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Buy Nothing Day as Advent Activism Against the Demon Mammon

by Shane Claiborne 12-02-2008 | 4:00pm
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As per usual, on Friday, we had all sorts of Buy Nothing Day festivities (check out the video here). But that's not what I want to talk about. I read recent posts on consumerism and Buy Nothing Day by Eugene Cho and Rachel Anderson here on God's Politics, and I admire the optimism and nuanced critiques. But this past weekend folks around the world stared in embarrassment, pity, and horror as people killed each other for bargains

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by: canucklehead

12-03-2008 @ 1:50am

God bless you, Prophet Shane.

by: rionato

12-03-2008 @ 3:50am

Shane, you have a way of inspiring hope in me.

by: Frankdh

12-14-2008 @ 11:40pm

As someone who works for a wallyworld supercenter I am grieved when I see the crowds that come in every night and flock around the electronics and toy departments.
The word of God says that as parents we should train up a child in the way that he will go and when he is old he shall not depart.
Truly this darkened evil world must have gotten into the church for those who attend church on Sunday to be in the supercenters at night with their kids. Sadly, many of those same "christian" parents may not know where their kids are at night.
Too great a price was paid for our salvation than to teach our kids to lust after the things of this world. Jesus Christ was the only atoning Lamb of sacrifice acceptable in the eyes of God Almighty for the sins of man!
Parents should get down on their knees and thank God that he would have mercy on Gentiles and stop spoiling their little charmers and making them twofold the child of hell as themselves.
It saddens me to have to work at a place like wallyworld but unfortunately it pays the bills. In today's economic state that's all some of us can find and seeing Christmas and the precious blood of Christ sold out for filthy lucre makes it hard to even want to go to work.
But, at least some still hold fast the true meaning of Christmas.

by: mscynthia

12-11-2008 @ 2:43pm

A reminder that

Kings can be born in barns.
And miracles arise from simple things.

Hold fast to dreams.

by: nuclearferret

12-02-2008 @ 4:14pm

"Heroin," not "heroine."

by: mecyssne

12-02-2008 @ 5:50pm

Shane, I love this post. Thanks for your insight--I don't always agree with you, but appreciate your thoughts especially here.

by: JaimeG

12-02-2008 @ 9:10pm

Thank you for sharing, Shane. I am very excited to discover Advent Conspiracy!

Also, thank you for clearly showing the disparity between people dying and people saving '$40' on a t.v.

I have felt like I am speaking against the wind about this in my life, but I feel encouraged knowing others are speaking about this too. I also feel encouraged to keep saying 'enough' to our kids. As I read parts of your post to them, and watched the videos with them, they have more understanding of why it needs to be said and held to.

Thanks! Peace to you and yours.

by: carlcopas

12-02-2008 @ 10:07pm

Shane,
thanks.

by: Rr_Salamander

12-05-2008 @ 7:00pm

When I created an event on Facebook for Buy Nothing Day, a few people were upset. They wanted to know why I would try to hurt local businesses. Of course, we at Team Salamander want only to support local business-that's part of being carbon sexy. But, to be clear: Buy Locally! Drive less and support local economies!

They wanted to know why I would hurt a fragile economy. BND is more about buying in a frenzy than buying intentionally. That gives me pause. Consuming obsessively is linked to some extent to physical obesity, carbon obesity, and, when we support businesses that don't reflect our ethical beliefs, a lack of moral integrity. Is our economy really more important than our environmental, physical and moral health?

They wanted to know what BND did, since people were going to buy things anyway, just on another day.

It's truly saddening to see that--though we can opt out of being political, religious, ethical, or anything else--we cannot opt out of being economic. Therefore, every economic decision we make is more crucial. Every piece of plastic is pounds of carbon emissions; the drive to the store is pounds of carbon emissions, the packaging.... it's overwhelming.

The truth of life is not in the mall. The heart of life is not in Wal-mart. As Thoreau said, we need to "Simplify, simplify."

