Christ and Consumerism

Christ and Consumerism

Author: Thorsten Moritz

Publisher: Paternoster Publishing

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13:

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Consumerism is not merely a way of life -- it is increasingly recognized as a framework through which people find their identity and sense of belonging in society. Christians are called to be "salt and light" in society. If we are to take this command seriously and be zealous for the reputation of God's character in our day, we must test the "spirit of the age" and analyze the forces and ideologies that shape our culture. If we don't, there is a danger that we will become so accustomed to our consumerist culture that it, rather than the convictions at the heart of what God has called us to be, will shape our lives. Issues regarding consumerism are considered from biblical, ethical, sociological and economic viewpoints and suggestions offered about how Christians can positively respond to the prevailing ethic today.


Book Synopsis Christ and Consumerism by : Thorsten Moritz

Download or read book Christ and Consumerism written by Thorsten Moritz and published by Paternoster Publishing. This book was released on 2000 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Consumerism is not merely a way of life -- it is increasingly recognized as a framework through which people find their identity and sense of belonging in society. Christians are called to be "salt and light" in society. If we are to take this command seriously and be zealous for the reputation of God's character in our day, we must test the "spirit of the age" and analyze the forces and ideologies that shape our culture. If we don't, there is a danger that we will become so accustomed to our consumerist culture that it, rather than the convictions at the heart of what God has called us to be, will shape our lives. Issues regarding consumerism are considered from biblical, ethical, sociological and economic viewpoints and suggestions offered about how Christians can positively respond to the prevailing ethic today.

The Divine Commodity

The Divine Commodity

Author: Skye Jethani

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2009-05-26

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 0310574226

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The challenge facing Christianity today is not a lack of motivation or resources, but a failure of imagination.A growing number of people are disturbed by the values exhibited by the contemporary church. Worship has become entertainment, the church has become a shopping mall, and God has become a consumable product. Many sense that something is wrong, but they cannot imagine an alternative way. The Divine Commodity finally articulates what so many have been feeling and offers hope for the future of a post-consumer Christianity.Through Scripture, history, engaging narrative, and the inspiring art of Vincent van Gogh, The Divine Commodity explores spiritual practices that liberate our imaginations to live as Christ's people in a consumer culture opposed to the values of his kingdom. Each chapter shows how our formation as consumers has distorted an element of our faith. For example, the way churches have become corporations and how branding makes us more focused on image than reality. It then energizes an alternative vision for those seeking a more meaningful faith. Before we can hope to live differently, we must have our minds released from consumerism's grip and captivated once again by Christ.


Book Synopsis The Divine Commodity by : Skye Jethani

Download or read book The Divine Commodity written by Skye Jethani and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2009-05-26 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The challenge facing Christianity today is not a lack of motivation or resources, but a failure of imagination.A growing number of people are disturbed by the values exhibited by the contemporary church. Worship has become entertainment, the church has become a shopping mall, and God has become a consumable product. Many sense that something is wrong, but they cannot imagine an alternative way. The Divine Commodity finally articulates what so many have been feeling and offers hope for the future of a post-consumer Christianity.Through Scripture, history, engaging narrative, and the inspiring art of Vincent van Gogh, The Divine Commodity explores spiritual practices that liberate our imaginations to live as Christ's people in a consumer culture opposed to the values of his kingdom. Each chapter shows how our formation as consumers has distorted an element of our faith. For example, the way churches have become corporations and how branding makes us more focused on image than reality. It then energizes an alternative vision for those seeking a more meaningful faith. Before we can hope to live differently, we must have our minds released from consumerism's grip and captivated once again by Christ.

