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The Divine Commodity: Discovering A Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity (2000)

by Skye Jethani(Favorite Author)

4.21 of 5 Votes: 5

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review 1: I read this book shortly after it came out, and then read it again over the last few months with some guys from my church. Below is a review from when I first read the book:In 'The Divine Commodity,' Skye Jethani analyzes the way that consumerism has creeped (and sometimes shoved) its way into the church. Rather than standing as a kingdom witness against the age, the church all too often has simply reflected the culture, accomodating Christian faith with commercialism and consumerism. This syncretism, while making the church more palatable to some in our day, has cost the church its distinctiveness, and indeed some of the very qualities that make the church a visible sign of a new kingdom, a new order, a new way of life. In many cases, the church's adoption of market princ... moreiples has cost it its very identity.There are several books about the effects of consumerism on the church. What makes Jethani's book different, however, is its tone and approach. The temper of the book is not that of a jeremiad. Jethani avoids the pitfalls of the angry denunciator to which so many succomb. Most cultural critics, while often successful at rallying the troops, do little but annoy those not already convinced of their propositions. In contrast, 'The Divine Commodity,' while forceful and persuasive, is not abrasive, and therefore will gain a wider audience and perhaps will actually change the perspectives of some.Jethani's book also is of a different quality in that his prescriptions for combating consumerism in the church are not aimed at top-down organizational changes. So many cultural critiques leave the reader with nothing to do but bicker and complain at the institutional church and the wickedness of those in authority. 'The Divine Commodity' focuses rather on personal disciplines -- silence, prayer, fasting, love, hospitality, and friendship -- as a means of loosening consumerism's grip on the individual reader. Only the most obtuse of readers could finish Jethani's book not thinking about their own complicity in the church's debacle. And Jethani offers plenty of encouragement of how to reverse this trend in your own life.There is a lot that could be said about Jethani's specific analysis of consumerism's hold on the church (bigger is better, staging experiences, marketing the gospel, programs as the be-all-end-all of ministry, felt needs over missional service, customization versus community, etc), but I'll leave that for you to read yourself.Perhaps the thing that makes this book most enjoyable is Jethani's use of anecdotes, both personal and historical. Jethani tells you much of his own life, his struggles and victories, throughout the book. The only character who appears more often is that of Vincent Van Gogh. Jethani masterfully uses the life of the artist to tie together themes throughout. Not only is this effective in illustrating points, the use of Van Gogh's story makes 'The Divine Commodity' a very interesting read.This book recognizes that consuming is a fact of life, but that consumerism can rob your faith of its vitality and ultimately prevent the church from being "salt and light" before a watching world. Like Van Gogh before him, Jethani takes up the task of "re-imagining reality, representing reality by uncovering the truth that is not apparent to the naked eye." This, 'The Divine Commodity' does very well. I highly recommend it.
review 2: This book has kept me thinking for weeks, and I have shared its basic tenets with friends, sparking some lively discussions. It is the first book I have read dealing with the issue of the "consumer" mentality of post-modern America and how it has infiltrated our churches. Do you remember the old Burger King T.V. commercial that jingled about having your hamburger "your way?" Many churches cater to the mentality that we are consumers, and "church" is something to be sold. They lure its members by offering bagels and coffee, gymnasiums, fancy lights and sound systems and multiple choice of church service "styles" to attend ("contemporary", "traditional", "blended") to meet your personal tastes. This results in a homogeneous church, with no sense of "community." No need to worry about getting along with our church members, because we all think exactly alike! We've segregated ourselves within our own church walls! Denominational choice is one thing, segregating from our fellow church members on Sunday morning is something else entirely. Jethani explores many other problems with treating churches like commodities. As with any other commodity, whether its hamburgers, cell phones or running shoes.... the effort to continually make it "new and improved" or tailor-made for YOU, is a dangerous trend. I agree with the author that this trend will have the opposite intended effect (growing congregations), but will diminish and weaken them. less

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