Reviews for The American spiritual culture

The average rating for The American spiritual culture based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-06-10 00:00:00 Aaron Reed This author sees a connection between religion and entertainment in the U.S. He argues that the commodification of religion is inevitable. The most valuable part of this book is its historical emphasis (beginning before the Civil War), which gives some background to the current marketing incarnations. Of particular note is his contention that the Protestant work ethic contributed to their zeal in proselytizing (relates to Weber...) Argues that much of what we characterize as "secularization has to do not with the disappearance of religion, but its commodifcation."

Review # 2 was written on 2013-02-16 00:00:00 Anthony Hayes "American religious leaders, self-saddled with responsibility for protecting the nation's morals, bereft of a unified voice and of legal authority to do much, faced with competition from an increasing number of activities that occupied people's time, began early in the nineteenth century to make control of the marketplace of culture a major priority". This quote sums up the purpose of Moore's book nicely. Throughout, he gives the reader a plethora of examples on how religion became a commodity in America. Previously "sinful" activities were turned into wholesome fun by religious organizations. Over the course of American history, secular activities that people found enjoyable would receive religious alternatives to make them "moral". Moore concludes that the commodification of religion has enabled it to reach broader audiences, but asks a question: "Where are the real religious prophets? Can there be any in a country whose self-image relies on fast, friendly, and guiltless consumption?" The book has an excellent theme, but it's too droll and verbose to enjoy.