I’m sitting in Terminal 3 at Chicago’s O’Hare airport after spending a few days in the Windy City. During my quick trip, I had the opportunity to share some time with the amazing staff at Community Christian Church, and also got to connect with some friends: Deadly Viper Mike Foster, coffee pastor Scott Hodge, Friendly Atheist Hemant Metha, and a few of the staff at Christianity Today and Leadership Journal including author-editor-pastor Skye Jethani.
Each person has a unique point of view on faith and Christianity, and needless to say, our conversations varied greatly.
I’m definitely in a season where I’m exploring and discovering what faith is to me – instead of just leaning into the tradition of my upbringing (which, don’t get me wrong, plays an important role).
A book that has helped me define so much of the tension between culture and faith is The Divine Commodity by the aforementioned Jethani.? Skye is a Zondervan author and we work with the same team, so Genius Marketing Guy sent me a copy of Skye’s book a long, long time ago – thinking I’d find it interesting.
I have to admit. I get around five books in the mail each week (not that I’m complaining), but it’s hard for me to find time to read them all. It did take me a few months to get to Skye’s book.
I wish I would have read it sooner.
As soon as I finished, I passed my heavily highlighted and marked up copy to my friend Shaun, who devoured it and gave a few other copies I had to a couple of friends on staff.
If you’ve ever felt a tension between faith, culture, and consumerism, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Skye doesn’t approach the topic critically, which one could easily do. He simply explores how a timeless faith and an ever-changing consumeristic culture mix (or in some cases, how they don’t mix).
Since may of the pastors I know would easily dismiss this book (because hey, let’s just admit that many of us wrestle consumerism in every compartment of life and it’s easy to just let it exist in apathy), I asked Skye about how church leaders should approach this book.
And I also asked to give away ten copies to random commenters.
Below is my conversation with Skye, as well as a quick video we shot at the CT Offices on Tuesday. I realize it’s a little lengthy, but it’s completely worthwhile. Get the book. It’s beautiful. It’s thought provoking. It’s incredibly well written.
Anne: For those of us who have read The Divine Commodity, we know you?re not being divisive or writing about ?what?s wrong? with the church.? We know that it?s a book that explores the culture of modern-day faith and Biblical context and wisdom.
Why should a pastor read this book?? How can those of us who aren?t pastors graciously help communicate the message of The Divine Commodity without coming off like we have an agenda?
Skye: When the Apostle Paul wrote his letters to the churches, his great desire was for them to all reach full maturity in Christ Jesus. This required more than merely forming them into people of love and faith. Paul also diagnosed the ways they had been malformed by false teachers, ungodly cultural mores, empty philosophies, and the deceitfulness of the flesh. Making disciples was not just a process of construction, but also deconstruction. To the Colossians, Paul wrote about ?taking off? certain things, and ?putting on? others.
This is why I wrote The Divine Commodity, and why I believe church leaders as well as anyone serious about discipleship should engage the book. North American culture is dominated by consumerism?and I don?t simply mean the behavior of consumption, but the worldview of consumerism. The book does not take issue with the buying and selling of products, but the extension of self-indulgent and self-centered consumption to the point that it becomes the lens through which we see all of life and the cosmos?including God.
If pastors are passionate about ?going and making disciples,? then they don?t only need to know what to form people into, but also what they must be formed out of?just as a doctor cannot prescribe a remedy until she has diagnosed the disease. The Divine Commodity explores what consumerism is, and how it shapes our understanding of faith, worship, mission, church, discipleship, and even God. Once this malformation is diagnosed, the book prescribes practices (both individual and corporate) that help us ?take off? these things and ?put on? Christ. It is first and foremost a book about discipleship within a consumer culture, and this is why pastors ought to read it?it will help them understand the context in which they are called to make disciples with its unique challenges and opportunities.
Now, to address your second question about how those who are not pastors might graciously communicate the book?s message. That?s a much simpler answer?live it. The book does not advocate a radical coup within the church or call for a revolution in the church?s structure. It?s not about strategy, systems, or programs. In fact, if nothing ever changes about the way your church operates, you are still able to engage and employ the lessons within The Divine Commodity. I don?t believe we can (or should) overturn our consumer culture. Nor do I believe churches (from the mini to the mega) should radically revamp their structures. That wouldn?t solve the threat posed by consumerism?it?s a far more elusive foe because the battlefield between consumerism and the Kingdom of God is not external, but within the heart and imagination of every believer.
As consumerism?s grip over you begins to loosen, and you experience the transforming reality of ?Christ in you, the hope of glory,? the way you worship, serve, and relate will begin to change. In time, through resources like The Divine Commodity and others, perhaps others will join you in your quest for a richer Christian life. The gospel has always been an incarnate reality, transmitted life to life across the medium of relationship. As this begins to take root within your church, regardless of what the leadership or programming is doing, the message of hope, liberty, and fullness in Christ will spread like yeast through a lump of dough. So, rather than criticizing those still enraptured with Consumer Christianity, save your energy and simply let your life reveal a fuller glory which does not fade.
Check out some other bloggers’ thoughts on The Divine Commodity or You can read an excerpt of it here.
(Also, next Thursday I’ll be giving away 10 copies of another book….stay tuned! This might turn into a habit…)
To win the book, please leave a comment telling me how you’ve wrestled with a consumerist culture and faith, and I’ll randomly pick 10 people over the weekend and send them a copy of Skye’s book.
Comments
93 responses to “Book Giveaway – The Divine Commodity”
I already read the book, so give it to another commenter on the off chance I win. I really liked it. Ever since moving back to the states from central Africa, I’ve not been at ease in the American church. The consumerism Jethani identifies is so pervasive, and having stepped outside of that for awhile, I could see it really clearly upon return. The idea that God needs big buildings, fancy sound systems, and very well-paid hip young things running the show is so wrong. So, so wrong. Especially when people are starving.
What I liked about Jethani’s book was its redemptive nature. It’s not a condemnation as much as a call to change and to listen not to the culture around us but to God.
Texas in Africa?s last blog post..important legislative priorities
OK Anne..Let me be the first one (and hopefully one of the winners) to tell you that when it comes to Church/Faith and God, I see a lot of “ads” out there about how to be saved, what you need to do (pay money, etc…) and frankly it’s scary. If people really read the bible, and let it sink into you and let the spirit ell you what it’s saying, and stop listening to all these “so called tel-evangelists” (not saying they are all bad), but you get the drift.
Anyway. I’m glad I belong to a church where I can be loved (as Jesus commanded us to do) and be mentored in my spiritual journey, hear the word clearly and put into how it applies to my daily life. Without people like these folks, and many others like yourself, I would be another LOST SOUL!
Now…can I sound like DONKEY from Shrek???? “Pick Me…Pick Me….”
lol
I think if one hasn’t struggled with how faith can co-exist with consumer culture they either have no faith or no understanding of how pervasive consumer culture is in the West.
