Professor of American Religion Randall Balmer Quoted in The New York Times, June 9

New York, NY, June 11, 2002—In an article in the Fashion & Style section of Sunday’s New York Times written by Ruth La Ferla, Barnard professor of religion Randall Balmer was quoted. For the second time in as many months The Times has sought out Balmer’s opinion: this article is on the phenomenon of secular kitsch culture’s obsession with novelty religious items such as the Jesus Action Figure.

To some, the figure – a five-inch-high plastic effigy with arms that move as though walking on water – along with such other items as Jesus night lights, Virgin Mary tank tops, and crocheted polyester Last Supper tablecloths, among others, are harmless, even respectfully ironic images of cultural icons. Others see them as ridiculing people’s religious beliefs.

"It’s fair to say Christianity is no stranger to commodification," says Balmer. The meaning of the objects in question, however, is "pretty much in the eye of the beholder."

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