"I'm no Consumer": The Theology of Consumption in Krishnacore

Beginning in the early 1990s, a sub-genre of punk rock emerged known popularly as Krishnacore. Bands such as Shelter and 108 toured the country promoting Caitanya Vaiṣṇavism to thousands. Keeping with an established theme in punk rock, Krishnacore bands and fans announced their rejection of the consumerism of mainstream American society. However, they also explained their rejection as coming from a theological tradition rooted in the idea that "Kṛṣṇa owns everything." In lyrics and zines (homemade magazines), it was explained how one must go to the roots of the desires that drive capitalist culture in order to create real social change. In this regard, there was widespread talk of a "spiritual revolution" in which the bands and fans of Krishnacore were only one notable participant. This paper will explore the theology of consumption as expressed in Krishnacore and how it expresses the theological perspective of Caitanya Vaiṣṇavism in novel ways.