Check out www.salamanderpoints.com to see your daily carbon footprint.

by: genie

12-02-2008 @ 10:31pm

Shane,
Thanks for sharing this and especially the video! I love seeing a protest where the protestors are having so much fun and not screaming in people's faces, etc. You help keep us focused on the many things we need to do to simplify our lives. Bless you for that! Our whole emphasis this advent at our church is "Simple Christmas." May God help us to gently woo those who have been mesmerized by the tantalizing lure of commercialism (like myself so much of the time!). You are refreshing!

by: jtothamo

12-03-2008 @ 7:26pm

Thank you, Shane. I have struggled with the mass consumption that we see in the US, especially during the Advent season because it is so "in your face." I hope that we all will do what we can to make a serious impact...to bring about a fresh focus for the Advent season. Whatever happened to people being satisfied with the presence of their friends and loved ones, rather than having a greedy desire to give and receive gifts.

by: servantofALLhumanity

12-07-2008 @ 6:04am

Maybe it is too late. We are so entangled with this culture that has taught us from the beginning our livelihood depends on spending and planning to spend in the future so that we can not see the evil that is the cornerstone of our economy, GREED. You would be hard-pressed to find a leader of a church speaking of living everyday as your last or if someone wants your shirt give him your pants as well. Our money is not ours but is granted to us by the grace of God just like everyday we are on this planet. He can take it away. I think that might be the only solution. If we were indebted to no one the mortgage crisis would be an opportunity for the church to show God's love to those in need and the truth about the evils of credit and greed but we are in crisis like the rest of our greedy culture. As we split hairs over the true evils that occurred on that black Friday let us take a step back and look at our own lives and the will of our country and see a group of people so fat with luxury we tell the man on the corner no he can not have a dollar or change or my shirt or my pants or my time of day but in our self righteousness we tell this man to get a job and join in on the greed or get out of my way(even though the only place that would hire him is McDonalds or some other place that would never give him benefits or advancement opportunities). Of course many homeless are mentally challenged because Americans are too greedy to give enough money to have housing and care for people with disabilities. If we do not spread our wealth it will be taken from us.

by: canucklehead

12-03-2008 @ 1:50am

God bless you, Prophet Shane.

by: johnjayalvaro

12-07-2008 @ 3:34pm

Which Church in North Carolina is Shane referencing in this article?

by: rionato

12-03-2008 @ 3:50am

Shane, you have a way of inspiring hope in me.

by: mscynthia

12-11-2008 @ 2:43pm

A reminder that

Kings can be born in barns.
And miracles arise from simple things.

Hold fast to dreams.

by: studious

12-08-2008 @ 5:02am

Someone sent me a link to the website with this blog, and so this is my first time reading any of the ideas here. I think shopping is a generationally accepted addiction. With all of the focus being off of Jesus and onto buying stuff to fill His place, I was saddened to scroll down and see an advertisement. It felt a bit tacky-regardless of whether it is for something Christiany or not. Thanks for listening.

by: jtothamo

12-03-2008 @ 7:26pm

Thank you, Shane. I have struggled with the mass consumption that we see in the US, especially during the Advent season because it is so "in your face." I hope that we all will do what we can to make a serious impact...to bring about a fresh focus for the Advent season. Whatever happened to people being satisfied with the presence of their friends and loved ones, rather than having a greedy desire to give and receive gifts.

by: servantofALLhumanity

12-07-2008 @ 6:04am

Maybe it is too late. We are so entangled with this culture that has taught us from the beginning our livelihood depends on spending and planning to spend in the future so that we can not see the evil that is the cornerstone of our economy, GREED. You would be hard-pressed to find a leader of a church speaking of living everyday as your last or if someone wants your shirt give him your pants as well. Our money is not ours but is granted to us by the grace of God just like everyday we are on this planet. He can take it away. I think that might be the only solution. If we were indebted to no one the mortgage crisis would be an opportunity for the church to show God's love to those in need and the truth about the evils of credit and greed but we are in crisis like the rest of our greedy culture. As we split hairs over the true evils that occurred on that black Friday let us take a step back and look at our own lives and the will of our country and see a group of people so fat with luxury we tell the man on the corner no he can not have a dollar or change or my shirt or my pants or my time of day but in our self righteousness we tell this man to get a job and join in on the greed or get out of my way(even though the only place that would hire him is McDonalds or some other place that would never give him benefits or advancement opportunities). Of course many homeless are mentally challenged because Americans are too greedy to give enough money to have housing and care for people with disabilities. If we do not spread our wealth it will be taken from us.

by: johnjayalvaro

12-07-2008 @ 3:34pm

Which Church in North Carolina is Shane referencing in this article?

by: studious

12-08-2008 @ 5:02am

Someone sent me a link to the website with this blog, and so this is my first time reading any of the ideas here. I think shopping is a generationally accepted addiction. With all of the focus being off of Jesus and onto buying stuff to fill His place, I was saddened to scroll down and see an advertisement. It felt a bit tacky-regardless of whether it is for something Christiany or not. Thanks for listening.

