Just how arrogant IS the Religion of Consumerism?

My wife and I have been agonising over the whole issue Halloween. That was until I watched an expert on Halloween (is that a real job?) being interviewed about it and was asked about "where did Halloween come from?" his answer included some fruitloop ideas about reaching the netherworld, but then my ears pricked up when he mentioned historically it came from a Christian celebration of "All Saints" (not the TV show - all the people who had died for the faith. This would make sense since today is also "Reformation Day".

So here is the question: if Halloween is really about celebrating those who died in the faith or even the pagan celebration of reaching the nether world, where did "trick or treat" come from???

I have a suspicion that it is the same place that brought Santa into centre stage at Christmas, the Easter bunny and his chocolates for Easter and now pictures of ghosts and witches and lollies for Halloween: Consumerism.

Since reading Brian Rosner's work on greed, I am more and more convinced that consumerism is a religion in its own right: with it is temples (shopping centres), priests (marketers), and religious celebrations (sales). But I have just realized how syncrenistic it is. It does not seek to oppose Christianity, just subsume it: Let's not get rid of the Christian days of celebration, let's just change to focus to something that well....people have to buy!!

Brothers and sisters, we must be careful. I fear it is only a matter of time before we start going to church that is sponsered by big Corporations!

On the other hand there are places this could work. We could have Virgin youth groups, Communion brought to you by Jamie Oliver, Ikea pulpits (though it would take the preacher 20 min to assemble before he could preach), The doctrine of Adam's sin: brought to you by Apple.

I am sure there are others...anyone have ideas?