Discovering A Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity
Recently I completed reading “The Divine Commodity: Discovering A Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity” by Skye Jethani. I found the book quite stimulating to read and have enjoyed pondering the many thoughts he put forth on the path so many modern churches are on today. Whether you will enjoy reading and considering the many topics discussed throughout the pages will depend on several factors. Can you look yourself and your faith, your church and your beliefs, honestly and objectively, under the microscope? I have enjoyed reading many books over the past several years which make me think about my faith, and challenge me to be honest.
At the core, this book delves into the premise our Christian faith and our churches are under assault from our consumerist culture both from without and within. Many less desirable trends and traits from society are now dominating the modern church and in some ways continuing to drive a man-made wedge between God and man. He intersperses the chapters with stories of the renowned artist Vincent VanGogh’s struggle with his beliefs and the church over 100 years ago, and how many of those same bumps remain in the road, over 100 years later.
There are many thought-provoking and relevant topics discussed throughout the book and rather than try to provide my own voice to much of what he covers, I will simply reference and highlight those which spoke to me most, and let them speak for themselves. I only offer a few of my own thoughts at the end of the blog. To understand the entire context, I recommend some quality time with this book. I think Jethani truly cares about the path some churches are on, and simply wants to draw attention to the issues and start people thinking about them.
I simply offer these as a collection of interesting tidbits designed to get the juices flowing.
* “Eleven AM on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America.” – Billy Graham and reiterated often by Martin Luther King Jr.
* The ABC’s of the Modern Christian Church: Attendance, Buildings, Cash (They are rarely, if ever, absent from the weekly church bulletin)
* “We are more concerned with the worship ‘experience’ than we are with the worship service.” Okay, maybe one comment. Notice how the focus shifts so subtly in that statement? Instead of the focus being on worshipping Him, it becomes how can we service the attendees (and grow)?
* A church used to be chosen primarily based on doctrinal beliefs. Today the music style used in worship is the issue of paramount importance when choosing a church.
* In old times, denomination’s growth was not proof of value, stability was. Now megachurches and churches concentrate on what makes the ‘brand’ powerful: growth.
* Pastorprenuers (a nice new term) new focus is on the “unchurched.” This is where growth can blossom the quickest.
* Once upon a time, churches were utilitarian, like an old-time ocean liner. Those old ships had one main focus, getting people across the ocean. They were a means to an end. Churches were once simple places of worship. Now the church is more like a cruise ship, programs and services for all different groups (kids, singles, divorced parents, married couples, parents, older members, etc). It has stopped being the means to an end, and become the destination itself.
* “…The world learns about God not by watching Christian movies, but by watching Christians.” – Phil Vischer, creator of the Veggie Tales
* “Men invent means and methods of coming at God’s love, they learn rules and setup devices to remind them of that love and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God’s presence. Is it not quicker and easier to do our common business wholly for the love of Him?” - Brother Lawrence, 17th Century monk
Personally, I found the book to be very interesting and thought provoking. I took nearly a month to read and mull over what Jethani had written, to see what I agreed with and where I disagreed with him. I think he, like a few other good authors of late, has helped uncover some dangerous paths many modern churches and Christians are walking.
Did Paul envision the church becoming a mini-mall with a congregational worship center at it’s heart, surrounded by coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants? Do you think Jesus would order a mocha frappe grande at the church coffee store right outside the sanctuary before going in, or do you think He might overturn those tables in disgust as He did in the temple courtyard?
I am not too sure many Christians are willing to seriously consider those points today, it just might upset the modern Sunday apple cart. But, I think I know the answer to both of those questions at least.
Don’t get me wrong, I see some positives in the movement as well. To me a relationship with Christ is ultimately an individual one, with fellowship playing a key role. Reaching unchurched and unsaved souls is very important, but not at the cost of the church’s soul. I think Phil Vischer's quote doesn't go far enough, you can include books, tv shows, and even church services among the things which are secondary to those in the world watching us, our actions as Christians are what matter most of all.
So, I give the book solid marks for taking on the hard topics of the day and I hope some of the warnings are heeded and some of the ideas for improving the church are examined. I am glad Jethani's book came to my attention and I hope others will take the time to read it for themselves. It is not the easiest read, but the material within it is very good and stirring.