by: wordherder62

12-04-2008 @ 6:38pm

It does need to be noted, by the way, that the reports of a miscarriage in the Wal*Mart stampede are not true. A pregnant woman did go to the hospital and checked out fine. The story is bad enough in itself but accuracy does call out for this correction. Good work, Shane. It's a great idea and I did stay home on Black Friday and was all the better for it!

by: MelMc

12-09-2008 @ 3:49pm

I am relieved to know that many others are awakening that the true meaning of our Saviours birth is being muddied and cluttered in commericalism. Joy to the World. Not just joy to a certain group or person or faith, JOY TO THE WORLD. I am thinking that the best gift anyone can give another person is LOVE. It doesn't have a monetary value but the spiritual value is beyond calculation. More and more I am learning to let God direct my paths. He does so much better a job than I do!!!
When I remember to stop thinking I am in charge, He leads me and takes better care of me and mine than I ever could!. So for this season of giving I am trying to remember to let go and let God. His gift to me is my role as encourager. We can build up or break down. I want to be a builder upper!, so on a daily basis I try and when I blow it I know His mercy is new every day and He knows my heart. The best gift we can ever give each other is love and so I send it out and I know I'll receive the same. We need to remember one person CAN make a difference. Be blessed not stressed!! MELMc

by: RobTyson

12-04-2008 @ 8:55pm

Also to be noted... the shooting at the Toys R Us was not related to "the shopping frenzy" as per The Associated Press.

by: darnell07

01-20-2009 @ 7:30am

My wife and I have been in the Philippines studying conflict transformation and peace theology...this christmas and these stories caught us totally off guard. Christmas in the Philippines is about family and friends...we've adapted over 10 months and that's what our christmas was about. Filipino family and friends. When I saw this news online, my heart broke. It makes me think of being self-controlled and alert, the enemy prowls around like a lion waiting to devour. Chomp!

As a Christian in North-America, it kills be to see people die b/c of shopping. I have dreams of the kingdom of God and I'm having my hopes of the kingdom destroyed by shopping murder...I cry.

In our pain and sorrow and desire to see the kingdom come, I need to remember something. Not to react! When I react and start criticizing the world and the church I do very little for the kingdom of God. My Opa (grandfather in German) taught me something, he said that in our love for the kingdom of God, lets not be militant to the church or the world. We need to be faithful to the kingdom in our servanthood, and in our self-sacrifice and willingness to give ourselves for the kingdom. God will do the miracles and the holy spirit will fuel the transformation, we are only called to be faithful in our own understanding.

We dream big, and act small. God is the one who brings the manifestations of his Kingdom.

In the mean time...I cry when I hear stories like this.

by: Frankdh

12-14-2008 @ 11:40pm

As someone who works for a wallyworld supercenter I am grieved when I see the crowds that come in every night and flock around the electronics and toy departments.
The word of God says that as parents we should train up a child in the way that he will go and when he is old he shall not depart.
Truly this darkened evil world must have gotten into the church for those who attend church on Sunday to be in the supercenters at night with their kids. Sadly, many of those same "christian" parents may not know where their kids are at night.
Too great a price was paid for our salvation than to teach our kids to lust after the things of this world. Jesus Christ was the only atoning Lamb of sacrifice acceptable in the eyes of God Almighty for the sins of man!
Parents should get down on their knees and thank God that he would have mercy on Gentiles and stop spoiling their little charmers and making them twofold the child of hell as themselves.
It saddens me to have to work at a place like wallyworld but unfortunately it pays the bills. In today's economic state that's all some of us can find and seeing Christmas and the precious blood of Christ sold out for filthy lucre makes it hard to even want to go to work.
But, at least some still hold fast the true meaning of Christmas.

by: nuclearferret

12-02-2008 @ 4:14pm

"Heroin," not "heroine."

by: mecyssne

12-02-2008 @ 5:50pm

Shane, I love this post. Thanks for your insight--I don't always agree with you, but appreciate your thoughts especially here.

by: JaimeG

12-02-2008 @ 9:10pm

Thank you for sharing, Shane. I am very excited to discover Advent Conspiracy!

Also, thank you for clearly showing the disparity between people dying and people saving '$40' on a t.v.