As a church musician, part of the struggle for me relates to how music has become a commodity within the church. Everyone believes that they are an expert on music and, of course, they are. They are an expert on the music that they like. Pastors around the world freak out weekly about every song and every chord of the music believing that if just one thing goes wrong people won’t come back to their churches. (Meanwhile, many of them could care less if any true adoration of the Lord is going on, as long as the “vibe” is right.)
Church musicians are scared to death to lose their jobs if they become out of date, out of style or just not cool enough. (I heard the story of a mega-church worship pastor who was unceremoniously let go the week before Easter, presumably because he wasn’t a big enough “name” in the Christian “worship” industry.)
One of the things that my wife and I have decided to do to combat our consumerist culture is to spend more money on things that we “shouldn’t” and spend less on things that we “should.” What I mean is this, when it comes to cars, the house, fashion, etc. we spend less because our culture is telling us that is what we should be spending on. When it comes to giving $ away, supporting social justice causes, or simply helping someone out, we are trying to spend more.
Living in this upside down way is a constant battle because we are so prone to want to take care of ourselves first. Living this way, for us at least, is a way that we are able to place others first remember that we are simply stewards of what He has given.
It is amazingly sad to watch churches continue to TRY to hype up their communities and the “programs” they offer. I’ve been wrestling to teach, mentor, and mold our students into people who ARE the difference we talk about instead of TALKING about it. Discipleship is messy, time-consuming, and heart breaking, because we have people who feel their faith is personal and private, not corporate and communal. We are a people, united together by Christ, not separate, so many people live compartmental lives instead of committed lives, full of grace, truth, power, and servant-hearted humility.
Living in a consumerist world and merging that with faith is an ever present challenge for me. However, being a Bible College student, it’s probably not as hard for me to get caught up in all the unnecessary spending, partly because I don’t have money, but the temptations are still there. I am continually looking for the next MacBook, the newest Blackberry, a nicer watch etc.
However, not having the money makes holding off on these things a little bit easier. However, being at Bible College, and because of the things I have done in the past I get a lot of opportunities that are not necessarily paid – and a while ago for a couple of weeks I noticed that I was making decisions based around what I could afford, and passing up some great opportunities to speak with, teach, minister to and vice versa to some amazing people. But, I needed to come to the realisation that I couldn’t afford not to do these things and take these opportunities and if I couldn’t afford the lastest Tech etc that didn’t matter.
Thanks for the opp.
I’m just a mom trying to figure out how to make a difference for Jesus in my church and community, but I have felt so tired lately of the “polish” everything churchy seems to have. You know – too much time spent making sure lighting is just right, taking too much time to get the perfect playlist for background music during a mom’s group (A MOM’S GROUP?!), using prayer as transitions to get the band down and the pastor up… it just seems wrong. Sometimes I feel like church is just a giant infomercial for Jesus. And don’t get me wrong – my church is awesome. I just want it to be raw and passionate more than polished.
On a more basic level, I’m just ready for simplicity in all areas of my life. I’m tired of “stuff.” I’m tired of my kids watching TV and hearing them say, “I want that. I want that. I want that.” No. I want them and others to watch my life and my relationship with Jesus and hear them say, “I want THAT.” I’ve been thinking about how we can break free from what the world thinks this life is all about. It’s so easy to get caught in that trap.
If there is one thing I hate to hear after I have preached a Sunday sermon, it is, “Good job. You were right on.”
My “job” is not to simply reinforce what a person already knows or believes (usually). Though people sometimes need an encouragement, we also need challenge and exhortation. I think consumerism has taught people that they are paying a preacher to say certain things. If the preacher does not say those certain things, they are not getting their money’s worth. It is a sick way of thinking, but it is all to real in some churches.
I have got into a little bit of trouble when I pushed people’s boundaries theologically. I have got into a LOT of trouble when I have questioned people’s spending practices and outright greed. I think consumer Christians are looking for reinforcement of their lifestyle, not a challenging, radical message like the one Jesus gave.
I think as long as those in the pulpit continue drinking the consumerism Kool-Aid, not much will change.
I am guilty, too. I am coveting Skye’s book!
PS – I am also interested in a conversation about the vast amounts of Evangelical trinkets that are being peddled these days. How does that fit in with the consumer culture. You can buy spirituality?
Watchman?s last blog post..The Origin of ?MAD CHURCH DISEASE??
Oh-em-gee, I’m in youth ministry, are you kidding?
On the one hand, that means I have to constantly fight to not create ministry that’s just to be consumed and then … um … passed. (I found my 15 minutes of fame in a recent blog article about that, actually.)
On the other hand, it means I have to cast vision and motivate a team of young adults to minister to high school students. Those who are so into consuming the world because they live on MTV, those who are so into consuming “church” because they’re home-schooled church kids, and those are so not like “them” because they’re not about to buy into that and “conform.”
Some days it’s such a mess I don’t even know if I’m doing any of it right.
Lex?s last blog post..Soliciting your continued prayer
Mr. Skye Jathani is wise beyond his years and even though I haven’t read the book, his comments to Anne are right on target. I was fortunate to have a great teacher regarding consumerism – my father.
He always said “if people spent as much time praying, giving and worshipping as they do coveting, envying, stealing and lusting; the world would be a much better place”.
Thanks Mr. Jathani for your book, and thanks Mrs. Jackson for bringing it further into the light.
So at root, Skye is suggesting that we start living differently than culture. Certainly if we are going to impact culture we need to be aware of what we are trying to change and then live it. And living differently around consumerism would seem to be a root issue. What I have been struggling with is time…as a stay at home Nanny for my niece and a part time consultant, I want to be a good worker, a good nanny, a good follower of Christ but the struggle comes in the balance.
I keep coming back to a professor in college that told me that the basic idea of economics is that we can’t have everything, which culture doesn’t like being told.
Adam S?s last blog post..Tribes: a blogging book club
i was at the local christian bookstore a couple weeks ago buying a bible for our youngest son’s birthday. i was waiting in line and overheard the customer in front of me saying something to the cashier about spending money, something to the sorts of how it’s gone as soon as she gets it. then the cashier said something that bothered me. he said, “what better place to spend your money than here?” i thought to myself, there are a lot better places to spend my money. jesus gave a lot of good suggestions in matthew 25, such as taking care of the sick, clothing the naked, taking care of people in prison. of course i’m as hypocritical as most others, i don’t give to the poor or feed the hungry or visit the sick and imprisoned. but i think about it. does that count?
maybe i do need that guitar pick that says “pick jesus”
What’s difficult is that even in the Christian culture, there’s a temptation to have the “biggest” and “best.” I’ve always struggled with the idea of “storing up treasures in heaven” vs. investments here on earth.
I think about it in terms of the Church. At what point have we crossed the line that divides finding the most effective way to reach people (media that attracts rather than disgusts, music that draws people to God, etc.) and desiring the best technology, the nicest guitars, the coolest roadcases (we’re a portable church, so that’s where my mind rests ;-)
Are we making these investsments to advance the Kingdom, or are we seeking the approval of people like Walt Mossberg who can make or break a technological advancement through one review?
