What Would Jesus Buy? (2007)

Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Stopping are on a mission to save Christmas (and us) from the Shopocalypse. Rev. Billy hopes to save humankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt.

What Would Jesus Buy? examines the mass commericalization of Christmas by simple asking each of us to think before we buy. From his portable pulpit Rev. Billy preaches the evils of credit card debit, big-box stores and sweat-shops. The Stop Shipping Gospel Choir leads the revival in verse.

The documentary follows Rev Billy and the Church across the country on a countdown to Christmas {and Walt Disney World}, but encourages us all to consider our habits. The film examines how our nation slowly became a nation of consumers, not producers. How corporations have cajoled Americas to trades quality goods for cheap ones at higher prices, killed mom-and-pops, and sweet-talked us into charging over $13,000 a year in CHRISTMAS purchases alone.

Rev Billy inspires and encourages us to take simple steps to repent of our evil shopping ways. His assault of the Mall of America is remarkable. You, the viewer, can't help respect a man so dedicated to his calling. Culminating at Walt Disney World on Christmas, Rev Billy succeeds in getting his message out and going to jail.

What Would Jesus Buy? is an endearing message shrouded in satire. The documentary does suffer from poor pacing, but the message and the looks on stunned shopper's faces is worth a watch. Store this with your Christmas classics as a friendly reminder this season.