One of the movies that I have enjoyed this last year was the movie, Zombieland, a humorous look at life in a world that has been taken over by zombies. While I found the movie very funny, I didn't realize it was also a social commentary on consumerism and America's values.

In the movie, Woody Harrelson, a man who has lost family, is motivated by one thing: finding a Twinkie. In the loss of all substance and relationship in his life, his one desire is to find a Twinkie, a soulless lump of yellow cake that's shelf life exceeds the lifespan of a human being.

In the book, Kingdom Ethics, Glen Stassen and David Gushee have this to say about consumerism and comments on those ruined by its philosophy:

"(they) deteriorate into essentially soul-less creatures pursuing the
latest goodies with zombie-like intensity...who will never pause from
their quest for the latest redemptive gadget to consider the needs of the
least of these."(p. 426)

Zombies, in their nature, are consumed with the need to feed. In this way, our nation is children of these undead creatures...we too are consumed with the need to feed...on stuff. Like Woody's character, we live our lives in pursuit of things that are not good for us and will not satisfy.

As much as I love Mac, I have to wonder if there "Iworld" is damaging to us...do we need an Ipad, Iphone, etc to be happy? We think it does, but only until the next latest thing comes on line.

I am not saying you can't buy these things...but I do think that our pursuit of stuff should be balanced(actually, more than balanced) by a concern for others and using our resources for the benefit for those who are in need.

Relationships are what matter eternally, a lesson Woody's character learns when he finds the Twinkie. At that point in the film, he is willing to blow up a shack full of them to save the people who have joined him on his journey. He has learned that the creamy filling in a Hostess cake is nothing compared to the satisfying feeling that comes from being in community with others.

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