Selling the Sacred: Religion and Marketing from Crossfit to QAnon

Marketing religion as a product and marketing products as religion is explored in the book Selling the Sacred, which looks at the religio-cultural and media implications of this two-sided phenomenon. It highlights how social and technological changes shape the religious and marketing landscapes, such as QAnon being a religion and big business, and how marketing tactics influence our thinking and everyday lives.

Format: Hardback
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 one hand, there has been a growing trend of marketing products as religion, with companies using religious symbols, imagery, and narratives to appeal to consumers and promote their products. On the other hand, there has been a growing trend of religion being marketed as a product, with religious organizations and leaders using marketing techniques to attract followers and promote their beliefs and practices.

This phenomenon has significant religio-cultural and media implications, as it challenges traditional notions of religion and marketing and raises questions about the role of religion in society and the media. In this essay, we will explore the religio-cultural and media implications of selling the sacred, including the ways in which marketing tactics, religious content, and consumer culture intersect to shape our understanding of religion and marketing.

One of the most significant ways in which selling the sacred has impacted religio-cultural and media landscapes is through the use of religious symbols, imagery, and narratives in marketing. Companies have been using religious symbols and imagery to promote their products for centuries, but in the modern world, this practice has become more prevalent and sophisticated. For example, many companies use religious symbols such as crosses, stars, and halos in their branding and advertising, as well as in their packaging and product design.

Similarly, religious narratives and stories are often used in marketing campaigns to appeal to consumers and promote products. For example, many companies use religious themes in their advertising, such as the story of a product's founder or the product's benefits being derived from religious beliefs or practices. This practice can be effective in attracting consumers who are interested in religion or who are seeking products that align with their religious values.

However, the use of religious symbols, imagery, and narratives in marketing can also be problematic. For example, some religious groups have expressed concerns that the use of their symbols and narratives in marketing can be used to promote consumerism and materialism, rather than religious beliefs and practices. Additionally, some consumers may be offended by the use of religious symbols or narratives in marketing, particularly if they are not familiar with the religious context in which they are being used.

Another significant way in which selling the sacred has impacted religio-cultural and media landscapes is through the intersection of religion and consumer culture. In the modern world, consumer culture is increasingly intertwined with religious beliefs and practices, as consumers seek products and experiences that align with their religious values and beliefs. For example, many consumers are interested in products that are made from sustainable or ethical sources, and many religious organizations and leaders have responded to this demand by promoting products that are aligned with their religious values.

Similarly, many religious organizations and leaders have used consumer culture to promote their beliefs and practices. For example, many religious organizations have launched social media campaigns to promote their beliefs and practices, as well as to attract new followers and supporters. Additionally, many religious organizations have used consumer culture to promote their products, such as books, music, and other religious materials.

However, the intersection of religion and consumer culture can also be problematic. For example, some religious groups have expressed concerns that the consumer culture is promoting a superficial and materialistic approach to religion, rather than a deeper and more meaningful approach. Additionally, some consumers may be overwhelmed by the amount of religious content and imagery in the consumer culture, particularly if they are not familiar with the religious context in which they are being used.

In conclusion, the relationship between religion and marketing is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has significant religio-cultural and media implications. While there are some benefits to the use of religious symbols, imagery, and narratives in marketing, there are also some potential problems and challenges. The intersection of religion and consumer culture is also a significant area of concern, as it can promote a superficial and materialistic approach to religion or overwhelm consumers with religious content and imagery. As such, it is important for religious organizations and leaders to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of selling the sacred and to work to promote a more nuanced and meaningful approach to religion and marketing.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032378428