Christian Minimalism

Christian Minimalism

Author: Becca Ehrlich

Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2021-05-17

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 1640653899

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"Ehrlich’s insightful self-help guide will resonate with Christians wishing to streamline an overstuffed life."—Publishers Weekly Logically, we all know our purpose in life is not wrapped up in accumulating possessions, wealth, power, and prestige—Jesus is very clear about that—but society tells us otherwise. Christian Minimalism attempts to cut through our assumptions and society’s lies about what life should look like and invites readers into a life that Jesus calls us to live: one lived intentionally, free of physical, spiritual, and emotional clutter. Written by a woman who simplified her own life and practices these principles daily, this book gives readers a fresh perspective on how to live out God’s grace for us in new and exciting ways and live out our faith in a way that is deeply satisfying.


Book Synopsis Christian Minimalism by : Becca Ehrlich

Download or read book Christian Minimalism written by Becca Ehrlich and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2021-05-17 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Ehrlich’s insightful self-help guide will resonate with Christians wishing to streamline an overstuffed life."—Publishers Weekly Logically, we all know our purpose in life is not wrapped up in accumulating possessions, wealth, power, and prestige—Jesus is very clear about that—but society tells us otherwise. Christian Minimalism attempts to cut through our assumptions and society’s lies about what life should look like and invites readers into a life that Jesus calls us to live: one lived intentionally, free of physical, spiritual, and emotional clutter. Written by a woman who simplified her own life and practices these principles daily, this book gives readers a fresh perspective on how to live out God’s grace for us in new and exciting ways and live out our faith in a way that is deeply satisfying.

Consuming Religion

Consuming Religion

Author: Vincent J. Miller

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2005-08-18

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1623562384

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Contemporary theology, argues Miller, is silent on what is unquestionably one of the most important cultural issues it faces: consumerism or "consumer culture." While there is no shortage of expressions of concern about the corrosive effects of consumerism from the standpoint of economic justice or environmental ethics, there is a surprising paucity of theoretically sophisticated works on the topic, for consumerism, argues Miller, is not just about behavioral "excesses"; rather, it is a pervasive worldview that affects our construction as persons-what motivates us, how we relate to others, to culture, and to religion. Consuming Religion surveys almost a century of scholarly literature on consumerism and the commodification of culture and charts the ways in which religious belief and practice have been transformed by the dominant consumer culture of the West. It demonstrates the significance of this seismic cultural shift for theological method, doctrine, belief, community, and theological anthropology. Like more popular texts, the book takes a critical stand against the deleterious effects of consumerism. However, its analytical complexity provides the basis for developing more sophisticated tactics for addressing these problems.


Book Synopsis Consuming Religion by : Vincent J. Miller

Download or read book Consuming Religion written by Vincent J. Miller and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2005-08-18 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contemporary theology, argues Miller, is silent on what is unquestionably one of the most important cultural issues it faces: consumerism or "consumer culture." While there is no shortage of expressions of concern about the corrosive effects of consumerism from the standpoint of economic justice or environmental ethics, there is a surprising paucity of theoretically sophisticated works on the topic, for consumerism, argues Miller, is not just about behavioral "excesses"; rather, it is a pervasive worldview that affects our construction as persons-what motivates us, how we relate to others, to culture, and to religion. Consuming Religion surveys almost a century of scholarly literature on consumerism and the commodification of culture and charts the ways in which religious belief and practice have been transformed by the dominant consumer culture of the West. It demonstrates the significance of this seismic cultural shift for theological method, doctrine, belief, community, and theological anthropology. Like more popular texts, the book takes a critical stand against the deleterious effects of consumerism. However, its analytical complexity provides the basis for developing more sophisticated tactics for addressing these problems.

Following Christ in a Consumer Society

Following Christ in a Consumer Society

Author: Kavanaugh, John F.

Publisher: Orbis Books

Published: 2014-04-10

Total Pages: 298

ISBN-13: 1608335283

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In an era of fraud, corruption, and the relentless celebration of image over substance, the message of this perennial best-seller is more timely than ever. Following Christ in a Consumer Society offers a penetrating critique of the culture of consumerism, contrasted with the personalism of the Gospel. Addressing a soul-destroying culture in which ""having more"" has become the only measure of value, Kavanaugh reminds us of the values that truly make us human. Through the counter-cultural message of the Gospel, his book presents a diagnosis of our social ills while at the same time providing a guide back to wholeness, sanity, and spiritual health.