I have felt like I am speaking against the wind about this in my life, but I feel encouraged knowing others are speaking about this too. I also feel encouraged to keep saying 'enough' to our kids. As I read parts of your post to them, and watched the videos with them, they have more understanding of why it needs to be said and held to.

Thanks! Peace to you and yours.

by: carlcopas

12-02-2008 @ 10:07pm

Shane,
thanks.

by: Rr_Salamander

12-05-2008 @ 7:00pm

When I created an event on Facebook for Buy Nothing Day, a few people were upset. They wanted to know why I would try to hurt local businesses. Of course, we at Team Salamander want only to support local business-that's part of being carbon sexy. But, to be clear: Buy Locally! Drive less and support local economies!

They wanted to know why I would hurt a fragile economy. BND is more about buying in a frenzy than buying intentionally. That gives me pause. Consuming obsessively is linked to some extent to physical obesity, carbon obesity, and, when we support businesses that don't reflect our ethical beliefs, a lack of moral integrity. Is our economy really more important than our environmental, physical and moral health?

They wanted to know what BND did, since people were going to buy things anyway, just on another day.

It's truly saddening to see that--though we can opt out of being political, religious, ethical, or anything else--we cannot opt out of being economic. Therefore, every economic decision we make is more crucial. Every piece of plastic is pounds of carbon emissions; the drive to the store is pounds of carbon emissions, the packaging.... it's overwhelming.

The truth of life is not in the mall. The heart of life is not in Wal-mart. As Thoreau said, we need to "Simplify, simplify."

Check out www.salamanderpoints.com to see your daily carbon footprint.

by: wordherder62

12-04-2008 @ 6:38pm

It does need to be noted, by the way, that the reports of a miscarriage in the Wal*Mart stampede are not true. A pregnant woman did go to the hospital and checked out fine. The story is bad enough in itself but accuracy does call out for this correction. Good work, Shane. It's a great idea and I did stay home on Black Friday and was all the better for it!

by: MelMc

12-09-2008 @ 3:49pm

I am relieved to know that many others are awakening that the true meaning of our Saviours birth is being muddied and cluttered in commericalism. Joy to the World. Not just joy to a certain group or person or faith, JOY TO THE WORLD. I am thinking that the best gift anyone can give another person is LOVE. It doesn't have a monetary value but the spiritual value is beyond calculation. More and more I am learning to let God direct my paths. He does so much better a job than I do!!!
When I remember to stop thinking I am in charge, He leads me and takes better care of me and mine than I ever could!. So for this season of giving I am trying to remember to let go and let God. His gift to me is my role as encourager. We can build up or break down. I want to be a builder upper!, so on a daily basis I try and when I blow it I know His mercy is new every day and He knows my heart. The best gift we can ever give each other is love and so I send it out and I know I'll receive the same. We need to remember one person CAN make a difference. Be blessed not stressed!! MELMc

by: genie

12-02-2008 @ 10:31pm

Shane,
Thanks for sharing this and especially the video! I love seeing a protest where the protestors are having so much fun and not screaming in people's faces, etc. You help keep us focused on the many things we need to do to simplify our lives. Bless you for that! Our whole emphasis this advent at our church is "Simple Christmas." May God help us to gently woo those who have been mesmerized by the tantalizing lure of commercialism (like myself so much of the time!). You are refreshing!

by: darnell07

01-20-2009 @ 7:30am

My wife and I have been in the Philippines studying conflict transformation and peace theology...this christmas and these stories caught us totally off guard. Christmas in the Philippines is about family and friends...we've adapted over 10 months and that's what our christmas was about. Filipino family and friends. When I saw this news online, my heart broke. It makes me think of being self-controlled and alert, the enemy prowls around like a lion waiting to devour. Chomp!

As a Christian in North-America, it kills be to see people die b/c of shopping. I have dreams of the kingdom of God and I'm having my hopes of the kingdom destroyed by shopping murder...I cry.

In our pain and sorrow and desire to see the kingdom come, I need to remember something. Not to react! When I react and start criticizing the world and the church I do very little for the kingdom of God. My Opa (grandfather in German) taught me something, he said that in our love for the kingdom of God, lets not be militant to the church or the world. We need to be faithful to the kingdom in our servanthood, and in our self-sacrifice and willingness to give ourselves for the kingdom. God will do the miracles and the holy spirit will fuel the transformation, we are only called to be faithful in our own understanding.

