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Rev. Billy Talen preaches on commercialization of Christmas

by Tonya Durlach

Dec. 1, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of Rev. Billy Talen.
Rev. Billy Talen
KALAMAZOO--Rev. Billy Talen of the Church of Earthalujah and award-winning documentary film director Rob VanAlkamade will visit Western Michigan University for a free night of education and entertainment Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The public event, dubbed "Kzoo-a-lujah," runs from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Kiva Room at WMU's Faunce Student Services Building. Talen will begin by delivering a sermon about alternatives to holiday consumerism and recognition of the struggles of citizens and consumers in a globalized world.

Following the talk, there will be a screening of "What Would Jesus Buy?" a 2007 documentary produced by Morgan Spurlock and directed by VanAlkamade. The film examines the commercialization of Christmas, while also delving into some of the economic and cultural effects of mass consumerism and big business in America. The 90-minute documentary is shown in English and is rated PG for thematic material and mildly offensive language.

The evening will conclude with a question-and-answer session with Talen and VanAlkamade.

"Kzoo-a-lujah" is sponsored by the Society for Critical Thinkers, a registered student organization at WMU. For more information, contact Mark Ferguson at mark.a.ferguson@wmich.edu.