Book Synopsis Following Christ in a Consumer Society by : Kavanaugh, John F.

Download or read book Following Christ in a Consumer Society written by Kavanaugh, John F. and published by Orbis Books. This book was released on 2014-04-10 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In an era of fraud, corruption, and the relentless celebration of image over substance, the message of this perennial best-seller is more timely than ever. Following Christ in a Consumer Society offers a penetrating critique of the culture of consumerism, contrasted with the personalism of the Gospel. Addressing a soul-destroying culture in which ""having more"" has become the only measure of value, Kavanaugh reminds us of the values that truly make us human. Through the counter-cultural message of the Gospel, his book presents a diagnosis of our social ills while at the same time providing a guide back to wholeness, sanity, and spiritual health.

Brand Jesus

Brand Jesus

Author: Tyler Wigg Stevenson

Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2007-05-01

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 1596271744

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In this provocative book, the author argues that American Christianity, especially evangelicalism, has been corrupted by the dominance of consumerism in modern life. The church's mostly uncritical adoption of this secular condition has resulted in an idolatrous morphing of the message of Christ into just another brand. With Brand Jesus, Wigg Stevenson names the growing concern felt by many Christians at the commodification of their faith. Using Paul's letter to the Romans as a starting point, Wigg Stevenson 'reads' the letter to today's church, speaking to our consumerist situation through the parallels with Paul's Rome. Though rooted unapologetically in a love for the church, Brand Jesus does not shy away from provocative claims about the melding of Christian faith and consumer ideals; the rise of market-driven theology; the blurring boundaries between the law and religion; and other topics. Wigg Stevenson describes the current situation of both church and society and issues a challenge to it: When faith is a product for consumption, how can the church be faithful to Christ as living Lord, instead of as Brand Jesus?


Book Synopsis Brand Jesus by : Tyler Wigg Stevenson

Download or read book Brand Jesus written by Tyler Wigg Stevenson and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2007-05-01 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this provocative book, the author argues that American Christianity, especially evangelicalism, has been corrupted by the dominance of consumerism in modern life. The church's mostly uncritical adoption of this secular condition has resulted in an idolatrous morphing of the message of Christ into just another brand. With Brand Jesus, Wigg Stevenson names the growing concern felt by many Christians at the commodification of their faith. Using Paul's letter to the Romans as a starting point, Wigg Stevenson 'reads' the letter to today's church, speaking to our consumerist situation through the parallels with Paul's Rome. Though rooted unapologetically in a love for the church, Brand Jesus does not shy away from provocative claims about the melding of Christian faith and consumer ideals; the rise of market-driven theology; the blurring boundaries between the law and religion; and other topics. Wigg Stevenson describes the current situation of both church and society and issues a challenge to it: When faith is a product for consumption, how can the church be faithful to Christ as living Lord, instead of as Brand Jesus?

Christmas Unwrapped

Christmas Unwrapped

Author: Richard A. Horsley

Publisher: Trinity Press International

Published: 2001-08

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13:

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Fascinating critique of the American Christmas from the perspectives of cultural studies, theology, & biblical studies.


Book Synopsis Christmas Unwrapped by : Richard A. Horsley

Download or read book Christmas Unwrapped written by Richard A. Horsley and published by Trinity Press International. This book was released on 2001-08 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fascinating critique of the American Christmas from the perspectives of cultural studies, theology, & biblical studies.

