23% More Spiritual!
Christians and the Fad
- Christian Living
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2020
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Publisher's Description
Ever bought that one book that utterly changed your spiritual life, made it deeper, quicker, and 23% more efficient? Neither has anyone else, but that has not stopped the relentless manufacture of fad products and programs that promise a "better way." Fads, which have led to havoc in the wider culture, have also found their way into Christendom. Now we have specifically Christian examples of invented problems, with churches struggling over musical choices, carpet colors, and various techniques. Christians are frequently following the world, blissfully unaware in their thinking that "the new thing" must be better merely because it is new. 23% More Spiritual! examines some of the most well-known fads of the past century, provides a history of how we got here, outlines the problems in pursuing "the fad," and offers a solution, one seeking goodness and perfection.
Endorsements (6)
“Miller takes no prisoners as he cuts to the heart of the American obsession with fads, an obsession that is just as strong among Christians as it is among the secular population. Rather than merely list and critique the fads of the last half-century, Miller carefully diagnoses the causes of our obsession and offers solutions for restoring sanity and depth to the American church.”
“Miller sheds light on one of the most problematic aspects of American Christianity—its intertwining with the culture of consumerism. After analyzing dozens of overt and subtle instances of acquiescence to the trends of the larger culture, Miller delves into a practical discussion of how Christians can assess their motives and choices in light of their faith. A useful read for clergy and laypeople alike.”
“Rod cuts to the chase in this book and critiques the cult of fads because it has had an insidious influence upon the church for a good while and the church needs to be very cautious about false teaching. The core of the problem is that fads are superficial and make empty promises they cannot begin to deliver; fads are often driven by financial motives, and in the end they de facto encourage a life of carnality (stroking one’s ego). Rod substantially critiques all of these errors. This topic has sobering implications for serious discipleship in following Jesus and is a much-needed word for today.”
“This book is thought-provoking, wise, and well worth your time. Rod Miller shakes us up by urging us to look closely at our cultural assumptions that new or different is always better. . . . Even though Jesus’s yoke is easy, and his burden is light, a life of obedience to God and spiritual growth is not instant and takes perseverance.”
“23% More Spiritual! is a deceptively thoughtful book inhabiting a space which is transparently vacuous. Rod Miller helps map our fragmenting cultural and church life and shows us a way forward, which, paradoxically, is the way back. Back to something deeper, something more just, more true, more beautiful, and ultimately more Christian.”
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