Do we want to impress God or men?
Sometimes it is difficult to justify being things like a $5 cup of coffee or the newest gadget when I know that my money can go towards helping free someone from the bondage of human trafficking or help a child get a pair of shoes. One step my wife and I are taking is going through Financial Peace University so we can eliminate debt and have more money to help others. I think the important thing is to (1) start where you are and (2) determine to do more.
I decided at one point to try to not replace the things that were not necessities when they broke. That was easy with the food processor.
However when my clothes dryer went bad I was sure I needed a new one. The trouble was it ceased working when I did not have the funds to replace it. So I decided to live with out it for a few months. I strung a clothes line in a zig zag fashion across my little laundry room, and hung wet clothes on hangers so as to get the most from that small space. Clothes pins not only seperate the hangers, but clip clothing to the hangers as well.
I learned that I needed to begin using fabric softener so that the clothes didn’t wrinkle. And with a little research online I found that plain white vinegar was the best fabric softener there is, and it keeps your colors bright by getting all the soap out in the rinse. The fact that it’s much less expensive than standard fabric softener was a bonus. It works so well that even hand towels, and blue jeans hung on the line dry softly.
When you hang things on hangers like this, they dry nicely! And you never ever have to fold clothes again ? most everything goes into my closet now.
My clothes dryer died in November of 2007. And I still don’t own one. I doubt that I will ever own one again. :-) I didn’t really need it. In fact I like it better without one.
I do love my washing machine though…
CindyK?s last blog post..Green Data Center
I struggle with this a lot. I honestly think that, in some ways, it is inescapable to be a little bit consumeristic when it comes to church. We all choose a church because we “like” it. Whether that means that a church has stuff for our kids, we like the music more than we like the music at that other church or whatever, we all do it. I think that the problem occurs when churches do nothing but cater to this way of life and never challenge their people to move beyond it. You can’t teach people to live the selfless life of Christ by constantly catering to their natural sense of selfishness.
Brad?s last blog post..New website
I first noticed consumer culture when we took the youth on a missions trip to Mexico. I’m not talking about consumer culture in Mexico (although it probably exists there, too), I’m saying that MY kids in MY youth group were there as consumers, not as missionaries. They came for the experience, to consume the feeling from good works, the feeling of a new country, the feeling of doing something awesome with their friends, and the feeling that they might get by connecting with God. These teens saw intense poverty, they saw God’s power, they had the privilege of building a house for a family of believers who were grateful beyond words.
They should have had their eyes opened. Maybe deep down inside them, they did understand the deep things of God that can be learned in a foreign country. But only an hour out of that Mexican city, there they were, arguing why they deserved “their fair share” of the group’s lunch money (kindly donated by loving church friends) and why they didn’t want to contribute some of that cash to buy pizza for supper. I didn’t know what to say.
My question for myself is, “Am I this, too?” I think that is the first and most important question I should be asking.
Jess?s last blog post..Caffeine Prayer
this is the second time today that this book has been brought to my attention … so i figured i should check it out. i’m preparing to move to palm beach county (florida) to help plant a church, and part of my contribution to this endeavor is helping come up with ways to make the church culturally relevant to people who don’t think they need Jesus. I’ve done this on a smaller scale for the church that i am currently serving in, but the demographic is incredibly different in palm beach. status is one of the highest values of the people of this county, so consumerism is rampant. i’m praying and preparing the best i can, but i’ll take all the help i can get :)
on another note: thanks for sharing your thoughts via blog with us.
samantha?s last blog post..p.s.
I have blogged about this topic a few times but would love to hear his thoughts regarding this. Coming from a more Charismatic stream, it would be interesting to see how he views consumerism within the broader context of church.
If you are able to, I would love a copy.
Ben Lemery?s last blog post..Are You Having Sex?
Great comments everyone. And thanks Anne for creating more opportunities to talk about these issues.
One quick note. My book doesn’t really deal with materialism–our tendency to focus on material goods–and it isn’t so concerned with how people spend their money. That’s the difference between consumption and consumerism. One is a behavior, the other is a way of thinking and seeing the world.
Consumerism is a worldview that puts the consumer, and his/her desires, at the center of the cosmos. When this way of thinking is meshed with Christianity, God is no longer seen as the Almighty Creator to be worshiped and adored. He becomes a “divine commodity” that we use and plunder to make us feel better, to solve our problems, and to help us reach our dreams. This is the core problem, and it goes far beyond buying a BMW or helping the poor–as legitimate an issue as that may be.
Peace,
Skye
Skye Jethani?s last blog post..The Divine Commodity Blog Tour and Radio Interview
Hey Anne! Thanks for bringing this book to my attention again. I had completely forgotten I wanted to read it!
I agree with Skye that it is the pervasive mindset, not just whether to buy or not to buy. In the past year or so my husband and I have both discussed this and wrestled with it. When putting Jesus at the center it’s really hard to well, keep him at the center. We are taught that so many other things are important and it shapes how we see our everyday lives. How do we break this- how do we see what Jesus was really saying about our culture? It is very difficult to separate truth from what you think you know. I would love a chance to own the book (for free). If I don’t win I’ll still get it though!
Andrea?s last blog post..Practicing the ways of Jesus
This an ongoing thought as we plan for new series. How can we reach out to those around us? Where is the line between spreading the word, sharing our story, and “marketing Jesus”?
I think that in church circles there is so much talk about the “evil” of the culture, but we are not reaching out to the culture.
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I tried to find it at the library yesterday, but they did not have it…it made me sad. I would love to read it soon!
James Eaton?s last blog post..
BTW–gotta love that dopey screen shot. Thanks, Anne.
Skye Jethani?s last blog post..The Divine Commodity Blog Tour and Radio Interview
if, post any worship service, i never hear the words, ‘i just didn’t get anything out of the service,’ again, it will be too soon. it’s frustrating enough to deal with this sentiment with the high school and college students i work with, but i am increasingly coming across this attitude among adults who, at least in my estimation, should know better.
as we become more consumers of church/religion and less followers of Christ, we move ourselves from participant to audience…and i’m fairly certain this isn’t the example Jesus meant us to emulate.
i am grateful for the wake-up call this book offers.
suzi?s last blog post..hero
anytime we start asking ourselves questions like “what do people want to see, hear or experience?” or “what can we do to attract people to our church?” then we are flirting with consumerism. while these are legitimate areas of concern, they should never be our main concern. the question isn’t what do the people want, but rather “what do people need?”. and the answer is Jesus. people need to see, hear and experience Jesus when they see, hear and experience our programs and when they have encounters with us, the people of the church.
