The Wonderful World of the Neoliberal Megachurch
Abstract
Faced with decreasing church enrollment, some churches are turning to corporate models in order to grow "market share." The most effective of these are the megachurches - churches with over 2,000 weekly attendees. By re-making the Christian church in their own image -- a neoliberal image -- and converting church-goers to consumers, the corporate megachurch has experienced significant growth. These churches appeal to the individual's self-interest and desire for a quality product by creating consumer-friendly non-places (Auge) and offering stimulating, pleasurable experiences (Ahmed). The megachurch has become a "feel good" fantasy world absent the humility or sacrifice of the traditional Christian church.
Presentation Description
By creating a consumer-friendly environment focused on emotional needs and sanitized of Christian symbology and scripture, the neoliberal megachurch has created a profitable wonderland centered on the individual's search for happiness.
Keywords
Neoliberalism, Megachurch, Affective economies, Non-spaces, Religion
Location
Forsyth
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Bishop, Diana F., "The Wonderful World of the Neoliberal Megachurch" (2016). Curriculum Studies Summer Collaborative. 53.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/cssc/2016/2016/53
The Wonderful World of the Neoliberal Megachurch
Forsyth
Faced with decreasing church enrollment, some churches are turning to corporate models in order to grow "market share." The most effective of these are the megachurches - churches with over 2,000 weekly attendees. By re-making the Christian church in their own image -- a neoliberal image -- and converting church-goers to consumers, the corporate megachurch has experienced significant growth. These churches appeal to the individual's self-interest and desire for a quality product by creating consumer-friendly non-places (Auge) and offering stimulating, pleasurable experiences (Ahmed). The megachurch has become a "feel good" fantasy world absent the humility or sacrifice of the traditional Christian church.
