The Journey of Mass-Produced Faith
Selling Religion examines popular mass-produced religious items people buy –like Hobby Lobby wall hangings and Precious Moments statues — these items illustrate how religion becomes commodified, embraced, and then eventually thrifted.
This theme reveals how the lifecycle of religious materials eventually finds their way into thrift stores, demonstrating the complex relationship between consumerism and spirituality.
In today’s consumer-driven society, religion has become intertwined with mass production and commercialization, transforming sacred symbols and beliefs into everyday products.
The “Selling Religion” section of our exhibit delves into this phenomenon, showcasing how religious and cultural messages are often repurposed into catchy slogans and mass-produced items. From T-shirts to mugs, these products reflect a growing trend where faith and spirituality are marketed in ways that appeal to a broad audience, blending the sacred with the secular.
of secondhand clothing shoppers agree thrift stores help build sustainable communities
global religious t-shirt market size by 2027
global custom tshirt printing market size by 2027
of all tshirts sold in the USA are size Large
The “Selling Religion” section of the exhibition encourages visitors to explore the impact of commodifying faith.
As you engage with this exhibit, you’ll be prompted to reflect on your own perspective on the commercialization of religion. This section goes beyond documenting a trend, sparking a meaningful conversation about the intersection of religion and the marketplace.
