The commodification of Christianity under the G12 system in the Philippines
“Salvation may be free, but it really is costly.”- Anonymous
Commodification of Christianity
Commodification, as defined by Wikipedia, is “the transformation of goods, services, ideas, nature, personal information or people into commodities or objects of trade.” And so, commodifying Christianity means turning all Christian-related beliefs, teachings, symbols, etc. into products which can be sold.
One great example of this is Worship Generation. The business sells clothing apparels and accessories plastered with aesthetically printed Bible verses. You buy from them not because of the quality of their merchandises, but because by wearing one you’re able to express your faith, your Christianity.
In the Philippines where 93% of the population are Christians, it is no surprise how the commodification of Christianity has pervaded the church and its believers.
The G12 system
Since its conception in 1991, the G12 system has travelled across the globe, proliferating in many churches worldwide. Through the years the discipleship model has gained followers and critics. But despite some of the movement’s questionable teachings, it has found its way in the Philippines and has been adopted by Christian churches in search of effective discipleship strategies.
The Prosperity Gospel
The G12 system with its origin in Bogota, Colombia is known for its Prosperity gospel teachings. Wikipedia describes this as “a religious belief… that financial blessings and physical well-being are always the will of God, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one’s material wealth.” This theology is unbiblical as it reduces one’s relationship with God as merely “transactional.”
The Multiplication Factor
At the heart of the G12 system is spiritual growth. After all, church growth happens only when a leader is able to disciple believers and train them to become leaders. With this, most efforts are focused on producing effective leaders. Members undergo a training program streamlined to transform them from new believers to full-fledged spiritual authorities. However, the whole process is not for free. Training materials such as videos, books and hand-outs are not provided but are sold.
And if you think this is enough, expensive G12 conventions are held across all levels: inter-churches, national and international levels. The higher the level of the preachers, the higher the ticket prices. All of which reinforces, revamps, rehashes, and recycles old Biblical teachings that can simply be preached in the church. When you pass by the entrance to these events, expect a throng of giddy buyers all queued in front of long tables filled with convention merchandise — t-shirts, books, DVDs, CDs, and training materials.
Spiritual Materialism
Coined by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, spiritual materialism happens when spirituality becomes something you can buy. It creates an illusion that by accumulating commodified Christian products one’s spiritual need is met.
Monetization of Faith
I’ve been to many G12 events to have witnessed speakers encouraging members to honor their faithful pastors by supporting them financially. It’s as if obedience and love aren’t enough, one must shower their leader with expensive gifts out of their hard-earned money.
Financial pledges are equated to divine blessings: The more you give, the more you are going to prosper. The prosperity gospel is always in full swing to leech off of faithful disciples.
Conclusion
The commodification of Christianity has given rise to spiritually materialistic Christians participating in a capitalist environment, where Christian merchandise become means to spiritual ends, reducing Christianity to a transactional religion. And under a system that blatantly preaches the prosperity gospel as a fundamental part of a Christian’s spiritual journey, the modern Christian church has become a money-making machine, draining every member’s pocket empty while making the rich people on top richer.