We dream big, and act small. God is the one who brings the manifestations of his Kingdom.

In the mean time...I cry when I hear stories like this.

by: RobTyson

12-04-2008 @ 8:55pm

Also to be noted... the shooting at the Toys R Us was not related to "the shopping frenzy" as per The Associated Press.

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: nuclearferret

12-02-2008 @ 4:14pm

"Heroin," not "heroine."

by: nuclearferret

12-02-2008 @ 4:14pm

"Heroin," not "heroine."

by: mecyssne

12-02-2008 @ 5:50pm

Shane, I love this post. Thanks for your insight--I don't always agree with you, but appreciate your thoughts especially here.

by: mecyssne

12-02-2008 @ 5:50pm

Shane, I love this post. Thanks for your insight--I don't always agree with you, but appreciate your thoughts especially here.

by: JaimeG

12-02-2008 @ 9:10pm

Thank you for sharing, Shane. I am very excited to discover Advent Conspiracy!

Also, thank you for clearly showing the disparity between people dying and people saving '$40' on a t.v.

I have felt like I am speaking against the wind about this in my life, but I feel encouraged knowing others are speaking about this too. I also feel encouraged to keep saying 'enough' to our kids. As I read parts of your post to them, and watched the videos with them, they have more understanding of why it needs to be said and held to.

Thanks! Peace to you and yours.

by: JaimeG

12-02-2008 @ 9:10pm

Thank you for sharing, Shane. I am very excited to discover Advent Conspiracy!

Also, thank you for clearly showing the disparity between people dying and people saving '$40' on a t.v.

I have felt like I am speaking against the wind about this in my life, but I feel encouraged knowing others are speaking about this too. I also feel encouraged to keep saying 'enough' to our kids. As I read parts of your post to them, and watched the videos with them, they have more understanding of why it needs to be said and held to.

Thanks! Peace to you and yours.

by: carlcopas

12-02-2008 @ 10:07pm

Shane,
thanks.

by: carlcopas

12-02-2008 @ 10:07pm

Shane,
thanks.

by: genie

12-02-2008 @ 10:31pm

Shane,
Thanks for sharing this and especially the video! I love seeing a protest where the protestors are having so much fun and not screaming in people's faces, etc. You help keep us focused on the many things we need to do to simplify our lives. Bless you for that! Our whole emphasis this advent at our church is "Simple Christmas." May God help us to gently woo those who have been mesmerized by the tantalizing lure of commercialism (like myself so much of the time!). You are refreshing!

by: genie

12-02-2008 @ 10:31pm

Shane,
Thanks for sharing this and especially the video! I love seeing a protest where the protestors are having so much fun and not screaming in people's faces, etc. You help keep us focused on the many things we need to do to simplify our lives. Bless you for that! Our whole emphasis this advent at our church is "Simple Christmas." May God help us to gently woo those who have been mesmerized by the tantalizing lure of commercialism (like myself so much of the time!). You are refreshing!

by: canucklehead

12-03-2008 @ 1:50am

God bless you, Prophet Shane.

by: canucklehead

12-03-2008 @ 1:50am

God bless you, Prophet Shane.

by: rionato

12-03-2008 @ 3:50am

Shane, you have a way of inspiring hope in me.

by: rionato

12-03-2008 @ 3:50am

Shane, you have a way of inspiring hope in me.

by: jtothamo

12-03-2008 @ 7:26pm

Thank you, Shane. I have struggled with the mass consumption that we see in the US, especially during the Advent season because it is so "in your face." I hope that we all will do what we can to make a serious impact...to bring about a fresh focus for the Advent season. Whatever happened to people being satisfied with the presence of their friends and loved ones, rather than having a greedy desire to give and receive gifts.

by: jtothamo

12-03-2008 @ 7:26pm

Thank you, Shane. I have struggled with the mass consumption that we see in the US, especially during the Advent season because it is so "in your face." I hope that we all will do what we can to make a serious impact...to bring about a fresh focus for the Advent season. Whatever happened to people being satisfied with the presence of their friends and loved ones, rather than having a greedy desire to give and receive gifts.

by: wordherder62

12-04-2008 @ 6:38pm

It does need to be noted, by the way, that the reports of a miscarriage in the Wal*Mart stampede are not true. A pregnant woman did go to the hospital and checked out fine. The story is bad enough in itself but accuracy does call out for this correction. Good work, Shane. It's a great idea and I did stay home on Black Friday and was all the better for it!