I think most of all, churches need to worry much more about growing their members, and not their membership. Here in Tallahassee, we have some shining examples of churches looking to create schools, satellite churches, entire campuses and in general acting like a corporation. It would be great if they got back to simply being a church first and foremost.
At the core, this book delves into the premise our Christian faith and our churches are under assault from our consumerist culture both from without and within. Many less desirable trends and traits from society are now dominating the modern church and in some ways continuing to drive a man-made wedge between God and man. He intersperses the chapters with stories of the renowned artist Vincent VanGogh’s struggle with his beliefs and the church over 100 years ago, and how many of those same bumps remain in the road, over 100 years later.
There are many thought-provoking and relevant topics discussed throughout the book and rather than try to provide my own voice to much of what he covers, I will simply reference and highlight those which spoke to me most, and let them speak for themselves. I only offer a few of my own thoughts at the end of the blog. To understand the entire context, I recommend some quality time with this book. I think Jethani truly cares about the path some churches are on, and simply wants to draw attention to the issues and start people thinking about them.
I simply offer these as a collection of interesting tidbits designed to get the juices flowing.
* “Eleven AM on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America.” – Billy Graham and reiterated often by Martin Luther King Jr.
* The ABC’s of the Modern Christian Church: Attendance, Buildings, Cash (They are rarely, if ever, absent from the weekly church bulletin)
* “We are more concerned with the worship ‘experience’ than we are with the worship service.” Okay, maybe one comment. Notice how the focus shifts so subtly in that statement? Instead of the focus being on worshipping Him, it becomes how can we service the attendees (and grow)?
* A church used to be chosen primarily based on doctrinal beliefs. Today the music style used in worship is the issue of paramount importance when choosing a church.
* In old times, denomination’s growth was not proof of value, stability was. Now megachurches and churches concentrate on what makes the ‘brand’ powerful: growth.
* Pastorprenuers (a nice new term) new focus is on the “unchurched.” This is where growth can blossom the quickest.
* Once upon a time, churches were utilitarian, like an old-time ocean liner. Those old ships had one main focus, getting people across the ocean. They were a means to an end. Churches were once simple places of worship. Now the church is more like a cruise ship, programs and services for all different groups (kids, singles, divorced parents, married couples, parents, older members, etc). It has stopped being the means to an end, and become the destination itself.
* “…The world learns about God not by watching Christian movies, but by watching Christians.” – Phil Vischer, creator of the Veggie Tales
* “Men invent means and methods of coming at God’s love, they learn rules and setup devices to remind them of that love and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God’s presence. Is it not quicker and easier to do our common business wholly for the love of Him?” - Brother Lawrence, 17th Century monk
Personally, I found the book to be very interesting and thought provoking. I took nearly a month to read and mull over what Jethani had written, to see what I agreed with and where I disagreed with him. I think he, like a few other good authors of late, has helped uncover some dangerous paths many modern churches and Christians are walking.
Did Paul envision the church becoming a mini-mall with a congregational worship center at it’s heart, surrounded by coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants? Do you think Jesus would order a mocha frappe grande at the church coffee store right outside the sanctuary before going in, or do you think He might overturn those tables in disgust as He did in the temple courtyard?
I am not too sure many Christians are willing to seriously consider those points today, it just might upset the modern Sunday apple cart. But, I think I know the answer to both of those questions at least.
Don’t get me wrong, I see some positives in the movement as well. To me a relationship with Christ is ultimately an individual one, with fellowship playing a key role. Reaching unchurched and unsaved souls is very important, but not at the cost of the church’s soul. I think Phil Vischer's quote doesn't go far enough, you can include books, tv shows, and even church services among the things which are secondary to those in the world watching us, our actions as Christians are what matter most of all.
So, I give the book solid marks for taking on the hard topics of the day and I hope some of the warnings are heeded and some of the ideas for improving the church are examined. I am glad Jethani's book came to my attention and I hope others will take the time to read it for themselves. It is not the easiest read, but the material within it is very good and stirring.
I think most of all, churches need to worry much more about growing their members, and not their membership. Here in Tallahassee, we have some shining examples of churches looking to create schools, satellite churches, entire campuses and in general acting like a corporation. It would be great if they got back to simply being a church first and foremost.
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