Buying God

Buying God

Author: Eve Poole

Publisher: Church Publishing

Published: 2019-10-17

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1640652507

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Deeply theological review of our habits of relationship with money Eve Poole offers us a book at once deeply theological and imminently practical. She invites us into a conversation about theology—the ways in which we attempt to understand God—and their various implications. She then shifts the conversation to consumerism, raising questions along the way as to how God might view the practice—and how we might better understand our place as Christians within that system. Drawing on the Church’s rich traditions of Social Liturgy, Buying God calls on the Christian community to renew its confidence and strength in proclaiming this good news. Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism, and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, the book explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action. “Knowledgeable and accessible, as adept at exploring economics as at delineating theological method, Buying God offers a steady hand through the demands of global capitalism and the seductions of human desire. Eve Poole offers an example of how theology is always politics, and always devotional–and, at its best, both at the same time.” Samuel Wells, Vicar of St Martin-i n- the-Fields.


Book Synopsis Buying God by : Eve Poole

Download or read book Buying God written by Eve Poole and published by Church Publishing. This book was released on 2019-10-17 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Deeply theological review of our habits of relationship with money Eve Poole offers us a book at once deeply theological and imminently practical. She invites us into a conversation about theology—the ways in which we attempt to understand God—and their various implications. She then shifts the conversation to consumerism, raising questions along the way as to how God might view the practice—and how we might better understand our place as Christians within that system. Drawing on the Church’s rich traditions of Social Liturgy, Buying God calls on the Christian community to renew its confidence and strength in proclaiming this good news. Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism, and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, the book explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action. “Knowledgeable and accessible, as adept at exploring economics as at delineating theological method, Buying God offers a steady hand through the demands of global capitalism and the seductions of human desire. Eve Poole offers an example of how theology is always politics, and always devotional–and, at its best, both at the same time.” Samuel Wells, Vicar of St Martin-i n- the-Fields.

Brand Jesus

Brand Jesus

Author: Tyler Wigg Stevenson

Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2007-05

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9781596270497

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American evangelical faith has been corrupted by a series of forces at work in Americaconsumerism, the economy, and American politicsand has become idolatrous. Using Pauls letter to the Romans as a starting point, Stevenson reads the letter to todays American church.With provocative discussions of Christian hypocrisy, megachurches, the ways in which Christian ideas are distressingly combined with private property and market-driven economics, the blurring boundaries between law and religion, and other topics, Stevenson offers an analysis of where the American church finds itself, and how that place is quite different from that which Paul wrote of. He seeks to answer the question; in this age of consumerism and politicization of religion, how will the church reject the idolatry of Jesus as brand, and embrace Him as He asked to be?


Book Synopsis Brand Jesus by : Tyler Wigg Stevenson

Download or read book Brand Jesus written by Tyler Wigg Stevenson and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2007-05 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: American evangelical faith has been corrupted by a series of forces at work in Americaconsumerism, the economy, and American politicsand has become idolatrous. Using Pauls letter to the Romans as a starting point, Stevenson reads the letter to todays American church.With provocative discussions of Christian hypocrisy, megachurches, the ways in which Christian ideas are distressingly combined with private property and market-driven economics, the blurring boundaries between law and religion, and other topics, Stevenson offers an analysis of where the American church finds itself, and how that place is quite different from that which Paul wrote of. He seeks to answer the question; in this age of consumerism and politicization of religion, how will the church reject the idolatry of Jesus as brand, and embrace Him as He asked to be?

Sacred Consumption

Sacred Consumption

Author: Peter Mundey

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 163

ISBN-13: 1498591620

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This book explores the quasi-religious nature of consumerism and how American Christianity interacts with consumerism. The author uses mixed methods to unpack the nexus between the Christian faith and consumption and how habitual discretionary consumption functions as a pseudo-faith in America.


Book Synopsis Sacred Consumption by : Peter Mundey

Download or read book Sacred Consumption written by Peter Mundey and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2023 with total page 163 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the quasi-religious nature of consumerism and how American Christianity interacts with consumerism. The author uses mixed methods to unpack the nexus between the Christian faith and consumption and how habitual discretionary consumption functions as a pseudo-faith in America.