by: wordherder62

12-04-2008 @ 6:38pm

It does need to be noted, by the way, that the reports of a miscarriage in the Wal*Mart stampede are not true. A pregnant woman did go to the hospital and checked out fine. The story is bad enough in itself but accuracy does call out for this correction. Good work, Shane. It's a great idea and I did stay home on Black Friday and was all the better for it!

by: RobTyson

12-04-2008 @ 8:55pm

Also to be noted... the shooting at the Toys R Us was not related to "the shopping frenzy" as per The Associated Press.

by: RobTyson

12-04-2008 @ 8:55pm

Also to be noted... the shooting at the Toys R Us was not related to "the shopping frenzy" as per The Associated Press.

by: Rr_Salamander

12-05-2008 @ 7:00pm

When I created an event on Facebook for Buy Nothing Day, a few people were upset. They wanted to know why I would try to hurt local businesses. Of course, we at Team Salamander want only to support local business-that's part of being carbon sexy. But, to be clear: Buy Locally! Drive less and support local economies!

They wanted to know why I would hurt a fragile economy. BND is more about buying in a frenzy than buying intentionally. That gives me pause. Consuming obsessively is linked to some extent to physical obesity, carbon obesity, and, when we support businesses that don't reflect our ethical beliefs, a lack of moral integrity. Is our economy really more important than our environmental, physical and moral health?

They wanted to know what BND did, since people were going to buy things anyway, just on another day.

It's truly saddening to see that--though we can opt out of being political, religious, ethical, or anything else--we cannot opt out of being economic. Therefore, every economic decision we make is more crucial. Every piece of plastic is pounds of carbon emissions; the drive to the store is pounds of carbon emissions, the packaging.... it's overwhelming.

The truth of life is not in the mall. The heart of life is not in Wal-mart. As Thoreau said, we need to "Simplify, simplify."

Check out www.salamanderpoints.com to see your daily carbon footprint.

by: Rr_Salamander

12-05-2008 @ 7:00pm

When I created an event on Facebook for Buy Nothing Day, a few people were upset. They wanted to know why I would try to hurt local businesses. Of course, we at Team Salamander want only to support local business-that's part of being carbon sexy. But, to be clear: Buy Locally! Drive less and support local economies!

They wanted to know why I would hurt a fragile economy. BND is more about buying in a frenzy than buying intentionally. That gives me pause. Consuming obsessively is linked to some extent to physical obesity, carbon obesity, and, when we support businesses that don't reflect our ethical beliefs, a lack of moral integrity. Is our economy really more important than our environmental, physical and moral health?

They wanted to know what BND did, since people were going to buy things anyway, just on another day.

It's truly saddening to see that--though we can opt out of being political, religious, ethical, or anything else--we cannot opt out of being economic. Therefore, every economic decision we make is more crucial. Every piece of plastic is pounds of carbon emissions; the drive to the store is pounds of carbon emissions, the packaging.... it's overwhelming.

The truth of life is not in the mall. The heart of life is not in Wal-mart. As Thoreau said, we need to "Simplify, simplify."

Check out www.salamanderpoints.com to see your daily carbon footprint.

by: servantofALLhumanity

12-07-2008 @ 6:04am

Maybe it is too late. We are so entangled with this culture that has taught us from the beginning our livelihood depends on spending and planning to spend in the future so that we can not see the evil that is the cornerstone of our economy, GREED. You would be hard-pressed to find a leader of a church speaking of living everyday as your last or if someone wants your shirt give him your pants as well. Our money is not ours but is granted to us by the grace of God just like everyday we are on this planet. He can take it away. I think that might be the only solution. If we were indebted to no one the mortgage crisis would be an opportunity for the church to show God's love to those in need and the truth about the evils of credit and greed but we are in crisis like the rest of our greedy culture. As we split hairs over the true evils that occurred on that black Friday let us take a step back and look at our own lives and the will of our country and see a group of people so fat with luxury we tell the man on the corner no he can not have a dollar or change or my shirt or my pants or my time of day but in our self righteousness we tell this man to get a job and join in on the greed or get out of my way(even though the only place that would hire him is McDonalds or some other place that would never give him benefits or advancement opportunities). Of course many homeless are mentally challenged because Americans are too greedy to give enough money to have housing and care for people with disabilities. If we do not spread our wealth it will be taken from us.