@Skye….I had a choice of 9 or something….let’s just say I had fun choosing. :)
Ok. I felt guilty. Geez. :) That one better? :)
It seems that we (me) expect to be entertained and need to be stimulated in new and bigger ways constantly. Computers get faster, flatscreens get bigger, HD becomes more commonplace on church bigscreens, we are always looking for the next big thing.
Just last night, I had an email conversation with a goog friend about some things and I shared some of the thought that went into me leaving our church last fall, the church where my friend still goes, yet having no better reason to leave than it seemed that God was making it crystal clear that we needed to change. There was nothing inherently wrong with this church and that makes it even harder to leave. My point is that I was heavily involved in all aspects of how technology is used in this church yet I just had to get away. Now we go to a church that is very low tech, not flashy, yet the pastor teaches straight from the Bible and teaches verse by verse. My focus has had to change from how to continually take tech to the next level to this thing called God. Wow! I go to church now to focus on God and allow Him to reach me.
So, for now, I’m working on making my heart right with God and getting to know Him. At some point, I expect to get involved with tech at my church again, whether it’s this one or a different one but for now I need a break.
Jim Walton?s last blog post..Fear
So much of American culture is tied to our church culture. It is tough to divide the wheat from the chaff. I think books like this sharpen our discernment to know what is what. I have a lot of this book and look forward to reading it.
IRONIC….
A book about consuming, but yet we are frantically posting a comment to consume yet one more “good” book.
However, we all fall prey to marketing and think that “this” will add to my life.
Now to be a hypocrite…let me know when you need my address! ;)
Lantz Howard?s last blog post..Is Facebook changing our theological views of Jesus?
Great…now give me some hair and trim about 10 lbs and I’m good to go.
Skye Jethani?s last blog post..The Divine Commodity Blog Tour and Radio Interview
We work with college students who live in a very different world than the 40-somethings I go to church with….they want action and media and drama and cool music….and so do I, but not a the expense of the message. How do you strike a balance and emphasize the right stuff?
sounds like a great read!!
gretchen?s last blog post..I pledge allegiance
This is one of the areas that just doesn’t mesh with faith for me. It seems that no matter where you go, someone is trying to sell you something. Christian TV is no different from regular TV … the ads are just different. Consumerism, politics, and faith … the three areas of life that just don’t quite go together. It seems like too many people let one or both influence their faith rather than vice versa.
Angel?s last blog post..No Politics For Me
I came over because DJ Chuang tweeted your post, and I quickly began to formulate my response- something about how as a missionary in India I learned the extent to which Hinduism has shaped the world view of all Indians, and how we need to understand our cultural context to engage people with the gospel- how I think that we deal with consumerism on every level of church life, etc (all true).
Then as I signed in, I realized that I would have enjoyed your post, but would’ve probably never left a comment, except that I might win a book that I can afford to (and should) buy, and I couldn’t help but laugh at my own consumer motivation.
So… do I win?
Anne, as always, great post!
I saw this book in the bookstore yesterday when I was rearranging their shelves for them so that MCD was facing cover-out in every section :) jk……kinda.
What I’m walking through with consumerism and my faith is that I will be married in 5 weeks and we’ve been scanning away at Target and BB&B and it feels weird.
My fiance and I have decided we aren’t going to have cable our first year of marriage and that leaves money “left over” in our budget so instead of “consuming” more things from the culture, we are going to support more missionaries in India and Albania.
Consumerism is weird and my hope is to continue to seek Christ and have Him show me how I can use my faith to influence what I consume. Maybe Skye’s book will help….whether I’m randomly selected or not I’m def gonna pick it up this week!
Josiah Potter?s last blog post..Grandfather Mountain
Thanks for thinking of us Anne.
I eat lunch with Homeless Herman and then go home to my 400 thread count sheets and my memory foam pillow. That’s the tension I feel as a Christian who tries to look like Jesus at lunch but still sleeps well at night…
Terry Foester?s last blog post..Doubting Thomas
As far as wrestling with my own personal consumerism when held up to my faith, I didn’t. Not until I read the stories of those who went on the Dominican Republic blog tour with Compassion. Now it hits me – seemingly at random times – that how I use my resources is often pretty ridiculous when held up to the need our world has and the call God has placed on each of our lives to love and share and help. I’m not sure how to work that out in my life, but I’m trying to hear what He has to tell me. I suspect this book could take me a few more steps down that journey.
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect?s last blog post..We got an extension.
Every time I see a massive SUV or a shiny Lexus with a Christian fish on the bumper I cringe. But then I feel guilty for being self-righteous.
I also struggle with friends who arrogantly flaunt their “I only consume fair trade chocolate/coffee” lifestyle in front of others who haven’t made the same choices.
Argh.
Faith?s last blog post..Purrrr?
Hey Anne… Recently plans to move forward with our Church build-out have lead my husband and I to further question the “consumerist” motives of our church. First, it should be said that I agree with the basic need, our church is a mobile church, and we don’t have an official building. Meeting space is virtually non-existent and our pastor has been living in half the space of his families home just so many of the regular church events can take place. This is quite the sacrafice for a church who’s regular audience is greater than 1000. So what am I saying: we need a build-out…. but since when did that need to include a Coffee Shop, and a Sound Recording Studio? This whole process has lead me and the hubby to some doubts on where the church belongs in our life. (our society, our culture). After exploring other churches, it became clear to us how posh and pompus we had expected church to be. We expect good lighting, good speaking, good music, good entertainment…. in short: we are treating church like a product. I would like to see this change.
RubyLeigh?s last blog post..Who Knew?
Hey Anne, yea, wow, this is a daily thing for me it seems. I was messed up before going to Ethiopia, I thought, but now since returning and returning with a 7 yr old Orphan who lost his parents to AIDS, I can’t even put into words how torn up my heart is. I struggle with slipping back into the American Dream mentality. I know God is using ALL this to change me in more ways then I can even grasp right now. I want to read that book. I hope you give it to me.
Carole Turner?s last blog post..Legacy
One thing I am struggling through is the amount of money our church spends on its building, and we are in the midst of phase II in our building plan. We keep having meetings about how we need more space for classrooms, etc. While I don’t argue the space thing, I struggle with being bombarded with, “We want to do this debt free (which I believe is a very good thing), so we need your money.” Then I see money from the current budget spent on things like tv’s in the narthex and upgrading to a big reception desk for greeters, etc. I am torn… I know how nice the tabernacle was in Jesus’ day, but I also know of people in Mexico where my hubs went on a mission trip who _really_ need the classroom space… heck, they just need the space to meet for weekly worship.
My hubby and I have recently had several long discussions about our giving and where should it go. We give generously, but we’d love to see the church grow in other places, not just our own local church.
Perhaps The Divine Commodity will help clear up some of my struggle (if I don’t win, it’s on my list to buy).
I just want it all to be about Jesus.
Angie?s last blog post..It?s All In A Name: Part Four
So I have been reading “Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire by William Cavanaugh for the last few weeks. Good stuff on freedom, globalization from a Christian perspective.
