Brand-name Christians

Brand-name Christians was published in 1988 by Zondervan, a leading publisher of evangelical Christian literature. The book emerged during a period of intense cultural introspection within American evangelical circles, as authors increasingly sought to critique the rise of consumerist tendencies and celebrity culture within the church. Mike Worley wrote the text to address the perceived gap between authentic faith and the performative, market-driven identity often adopted by believers in the late twentieth century.

The design and tone of the book reflect the standard academic and theological publishing aesthetic of Zondervan during the late 1980s. Worley’s approach is characteristic of the period's social commentary, utilizing a direct and confrontational style to challenge the reader's motivations. Upon its release, it served as a contribution to the growing body of literature examining the intersection of modern lifestyle branding and religious devotion, aiming to prompt a return to traditional scriptural values over individualistic branding.