I have noticed they replay a bunch of them now, so maybe this one's not just me!). I think the whole consumerism thing is really more a reflection of our society in general than it is specifically about Christmas--we're too materialistic all the time, it just shows up more then. So, I think the question here is broader than just Christmas--we need to balance what is really important with with advertisers tell us is important more often in general. Then Christmas balance would take care of itself.

bonus question: Are you better at "giving" or "receiving?"

Much better at giving! Does that put me on the 'Good Little Boy' list, santa?

1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?

Well duh (not meaning to plagiarize Hobbes). If it isn't too secular or commercial, what is "Black Friday" all about?

The fact is, however, that the "true meaning" is not lost; it is available to anyone who wants to know. It is an open secret that, although a pagan holiday was co-opted to celebrate it, it remains the observance of the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.

2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?

"Just liberal elitists"? I don't know. I think there is room in this world for their message, and if they happen to make money doing it, that makes them no worse than the retail industry. At least there is a message.

3. Is there a way to balance what Christmas should be with what it has become?

Yes! There are many charities to which we can donate time, clothes, gifts and money. We can also determine to limit the number of presents to family and loved ones.

It is unrealistic to assume that we can spend our time carving wooden toys for the little ones or that even if we could they would prefer wooden toys to PlayStation or whatever the latest fad is!

I know of people who bake a birthday cake for Jesus and share it on Christmas Eve.

Some people, instead of giving monetary gifts, pledge to babysit, or mow the lawn (shovel snow this time of year), drive someone places or shop for somebody as presents. Time is a precious commodity.

There are far more ideas than I can come up with here to keep spirituality in Christmas.

bonus question: Are you better at "giving" or "receiving?"

Giving, I guess, because I have a hard time deciding what I want for Christmas. My health could be better (and Curmudgeon's too), but all in all we are blessed in many ways.

1. Has Christmas become too secular and the "true meaning" (whatever that is) been lost to commercialism?

Christmas is all possible things to all people. Therefore, there never has been, and never can be, any "true meaning." Personally, I do not care for it at all, and I am baffled as to why it has become so extraordinarily important in the United States. It cannot be explained by religious faith; surely Easter is of far greater importance to the Christian.

2. Are guys like Spurlock and Reverend Billy just liberal elitists using Christmas as a excuse to bash capitalism and retailers?

Perhaps to some degree. Capitalism (and its Mephistophelean servant Marketing), as useful as they may be, deserve a little shaking up. It's important to remind them that they work for us, and not the other way around.

3. Is there a way to balance what Christmas should be with what it has become?

People should do what they want to do, within reason. I ignore the holiday as much as I can. (Not an easy thing to do, with giant plastic reindeer surrounding nearly every house but mine, and extraordinarily annoying music blaring in every public place.) Others are free to party as much as they want to, or worship as they wish to, as long as I am not expected to participate.

Here's the dirty little secret; if Americans really went back to an "old-fashioned Christmas" (which probably never existed), it would be a disaster for the economy. Every year, without fail, I read articles in the business section of the newspaper about how the retailers are wringing their hands over the prospect of having a bad Christmas. Every year, without fail, the Christmas feeding frenzy makes the month of December nearly unbearable for those of us who just want to mail a letter or buy some groceries. This will not change.

bonus question: Are you better at "giving" or "receiving?"

I am lousy at both.