Right now the Amazon.com buy multiple books feature has recommended for me Mad Church Disease, Divine Commodity and Flickering Pixels.
the more i hear about this book, the more i am convinced it is a right investment of time for me.
i recently transitioned out of a church environment that is strongly seeker-targeted, and i have found myself exploring how i might have been complicit in allowing this consumeristic paradigm to creep too closely to the holy.
there is no doubt that souls are won for Christ there, but – as Skye reminds – that is not the end. our journey does not end at justification; it does not end with the “get out of jail free” card. if we profess Christ and believe in our hearts that He is our Redeemer, then we also are called to be remade; we have to submit to what Bonhoeffer called the “cost of disicpleship”.
so…whether it comes free or not, i look forward to Skye’s book; and, how my Kingdom service and journey toward sanctification will be furthered throught it.
This is a tough one – we all deal with it. The hardest part for me is rectifying the comfortable life I live while so much of the world is without. Why was I lucky enough to be born in America and have all that I have – why did I deserve that? Especially when I work in the corporate world and drive in and out of the poverty stricken downtown Detroit everyday. I drive miles away from the poverty to my comfortable suburban lifestyle – it is hard to find what is right for the world, for my family.
But I work hard to make sure that my faith is not consumptive only – I love how God is using me to feed others.
Kevin Davis?s last blog post..Bloggin’ Lazy
@David Pickett – I get it :) It’s funny and I thought that as I wrote this and was wondering if anyone would pick up on the irony. The funny thing is Skye even talks about that tension in the process of writing a book to be sold within the book.
Well, I think that the struggle is common to many of us. If we just open our eyes to the Bible, we see how God calls us to take up our cross and follow Him…to give up everything. And yet…when we listen to our own thoughts and our own words, it’s almost always about ourselves.
I need to pray more about this, and I suspect many others do as well. May God move mightily to redeem us from the pit.
As the pastor with multiple responsibilities, from groups to creative planning, I wrestle with this tension often. Do I just want this skit or these lights because they’re cool – or I saw something similar at a recent conference? Does my sermon series planning become so “attractional” or “felt needs” that people see a holy God as some sort of cosmic genie that exists to solve all their problems? And yet I also believe we have to meet people where they are do all we can to reach them for Christ. So where is the line? Or is it more of an attitude issue? Great tension to wrestle through. I look forward to reading Skye’s book.
I grew up in the church and have been around churches reflective of American evangelicalism pretty much until the last year and a half.
Between my own sin nature leading me towards self-centeredness, and being in the middle of the consumeristic evangelical subculture, I was blind to how consumerism affected me.
By being in a church that rejects consumerism, and embraces expressing the gospel to our entire city (and being the hands and feet of Jesus to that city), I am becoming aware to the affects of consumerism on my life, and our society, and on the church at large, and how Jesus’s agenda and gospel is in such stark contrast to what many of us Christians believe Christianity to be.
I am still a work in progress, personally, on that front, and I perhaps represent a lot of American Christians. Serving the church, helping those less fortunate than me, helps chip away at my self-centered consumeristic sinfulness.
I hope God in His mercy, as He does His work in me, will including in that work leading me away from consumerism and selfishness into whatever He would choose to replace them with.
Also, if I may be honest. I would love to get a copy of the book. But if I don’t get it, it’s not the end of the world. Just writing this post has been good for me.
BrianD?s last blog post..Riff: What would you do differently if?
something i have been thinking about in the last couple weeks related to this is feeling the pressure of not being a consumer in relation to my calling. i was reading a book that was talking about our attitudes toward what we are created to do- those things that make us alive and flourish. But he warned against the tendency we have to be selfish about that- saying “i’m not called to……[fill in the blank],” and then we are saying no to an opportunity to serve that’s outside our niche, but that God wanted us to do.
so, i’ve been struggling with the idea that maybe i can’t always live entirely within my secondary calling– that’s probably a luxury of many middle-class and upper-class people here in the States. But many lower income Americans have to do whatever feeds their family. Can anyone say that working at McDonalds or wherever is what they were created to do? Especially in times like these, I know that my husband and I have struggled with the balance of finding a job (any job) and then finding a job in our “niche” in order to make ends meet. I dont want to buy into the consumerist culture in that way.
tiffany?s last blog post..Nursery Rhymes
Why does a consumerist culture that has no need for faith NEED evangelism? I know they NEED evangelism but how do you make it relevant to the not needed faith? Many more questions where those came from.
mm
I would like to read this book, because I will totally admit that I tend to take a critical approach to my observations about this topic and I think it would be very helpful for me to see another POV and way of engaging the conversation. Probably at least half of the papers I have written during my time at seminary address this topic (regardless of what the focus of the assignment is) because I see it as such a prevalent issue.
My struggle with consumerism and faith is me.
I get in my way more often than I would like to admit. I am so compelled by people living in radical simplicity and those who can eschew modern amenities to further the cause of Christ.
But I also am so compelled by those cute pink slippy sandals that I can’t make it through the summer without.
I could stand on my soapbox all day and rant over all the Christians all over North America who are entrapped in this consumerist culture and now a consumerist faith….
Blah, blah, blah.
I am so painfully aware that I too can get tangled in a web of Jesus and stuff and I can so easily pull that into my church. I could use a good slap in the head sometimes…
Just don’t use my new pair of pink slippy sandals to hit me with ;)
Elle?s last blog post..Poor Perspectives Trios
As a pastor, it’s been pretty interesting to navigate the waters of consumerism within my own family. I own a 2002 Toyota 4Runner that I bought two years ago. What I struggle with is the fact that I was less concerned with MPG, Blue-Book Values, or User Reviews when I went to purchase this vehicle, and more concerned with what the church people were going to think.
*This car is too nice // I need to drive an unreliable junker like I always have.*
*Now they’re going to think I don’t empathize with them because I have a nice car*
Stupid stuff like that can get in the way of the real mission Jesus is calling me to.
Ryan @ This Is Reverb?s last blog post..The last 5 things that made me cry?
looks like a terrific book!!!
AND so glad you are back blogging :)
grace s. cartwright?s last blog post..i found God.
I’ve been hearing good things about this book! I’m glad you are putting 10 more copies out there.
I live in Orange County, which is rather better at consumerism than even the average American city. And I am not immune to its wiles, though it sucks me in sideways. I can easily avoid the Coach handbags and botox and mani-pedis… but the essential nature of “take care of yourself first” has slid in underneath my defenses and made me put rest, safety and my family above Jesus.
I hope Skye’s work continues to be a wedge that allows the Holy Spirit to hack at the OC idols.
Adrienne?s last blog post..The Cantus Firmus of Life
“Designer” and “luxury” can become addictive. Beth Moore noted that when we have it and it’s taken away, we “cry foul.” I generally don’t get into the whole designer fashion/jewelry thing, but occasionally I get sucked into the illusion, and then it’s like trying to pull your way out of a black hole. All of a sudden the name on the label becomes important, and keeping up with the industry is a priority. I want magazines to tell me what to buy. This is dangerous and unnecessary. Our Babylonian culture needs to be shaken awake to the spell we’ve been placed under.
