AbstractsPhilosophy & Theology

This thesis explores the intersection of evangelical Christianity, entertainment, and consumerism in America through a cultural ethnography of the Holy Land Experience theme park in Orlando, Florida. This case study examines the diversity within the evangelical subculture and the blurring of the line between sacred and secular in American popular culture. In this thesis, I begin by discussing the historical lineage of American evangelical entertainment and consumerism, as well as disneyfication theories. I then classify the Holy Land Experience as a contemporary form of disneyfied evangetainment. Finally, I delve into the implications of classifying this theme park as a sacred space, a pilgrimage, or a replica, and I explore the types of worship and material objects sold and purchased at the Holy Land Experience.