Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
The teacher says the WWJD question is “super important” but was made “pesky” by Christian consumerism selling shirts and wristbands; where do you see modern Christianity turning obedience into branding, and what would it look like to recover WWJD as a serious, costly question?
Another way to ask: The teacher says WWJD matters, but it got turned into a product by Christian consumerism. Where do you see faith turning into branding today, and what would it look like to ask WWJD in a serious way that actually costs you something?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, “branding” happens when a call to obedience becomes a marketable slogan rather than a probing self-examination. Recovering WWJD means treating it as an honest, personal question that presses into specific life choices (marriage, work, money, habits), not as merchandise.
- He calls it “a super important question, what would Jesus do?” and says “a question we have to ask ourselves.”
- He says it was made “pesky” by consumerism: “trying to sell t-shirts and wristbands and unimaginable things to sell, WWJD.”
- He notes how widespread it became: “Everything with a little space to put their letters, they made it.”
- He then applies WWJD concretely across life: “preeminence in marriage… relationship with others… hobbies and entertainment… work… money… eating.”
- He intentionally asks uncomfortable, practical questions rather than giving slogans.
- He urges “self-examine” and to “exhort one another,” implying seriousness and accountability.