Jess?s last blog post..Quick Plug – Help me Win the Fundraising Challenge!
I think to get a grasp of consumerism, all you have to do is go to a child’s birthday party in the United States. I use to be one of those crazy mothers with the itinerary, the perfect theme, the right invitations, the gift bags for the guests, etc…. Talk about excess. Talk about consumption. When a party was over over 90% of it is thrown in the trash. After a week 1/2 the toys are lost or broken. By the time the film is devolped or downloaded it is hard to even remember who was there. We treat our faith the same way, the perfect set up, the big party with the great show and fun games and after a week most of it is thrown away and not even remembered.
One year after I had put on the big show, I realized that I hadn’t spent a single special moment with my daughter on her day. I think we do the same to God, put on the show without spending a moment in His presents.
As a pastor, I wrestle with the temptation to give people what they want (consumerism) or give them what they need (the gospel). When you give people what they want, meaning having a church (store) full of options for everyone, you will grow your kingdom large and quickly. However, is that growth really sustainable? With the gospel, growth is slower and most times painful, but in my opinion this is the growth that last forever.
So yeah, it’s tempting to go with what is hot right now, but I have to ask myself, “What is your motivation?” My job as a pastor is to facilitate spiritual growth in the people God has graciously given me to shepherd. It’s like with children, is giving them what they want all the time always best? Absolutely not. Sometimes giving them things they hate and may hurt (like booster shots) are to improve them and help them.
This sounds like a book I need to read. Thanks for introducing this to us.
Scott?s last blog post..Reminder For Men: Love & Lead Your Wives
Anne, I see the consumeristic end of the faith culture on a very regular basis. I served as a pastor for 15 years, but am currently not employed by a church and I work for Starbucks. My least favorite shift to work? Sunday mornings. Why? Christians. It’s amazing that my “pagan” customers on Sunday are super polite and caring and many of the Christians are in such a hurry to get to church that they are rude, condescending, and just plain ugly. It’s a side of Christianity that honestly makes me sick.
My family and I are looking for a new church home in the area on the Sundays I don’t work. I run into people who only know me as their barista. It’s amazing to see how people can act so completely different in a “house of worship” than they do in a Starbucks.
Nolan Bobbitt?s last blog post..Men Bored to Death by Life
This is a topic that runs through my head on a daily basis. I often wonder if God would rather me help someone in need rather than fertilize my lawn. How would God feel if I owned a cabin up north when there are those without even a first home. Why would I buy new work clothes when the ones I am wearing are in perfect shape, although increasingly out of style. etc, etc, etc.
Mud Puppy?s last blog post..The Hits Keep Coming
I can’t wait to read this!
Sarah?s last blog post..In which my husband deserves this, trust me
I can’t wait to read this book, whether I win it or not.
My example of a struggle is more concrete than the others here.
My church prints and sells sweatshirts, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and a bunch of other stuff designed to promote our church in the community. I own a few myself, and I love them (they are actually really cool). On the other hand, I wonder whether I should wear them, because in a sense it’s about the brand of our church, it’s about marketing our church, advertising our church, buying into the consumer-istic ways of promoting things. People like the sweatshirts and want want want them, but is selling them causing some of us to stumble on materialism?
I’m conflicted on this and would love to know what others think about it.
We seem to be off the grid in several ways. We live in Russia, where gifts and barter and market vendors play a bigger role in “trade” than they did in our lives in the USA. When in the USA, we buy most non-foods from Goodwill and similar places–but I worry sometimes that the more people spend at Goodwill, the higher their prices will be. Does anyone know? On both sides of the Atlantic, we don’t watch television, so I sometimes become startlingly aware of how far away we’ve drifted from knowing what’s popular. People ask us if we’ve seen this or that ad, and we’re totally clueless.
When I was a denominational executive for a Quaker denomination, I couldn’t help wonder if our particular emphasis on simplicity might be an effective marketing message. However, no disembodied message really works in the long run, and it was like pulling teeth sometimes to get constituents to open up about how simplicity actually looks in daily life and in church life. Ultimately it seemed more important to learn, day in and day out, how to embody Christlike relationships with each other, how to build trust and heal betrayals, how to see and confront addictions–and know that we can do all of this without necessarily having all our intellectual/doctrinal ducks in a row.
I do a fair amount of book reviewing on my blog, so that’s what I’d do if I had the book and liked it.
This is a struggle we’re having lately with one of my (unnamed) children. We live such a blessed life. My kids have it so much easier than I ever did, and I lived like a king compared to the majority of the world outside the US. It’s so easy to take the blessings we have for granted and get whiny about the little, insignificant things that go wrong.
I’m still learning that the reason God gives me increase is not for my own benefit, but for the benefit of others.
Jeff M. Miller?s last blog post..I care too much?
Anne,
My struggle with consumerism really started after a trip to Venezuela. Coming face to face with poverty brought home my own worship of comfort over God Almighty. Just a couple of years later, I had to quit my (rather nice) job because of disability. My family and I have had to make some serious lifestyle changes. The really good thing about this is that I have been forced even more to wrestle with the consumerism mentality of American Christianity and how that has affected my own faith journey. We’re finally learning about the simplicity that God wants for us.
Catherine?s last blog post..Gettin? Political
Another giveaway! I never get tired of this sort of thing. HOpe this time my luck will get better.
The book looks and sounds interesting as with the subject matter. I follow Skye’s blog and was really interested in this book. But on the shores of Malaysia, books are hard to find. I’m Malaysian and live on the East side, an island called Borneo. Once a primitive people, we have now embraced modernism and have really embrace these changes in our society. Though some parts of Borneo are still moderately primitive, modernity is growing in stature. The church too is being bitten by this. And being constantly influenced by the western projection of church, some form of consumerism is sure to follow suit.
The church which i am affiliated with thinks that to grow a church in numbers, the best thing to do is to build a state of the art church following the mold of the mega church concept, a big auditorium kind of thing. Although Im not blaming the mega church structures, it’s more how leaders here take all this in. The churches are more into “how can we attract people to come to church” rather than “what is Jesus’ way in spiritual transformation?”. I think if we here are not careful, we all end up reaping the mistakes that the western church is struggling with.
Well my two cents worth of reflection.
Jon?s last blog post..If qualification was the only determining factor
I struggle with this all the time–it’s like when you know it’s time to go on a diet and all you think about is how uncomfortable and unhealthy and gross you feel–but you still want just one more day or gorging. I’m sick of it.
I will definitely read this book,-and I’m glad your back,Anne
I have heard a lot of good things about this book. Since I am “between gigs” as they say, I have a lot more free time to read. I have really been enjoying reading these types of books. So interesting to relate these books to churches and secular businesses as well. I have been serving more at my church and also want to make an impact in the kingdom through my serving. I have a lot of the same struggles as others have posted. Thanks for offering this giveaway!