by: servantofALLhumanity

12-07-2008 @ 6:04am

Maybe it is too late. We are so entangled with this culture that has taught us from the beginning our livelihood depends on spending and planning to spend in the future so that we can not see the evil that is the cornerstone of our economy, GREED. You would be hard-pressed to find a leader of a church speaking of living everyday as your last or if someone wants your shirt give him your pants as well. Our money is not ours but is granted to us by the grace of God just like everyday we are on this planet. He can take it away. I think that might be the only solution. If we were indebted to no one the mortgage crisis would be an opportunity for the church to show God's love to those in need and the truth about the evils of credit and greed but we are in crisis like the rest of our greedy culture. As we split hairs over the true evils that occurred on that black Friday let us take a step back and look at our own lives and the will of our country and see a group of people so fat with luxury we tell the man on the corner no he can not have a dollar or change or my shirt or my pants or my time of day but in our self righteousness we tell this man to get a job and join in on the greed or get out of my way(even though the only place that would hire him is McDonalds or some other place that would never give him benefits or advancement opportunities). Of course many homeless are mentally challenged because Americans are too greedy to give enough money to have housing and care for people with disabilities. If we do not spread our wealth it will be taken from us.

by: johnjayalvaro

12-07-2008 @ 3:34pm

Which Church in North Carolina is Shane referencing in this article?

by: johnjayalvaro

12-07-2008 @ 3:34pm

Which Church in North Carolina is Shane referencing in this article?

by: studious

12-08-2008 @ 5:02am

Someone sent me a link to the website with this blog, and so this is my first time reading any of the ideas here. I think shopping is a generationally accepted addiction. With all of the focus being off of Jesus and onto buying stuff to fill His place, I was saddened to scroll down and see an advertisement. It felt a bit tacky-regardless of whether it is for something Christiany or not. Thanks for listening.

by: studious

12-08-2008 @ 5:02am

Someone sent me a link to the website with this blog, and so this is my first time reading any of the ideas here. I think shopping is a generationally accepted addiction. With all of the focus being off of Jesus and onto buying stuff to fill His place, I was saddened to scroll down and see an advertisement. It felt a bit tacky-regardless of whether it is for something Christiany or not. Thanks for listening.

by: MelMc

12-09-2008 @ 3:49pm

I am relieved to know that many others are awakening that the true meaning of our Saviours birth is being muddied and cluttered in commericalism. Joy to the World. Not just joy to a certain group or person or faith, JOY TO THE WORLD. I am thinking that the best gift anyone can give another person is LOVE. It doesn't have a monetary value but the spiritual value is beyond calculation. More and more I am learning to let God direct my paths. He does so much better a job than I do!!!
When I remember to stop thinking I am in charge, He leads me and takes better care of me and mine than I ever could!. So for this season of giving I am trying to remember to let go and let God. His gift to me is my role as encourager. We can build up or break down. I want to be a builder upper!, so on a daily basis I try and when I blow it I know His mercy is new every day and He knows my heart. The best gift we can ever give each other is love and so I send it out and I know I'll receive the same. We need to remember one person CAN make a difference. Be blessed not stressed!! MELMc

by: MelMc

12-09-2008 @ 3:49pm

I am relieved to know that many others are awakening that the true meaning of our Saviours birth is being muddied and cluttered in commericalism. Joy to the World. Not just joy to a certain group or person or faith, JOY TO THE WORLD. I am thinking that the best gift anyone can give another person is LOVE. It doesn't have a monetary value but the spiritual value is beyond calculation. More and more I am learning to let God direct my paths. He does so much better a job than I do!!!
When I remember to stop thinking I am in charge, He leads me and takes better care of me and mine than I ever could!. So for this season of giving I am trying to remember to let go and let God. His gift to me is my role as encourager. We can build up or break down. I want to be a builder upper!, so on a daily basis I try and when I blow it I know His mercy is new every day and He knows my heart. The best gift we can ever give each other is love and so I send it out and I know I'll receive the same. We need to remember one person CAN make a difference. Be blessed not stressed!! MELMc

by: mscynthia

12-11-2008 @ 2:43pm

A reminder that

Kings can be born in barns.
And miracles arise from simple things.

Hold fast to dreams.

by: mscynthia

12-11-2008 @ 2:43pm

A reminder that

Kings can be born in barns.
And miracles arise from simple things.

