Christian Church as Commodity

As we discussed Horkheimer and Adorno, we covered the notion of "pornography" in pop culture, and how it resembles anything that offers a relationship, but never delivers. I first understood this notion from a sort of Marxist perspective--which could be one plausible reading of it. From a Marxist reading of "pornography," I understand it to mean that commodities and products such as art, books, music, clothing apparel, etc. all are marketed in a way that tries to convince the public that said product will enhance the consumer's life in some way--it offers a solution to solving a certain issue or problem. The way that these commodities and products never deliver is indicated in the fact that there are always new and improved versions of them being released on the market, which are also propagandized in such a way to convince consumers that they need the updated model of a product. Granted, I don't think that artists and musicians necessarily have this marketing mentality when they release new paintings or albums on the market, but I do think that consumers generate a mentality which persuades them to believe that if they purchase this art piece, or this new album by this band, they will finally be satisfied with whatever they have. And though consumers may very well be content with what they have for a while, there always comes a time when they realize that they're not fulfilled and need something else to fill the craving they possess.


Given this Marxist reading of Horkheimer and Adorno, I've been pondering whether Christianity (or any other religion for that matter) could be interpreted as a form of "pornography" that offers certain things (such as peace, comfort, salvation, community, wisdom, etc.) but often doesn't deliver. The reason that I raise this question is because I think that in the 21st Century the Christian church has in many ways put themselves out there on the market as a commodity. The Christian church, in many cases, advertises itself mostly through style and commodity; through the type of worship music played during the service, the aesthetics of their building, whether or not they have a coffee shop in the lobby, and even the style of preaching (i.e. is the pastor amusing). These are the things that, I believe, frequently determine the quality of someone's experience at a church, but these commodities don't always deliver. My point is that within the last couple of decades, I think many people have found that Christianity doesn't deliver on the promise of its doctrine, precisely because so many Christian churches are focusing on how to attract people to their congregation with these commodities, rather than on the importance of delivering and living out the gospel and ministry of Jesus Christ. In light of this, it seems as though the Christian church commonly advertises itself as an institution (perhaps an ISA?) rather than as the body of Christ.


I reckon that the Christian church has developed and changed significantly since Horkheimer and Adorno's time, and I'd be very interested to read their critiques on the contemporary Christian church of America.