Anne, why did you have to go out and post about another book that I would love to read. It is just mean.
I have just made it through the letters of Paul, and boy did I get a taste of put off the flesh and Put on Christ. Wow. I have read through the Bible several times but for some reason this time as I read through the new testament, the theme and word that God kept putting in front of me was FLESH.
I have struggled recently with my role in the secular work world and the church. I really enjoy serving and volunteering at my church. I do too much. Margin in my life is something that I am struggling to create. However, I’ve been wondering what my life would look like if I stepped out of the secular work world and into a full time ministry position. At the same time, I know that I am an influence within my environment for those who are lost.
It must be cool to get all these books. How do you have time to read them and still get in your dose of the Word?
Andy Darnell?s last blog post..Did I mention that I?m a NASA Geek?
I struggle with this personally, as I sweat over how to get the bills paid…and then realize that I own a two-story home and a pantry full of food…and I lament my lack of opportunity to devote more time to Jesus personally, because I am busy doing my work for my church….and I am just a victim of this entire culture.
Because my role at church is to plan and program the weekend experiences, it’s a constant tension, to dance around the definition of worship and experience and Sunday morning and unchurched people and everything else.
I do know this: we’re called to community, and the healthiest, most Biblical thing I do every week is in my small group. It’s not on the platform. And that keeps me sane.
BTW Anne, I’m on study break right now (grateful for a supportive pastor who sends me away to keep me healthy) and I just finished “Mad Church Disease” this afternoon. Two words for you, sister:
THANK.
YOU.
bethbrawley?s last blog post..Less Clutter. Less Noise. Still Overwhelmed.
Having worked at one of if not the largest churches in the country that could be called “consumeristic” – I constantly struggled and still do even more now with how much we were feeding a consumeristic approach. (And in my early days, I didn’t even realize this as an issue!) I don’t think “consumerism” is all bad. We are all consumers. Balance is key, and of course, WHAT we’re consuming (or dishing out) is key. These days I find myself rather tired of our modern expressions of Christianity – maybe what I’m tired of is the consumeristic approach of it all. From contemporary worship music, overly attractive singers, to churches feeling so much that they have to out do other churches and themselves on a continual basis. When is enough enough? What have we gained in the 30 or so years of consumeristic faith and church? That’s what I struggle with in an nutshell.
This may not be the kind of consumerism the book is talking about, but . . . as church planters/missionaries in Tokyo, my wife and I sent regularly send out prayer letters. We feel the fallout of consumerism when we write these letters. Many missionaries feel pressured by their supporters to always have something new and exciting to write home about. We feel that some succumb to this pressure and begin new programs or ventures before the time is right – so they can write home about it. Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit would come upon us with power and that we would do amazing things. But, his disciples did not run out and begin spreading the gospel immediately. What did they do? They waited. They waited for this power. My wife and I feel that we are not always given the luxury of waiting. We feel that our supporters want to know all that we are doing and they get most excited about new programs. However, what we really need is the freedom to wait – to wait for God’s time, for His power, for Him to let us know when to do what.
I’m not saying that we need to wait for a second Pentecost before we begin something new, and I know that we have already been given the Holy Spirit so we don’t really need to wait for His power like the first disciples did. What I am saying is that there are times when we need to wait, maybe do nothing for a time, as we anticipate God’s direction rather than moving ahead and beginning a new venture that sucks up all our time and energy before the time is right. The voice of Consumerism shouts the opposite.
Thanks for letting me share . . . and I hope I win that book :)
Joel?s last blog post..11Ways that the Church Shuts Jesus Out
Having visited a few developing countries and seeing the poverty that so much of the world faces I am more and more convinced that I don’t need all the “stuff” that I’ve accumulated.
The problem is that I not only continue to accumulate, I keep seeing other “stuff” that I’d like to have and justifying my reasons for buying some of it. There is certainly a lot of stuff I would have wanted to buy in the past that now leaves me cold so I know that the change in thinking is continuing.
This time last year I’d just got back to my comfortable life in Perth, Western Australia after witnessing food riots on the streets of Port-au-Prince in Haiti. I had been in Haiti and Dominican Republic with Compassion, observing ther work they do with the poorest of the poor.
That kind of reality check does help me in turning my thinking around and in rejecting the consumerism that continues to destroy so many lives, but I still have to fight it at times.
Rodney Olsen?s last blog post..Remembering Ada
I spent some time in Cote d’Ivoire this last fall and shortly after I returned home, I attended a tithing seminar that presented numbers regarding how much of the church’s intake is spent back on itself and how much is spent outside of the church. In light of the church’s situation in Cote d’Ivoire, I was appalled at how much of our money gets spent on our own comfort and entertainment when our brothers and sisters are giving of themselves so completely, often with no salary, and still giving a greater percentage of the tithe to externally focused ministries.
I’ll keep it short, but I have been in and around churches all my life. There is nothing more frustrating than realizing how much our culture and the selfish mindset most of us have has taken away our potency as Christians. I have struggled so much with how to reach our culture, but at the same time, not cater to this mindset. I want to change and I want to be used by God to see others changed. Our consumerism sickens me and I feel compelled to do something about it! Praise God that He is all powerful and that He desires to use us.
I’m involved with the youth ministry and more than ever there’s this ongoing battle for us to walk the fine line of consumerism even right from the message of salvation. There’s always the temptation to make things more appealing to the youth by advertising things as fun, fun, fun. Unknowingly sometimes we ourselves are the ones who continue to seed this culture of consumerism in our youth, breeding a generation that are spoon-fed, passive observers or things that are happening; content to pick and chose what they feel is ‘useful’ to them. THAT is something I believe is frightening. I continue to think about this whole issue and am also interested to read what this book has to say about it.
Joshua?s last blog post..Judging A Book By Its Cover
My wife and I have dealt with consumerism since we’ve been married. It seems everybody tells us you have to have bigger house, bigger care, more money. We are working our way through stupid debt and downsizing house (we have 4 soon to be 5) and everybody thinks we are crazy. Well, everybody except the One who really matter. We want to follow God’s plan not the worlds.
Jonathan
Awesome to see so many people respond and with so many varied stories. Here’s one of mine: As a privileged american I am able to afford what I need. But also, many times, what I want. I constantly find myself in a struggle to balance both the level of generosity and responsible stewardship of consumerist buying. For example, I’m a worship leader. Just how many, and at what quality, guitars is it appropriate to have in light of my faith? I know a resposible steward of my musical gifts should have the best possible tools to honor God, but I often find it very hard to draw the line at what really IS appropriate under every circumstance. I know that because I DO end up with things later that I look at and go: “nope that wasn’t really a ‘need’ after all…” Separating need and want is something my parents tried to teach me–and I am trying to teach my kids as well–but my faith seems to cause me to continually wrestle with the dilemma.
working in a megachurch full of money and “power”, i see the “good intention” spending on an almost daily basis. while our church does have a strong missions-emphasis, i know more could spent on a missional-level as opposed to accommodating our richy-rich culture with “stuff” and shiny things.
there is something to be said about forming a church around the culture it is surrounded by. but i think the big picture gets missed a lot and the balance get really thrown off.
i have been wanting to read this book for as long as you have been raving about it. especially while in Vegas with you, when i got to read a little bit. whether i “win” or not, i will be buying as i have intended to already. i think it would be a great read for some of our leadership here and i will likely pay-it-forward if/when i get a copy.
