Bling for believers
Items with religious themes help to reinforce faith
A 2005 Baylor Religion Survey found a quarter of respondents who claimed no religious affiliation said they still bought something religious over the past year. And 90 percent of people saying they go to church several times a week bought at least one religious item in the year prior to the survey.
In short, religious products abound. Catalogues burst with religious race cars, yo-yos — even squirt rings.
Catholics might buy a medal of a patron saint as a reminder of the saint's example, says Nora Mancuso, co-owner of Mancuso's religious goods store in Salt Lake City.
Deseret Book, which carries goods related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has "I Am a Child of God" wristbands and pencils, Articles of Faith stickers and 216 varieties of the CTR ("Choose The Right") Ring.
Mark Clegg, Deseret Book vice president of retail, says customers choose items based on emotional connection, or those that "reinforce their beliefs and create a feeling of well-being and harmony in their homes."
The Online Islamic Store offers books and videos and other items, such as prayer beads, promoting faith practices. Figurative art is widely rejected in Islam, according to religionfacts.com, and depictions of the prophet Muhammad are particularly offensive.
Certainly, pop culture and capitalism shape what's for sale.
Still, there are concerns. According to Jerry Park, author of the piece "What Would Jesus Buy?" when items stray from traditional symbols into commercialism, the believing buyer should beware.
"Sometimes material goods carry their own meaning system," Park says, "and it can sometimes communicate more quickly than if someone, for instance, sits down and talks about their faith. But it can also communicate a distortion of a religion," And the more symbols become popular, the more they might lose their intended meaning, Park says. Some people even refer to the onslaught of religious wares as "Jesus Junk."
Recent comments
I wear a wedding ring. i don't need it to remind me that I'm married…
Daniel | Oct. 11, 2008 at 5:20 p.m.
Lynn, you are right about ""rock star" type T-shirts with Jesus'…
Mona | Oct. 11, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.
As LDS we are a humble people and should not need such trinkets.…
Luke | Oct. 11, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.
