Selling the Sacred: Religion and Marketing from Crossfit to QAnon

The book "Selling the Sacred" explores the religio-cultural and media implications of marketing religion as a product and marketing products as religion in the twenty-first century. It highlights examples such as QAnon, televangelists, and CrossFit, and examines how marketing tactics influence our thinking and everyday lives. It is a valuable resource for those working in marketing studies, religious studies, and media studies, as well as religious and marketing professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The relationship between religion and marketing is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been evolving rapidly in the modern world. On the one hand, there are religious organizations that use marketing techniques to promote their beliefs and attract new members. On the other hand, there are companies that use religious symbols, imagery, and narratives to sell their products and services. This phenomenon, known as "marketing religion," has raised a number of ethical and cultural concerns, particularly in the United States.

One of the key issues that arise from the intersection of religion and marketing is the question of authenticity. Many religious organizations argue that they are authentic expressions of faith and that their marketing efforts are simply a means of spreading their message. However, others argue that the commercialization of religion undermines its integrity and can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Another issue that arises is the question of consumerism. Many religious products and services are marketed as consumer goods, with the promise of personal fulfillment, happiness, or salvation. However, some critics argue that this approach to religion is shallow and superficial and that it fails to address the deeper spiritual and ethical questions that are central to many religious traditions.

The impact of marketing religion on American culture and society is also a significant concern. Some argue that the commercialization of religion has led to a decline in religious participation and a loss of spiritual values. Others argue that it has opened up new opportunities for religious expression and diversity.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the integration of religion and marketing. For example, some religious organizations have launched marketing campaigns that use social media and other digital platforms to reach new audiences. Companies have also started to incorporate religious themes and symbols into their advertising and branding strategies.

Despite these developments, there are still many challenges and controversies surrounding the intersection of religion and marketing. For example, there are concerns about the use of religious imagery and symbols in advertising, particularly in the case of products that may be considered harmful to consumers or the environment. There are also concerns about the potential for religious discrimination in marketing practices.

In conclusion, the relationship between religion and marketing is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has significant implications for American culture and society. While there are some benefits to the integration of religion and marketing, there are also many ethical and cultural concerns that need to be addressed. It is important for religious organizations and companies to approach this relationship with caution and respect for the values and beliefs of others.

The Religio-Cultural and Media Implications of Marketing Religion as a Product and Marketing Products as Religion

The relationship between religion and marketing is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been evolving rapidly in the modern world. On the one hand, there are religious organizations that use marketing techniques to promote their beliefs and attract new members. On the other hand, there are companies that use religious symbols.
symbols, imagery, and narratives to sell their products and services. This phenomenon, known as "marketing religion," has raised a number of ethical and cultural concerns, particularly in the United States.

One of the key issues that arise from the intersection of religion and marketing is the question of authenticity. Many religious organizations argue that they are authentic expressions of faith and that their marketing efforts are simply a means of spreading their message. However, others argue that the commercialization of religion undermines its integrity and can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Another issue that arises is the question of consumerism. Many religious products and services are marketed as consumer goods, with the promise of personal fulfillment, happiness, or salvation. However, some critics argue that this approach to religion is shallow and superficial and that it fails to address the deeper spiritual and ethical questions that are central to many religious traditions.

The impact of marketing religion on American culture and society is also a significant concern. Some argue that the commercialization of religion has led to a decline in religious participation and a loss of spiritual values. Others argue that it has opened up new opportunities for religious expression and diversity.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the integration of religion and marketing. For example, some religious organizations have launched marketing campaigns that use social media and other digital platforms to reach new audiences. Companies have also started to incorporate religious themes and symbols into their advertising and branding strategies.

Despite these developments, there are still many challenges and controversies surrounding the intersection of religion and marketing. For example, there are concerns about the use of religious imagery and symbols in advertising, particularly in the case of products that may be considered harmful to consumers or the environment. There are also concerns about the potential for religious discrimination in marketing practices.

In conclusion, the relationship between religion and marketing is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has significant implications for American culture and society. While there are some benefits to the integration of religion and marketing, there are also many ethical and cultural concerns that need to be addressed. It is important for religious organizations and companies to approach this relationship with caution and respect for the values and beliefs of others.

Examples of Religion/Marketing Collaboration in the Twenty-First Century

Social and technological changes rapidly and continuously reframe religious and marketing landscapes. Crossfit is a "cult." Televangelists use psychographics and data marketing. QAnon is a religion and big business. These are some of the examples highlighted in this collection, which engages themes related to capitalist narratives, issues related to gender and race, and the intersection of religion, politics, and marketing, among other key issues.

The innovative contributors examine the phenomenon of selling the sacred, providing a better understanding of how marketing tactics, married with religious content, influence our thinking and everyday lives. These scholars bring to light how political, economic, and ideological agendas infuse the construction and presentation of the "sacred," via more traditional religious institutions or consumer-product marketing. By examining religion and marketing broadly, this book offers engaging tools to recognize and unpack what gets sold as "sacred," whats at stake, and the consequences.

A go-to resource for those working in marketing studies, religious studies, and media studies, Selling the Sacred is also a must-read for religious and marketing professionals.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 157 x 239 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032378411