Hold fast to dreams.

by: Frankdh

12-14-2008 @ 11:40pm

As someone who works for a wallyworld supercenter I am grieved when I see the crowds that come in every night and flock around the electronics and toy departments.
The word of God says that as parents we should train up a child in the way that he will go and when he is old he shall not depart.
Truly this darkened evil world must have gotten into the church for those who attend church on Sunday to be in the supercenters at night with their kids. Sadly, many of those same "christian" parents may not know where their kids are at night.
Too great a price was paid for our salvation than to teach our kids to lust after the things of this world. Jesus Christ was the only atoning Lamb of sacrifice acceptable in the eyes of God Almighty for the sins of man!
Parents should get down on their knees and thank God that he would have mercy on Gentiles and stop spoiling their little charmers and making them twofold the child of hell as themselves.
It saddens me to have to work at a place like wallyworld but unfortunately it pays the bills. In today's economic state that's all some of us can find and seeing Christmas and the precious blood of Christ sold out for filthy lucre makes it hard to even want to go to work.
But, at least some still hold fast the true meaning of Christmas.

by: Frankdh

12-14-2008 @ 11:40pm

As someone who works for a wallyworld supercenter I am grieved when I see the crowds that come in every night and flock around the electronics and toy departments.
The word of God says that as parents we should train up a child in the way that he will go and when he is old he shall not depart.
Truly this darkened evil world must have gotten into the church for those who attend church on Sunday to be in the supercenters at night with their kids. Sadly, many of those same "christian" parents may not know where their kids are at night.
Too great a price was paid for our salvation than to teach our kids to lust after the things of this world. Jesus Christ was the only atoning Lamb of sacrifice acceptable in the eyes of God Almighty for the sins of man!
Parents should get down on their knees and thank God that he would have mercy on Gentiles and stop spoiling their little charmers and making them twofold the child of hell as themselves.
It saddens me to have to work at a place like wallyworld but unfortunately it pays the bills. In today's economic state that's all some of us can find and seeing Christmas and the precious blood of Christ sold out for filthy lucre makes it hard to even want to go to work.
But, at least some still hold fast the true meaning of Christmas.

by: darnell07

01-20-2009 @ 7:30am

My wife and I have been in the Philippines studying conflict transformation and peace theology...this christmas and these stories caught us totally off guard. Christmas in the Philippines is about family and friends...we've adapted over 10 months and that's what our christmas was about. Filipino family and friends. When I saw this news online, my heart broke. It makes me think of being self-controlled and alert, the enemy prowls around like a lion waiting to devour. Chomp!

As a Christian in North-America, it kills be to see people die b/c of shopping. I have dreams of the kingdom of God and I'm having my hopes of the kingdom destroyed by shopping murder...I cry.

In our pain and sorrow and desire to see the kingdom come, I need to remember something. Not to react! When I react and start criticizing the world and the church I do very little for the kingdom of God. My Opa (grandfather in German) taught me something, he said that in our love for the kingdom of God, lets not be militant to the church or the world. We need to be faithful to the kingdom in our servanthood, and in our self-sacrifice and willingness to give ourselves for the kingdom. God will do the miracles and the holy spirit will fuel the transformation, we are only called to be faithful in our own understanding.

We dream big, and act small. God is the one who brings the manifestations of his Kingdom.

In the mean time...I cry when I hear stories like this.

by: darnell07

01-20-2009 @ 7:30am

My wife and I have been in the Philippines studying conflict transformation and peace theology...this christmas and these stories caught us totally off guard. Christmas in the Philippines is about family and friends...we've adapted over 10 months and that's what our christmas was about. Filipino family and friends. When I saw this news online, my heart broke. It makes me think of being self-controlled and alert, the enemy prowls around like a lion waiting to devour. Chomp!

As a Christian in North-America, it kills be to see people die b/c of shopping. I have dreams of the kingdom of God and I'm having my hopes of the kingdom destroyed by shopping murder...I cry.

In our pain and sorrow and desire to see the kingdom come, I need to remember something. Not to react! When I react and start criticizing the world and the church I do very little for the kingdom of God. My Opa (grandfather in German) taught me something, he said that in our love for the kingdom of God, lets not be militant to the church or the world. We need to be faithful to the kingdom in our servanthood, and in our self-sacrifice and willingness to give ourselves for the kingdom. God will do the miracles and the holy spirit will fuel the transformation, we are only called to be faithful in our own understanding.

We dream big, and act small. God is the one who brings the manifestations of his Kingdom.

In the mean time...I cry when I hear stories like this.