Hey Anne,
I’ve been wrestling with this quite a bit lately, especially in reading the book Rapture Ready by Daniel Radosh and also Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell.
In America we have this entitlement attitude where we think we deserve everything we have, and therefor that we do not want to give anything up. I’ve seen quite a few “flashy” Easter services that made me wonder if the church was trying to win people for Jesus and with Jesus, or win people with a show. Now, there is a time and place for that (maybe), so I’m not judging, but it’s a question that I think needs to be asked.
It is too easy to be a Christian in America. You can go to church and then go home and live your week as if nothing has actually changed. In some countries you die if you’re a Christian. Check out Craig Groeschel’s Practical Atheist series for more on that nugget of thought.
Thanks Anne for the post!
Jeremy Anderberg?s last blog post..Video Blog changed
I have not read the book, but would love to and then review it on my site! As a missionary in Africa, this issue of consumerism is of constant discussion in our home. What gospel are we giving people? What of our culture do we import? Huge questions I wrestle with and often hold my tounge on. Great topic. Would love to read the book. If I don’t win, will certainly put it on my to-read list!
Marysol
http://www.blomerus.org
Wow.
Working in communications for a church, it’s hard to balance truly letting God Spirit to draw people to your Church and the whole ideal of using marketing/branding techniques. Part of me is anti-church marketing and another part of me feels like in order to reach a consumeristic culture, we sometimes have to meet them on the road half-way.
It’s a tough balance for sure, because you don’t want to err on the side of being inaccessible to an outsider, or at the same time, to completely bend your message and theology over to the other side of watering it down.
At the end of the day, I think this stuff really, really matters and we need to get it right. The world is watching and waiting, and more than anything they want authenticity, and I think this book would be a great read for all of us, regardless of our involvement in ministry or in the church.
Thanks for sharing this and your thoughts with us, Anne!
Tim?s last blog post..The Blue Sweater
Wow, This is an area I have been dealing with. I see that I have been in an “I want it and want it now” mentality. I want to keep up w/ the Joneses. I hate that about me, and I have been praying and meditating on being content. The book looks outstanding.
I went to church with my mom for Easter. It’s funny how I can spot flaws in churches when I’m away from my home church. Two moments in particular caught my attention while at her church: the entering and exiting of people in and out of the sanctuary. It appeared as if attendees were simply that: people attending a service to get what they want and leaving once they’ve had it. It made me consider that, for many, church has become another item to be used/consumed. We go, we get, we leave… many times without interacting with anyone else or giving anything away.
Even in my home church, and even in myself, I see evidence of this real problem. I interact with my church family, sure! But do I go to get what I want or to give away who I am and what God has given me? It’s easy to give my money, but how often to give away my intimacy – the raw places where God is actively at work?
I’m an expert consumer of the Church, it’s true, but hope to become more of a branch dwelling in the vine of my Savior.
In the world of junior high ministry, I seen the paradigm of consumerism on a daily basis. Ministering in middle-class suburbia, many young people have a “I’ll come and see what I can get” mindset to youth group and church. It’s been a slow and subtle shift, but many students are beginning to embrace a “I’ll go out and see what I can give” paradigm. It’s causing them to give up their time and resources for others, seeing their faith as a lifelong process rather than a one-time event. I don’t try to do much more than encourage them to see the consumerist water they’re swimming in and allow God to begin to draw their hearts towards His own.
Joel Mayward?s last blog post..Quick Update
I find this so interesting someone wrote a book on this. I live in South Africa as a christian missionary but I am an American. Last time I was home in the States I was so struck by the consumer culture. I knew it before (I think most Christian Americans are at least slightly aware) but saw it in a fresh way. Being away for 2 years at a shot will do that to your perspective. I actually preached a sermon in my church called, “Marketing the Messiah”. It’s not just that people’s lives are caught up in consuming but it has changed the very person of Christ in people’s eyes (He of course remains the same). I would be interested to read this book and see what the author says.
Undoubtedly, I struggle through consumerism. It could be sometimes discouraging when going to a faithful church to see just a small number attending. How often we forget that numbers are not primarily what’s important. What’s more important is truth and the Living God.(ht: Lloyd-Jones).
I have not read the book yet, but I have been following the fan page in Facebook for quite some time. Just at the same time that I had found the page I had begun being unsettled with how Christianity is constantly attempted to be kept up at the same pace of trendy-ness as the rest of the culture. Our mainstream bookstores sell huge, hideous metal contraptions for us to hang on our walls so we feel that we are more spiritual and religious due to having a piece of Scripture on painted drywall, probably in the same room as the 52″ plasma TV. And then there’s pictures depicting a bloody Jesus hanging dead on a cross and I can only imagine how a seeker who comes across such art work will look upon Christians being ephixiated on death and blood and torture before they know God’s Truth, which is hidden in the back of the store with the pastor’s resources as though that’s the section for the “serious” or “mature” believer.
Ryan?s last blog post..Airborne Day 2
Having grown up overseas where I never “shopped” at all except to go to the fruit and flower markets with my Grandpa, muy return to the Us was hugely exciting …to see how much “Stuff” I could get for so little money. I ended up having stores of everything I loved in my home, and we were overrun as a family with Stuff. I still find comfort in my stuff and I am struggling deeply to rid myself of it in a moral way…and not feel so pained by giving it up. I have taught my children this as well, and I know they will struggle with it…though hopefully less than I do. I find great comfort in Stuff, be it food, craft materials, knick knacks, clothes, anything. I never knew it was an illness and it is….though it fulfills dreams for me in one way, it takes life away from me in other ways…ways too important to lose.
I think I really need this book, and need to share it with my 3 daughters.
I know I’m late, but I hop you have a copy left for me.
vicki anderholt
the bunny lady
Shouldn’t any book titled “The Divine Commodity” at least be available as a free download?
Getting guitar hero has been one of the best things I’ve carried out, merely wish the children could allow me to play!
I’ve recently been an avid admirer of this site for a while and never truly provided anything back, I am hoping to improve that in the future with an increase of talk.Thanks for another great inclusion to the website.
I really enjoyed reading about Book Giveaway – The Divine Commodity | FlowerDust.net and thought it was well worth the read. The only other site I enjoyed was http://wholesalewaterproducts.com because they seemed very insightful as well.