MC DONALDIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY

_______ (2006) THE ECONOMIST/1/4/41-43

Most churches are run on a shoe string. Even the fast growing Evangelical churches are still voluntary associations composed of members who volunteer time and talent to help the church and themselves.

However, in one corner, Capitalism has captured Christianity. The new Mega Church starts from the basis of making money, rolling profits into expansion and maintaining a large staff that can be added or laid off. In a sense a corporation is started that sells a service, and that is Christianity.

The premise is that one must join on the basis that the Bible is literally true. However, from there, the corporation becomes what C.S. Lewis called Christianity with water. The very best talents are employed to entertain for one hour thousands of seated members. Complimentary services are offered most days of the year. Out side the chapel/auditorium, is a mall with gift shops and child care services.

The service not only attracts thousands in its suburban location, but it is also televised, and DVD’s can be purchased of previous services.

The business is suburban friendly and an indoor village life is created for believers. Within some very large corporation, satellite services are offered in small chapels for those who prefer what they may have had in their previous churches.

Ironically, the mega church can inadvertently steal members from other evangelical churches that are run as churches not businesses.

Although the criticism is numerous, this appears to be a trend for the future. In the global village, the very personal has become comidified.