Customer Reviews

Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear (The Christian Practice of Everyday Life)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In many ways the Church reflects the culture wherein it resides. For example, much of what passes for Evangelical Christianity in the United States today, is often a reflection of conservative political leanings and not a true following of Jesus. Nowhere is this enculturation more evident than in the way the Church has become ensnared by the culture of fear foisted upon us by the media and politicians.

Scott Bader-Saye explains how fear has so gripped the Church that we no longer feel safe practicing three important virtures; hospitality, peacemaking and generosity. He shows how trusting in providence (defined correctly as God's provision and redemption - that which ultimately gives our lives meaning and purpose) and being in a community where we can speak honestly about our fears, we can become the witness to God's love and care that we are intended to be.

I know of no book more relevant for the life of the Church today.

Bader-Saye's Christian account of providence as contained in this book is important, and I think timely, for today's world. The title is apt, and the themes treated within are theologically compelling and helpful. This book is a needed tool for any person seeking to understand more fully what it means to follow Jesus in a fear-driven world.

I have given this book four stars for a reason, as I found it a good, but not great read. This book has three important things to offer: (1) an excellent treatment of the doctrine of providence and its importance for today; (2) a presentation of Christian hospitality that, if adhered to, would strengthen the witness of the church; and (3) discussion questions that are helpful at the conclusion of every chapter. This book can equip the individual, yes, but may be of more service to a community of people seeking together the best way to live in our world.

This is a "must read" book. Radical, profound, and very well written. I don't suppose that Jesus coddled the disciples much or promised that there was not hard work ahead. Bader-Saye certainly doesn't leave readers to think this is an easy or comfortable topic, but does convince you that it's one worth exploring in today's world.
Never before have I read a book that so clearly lays out the idea of "you reap what you sow". If you are able to get your head around the challenges Bader-Saye puts forth I believe you are part of the solution in this broken world we live in. If you think he's somehow got it wrong (that hospitality and community are NOT important, that peacemaking and generosity are NOT risks worth taking today) then I will pray for you (and those around you) as you try to navigate this complex world.
I guess time will tell if this book (and Bader-Saye's theological perspective and challenge) is embraced or disparaged. I hope for all our sakes it's the former not the latter.
I strongly suggest reading it with a group of friends, it definitely adds a whole other dimension to the book and to the ongoing discussion it creates.

In this short but spot-on book, Scott Bader-Saye examines modern and postmodern culture and the prevalence of fear based thinking and media content within it as well as the effect this thread of our cultural fabric (which has become significantly more dominant in the years following the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks) has on Christian morals, ethics and, most importantly, practice. By examining our culture's present emphasis in all areas of life on "safety" as being the most important thing we can all agree on (in a sense, our culture's present metanarrative) Bader-Saye discusses three cultural practices that have arisen due ot this emphasis: suspicion, preemption and accumulation.

Following this introduction is what I feel to be the true heart of the book; chapters on what fear is and why it is a natural and healthy response to threat, how fear can be dealt with in an intelligent and Christian manner, the importance of community in dealing with fear and having courage and, finally, a powerful discussion of a meaningful view of the idea of Providence in the context of God's narrative story for humanity. These chapters draw heavily from the writings of the ancient, premodern church. Most important among these are works by Aquinas and Augustine. Lest these references become to ponderous for or distanced from the reader, Bader-Saye also weaves into his discussion numerous examines from today's life including U2, "Security Moms" as a politcal force. the Taize movement and the Star Wars story arc.

From these considerations flow discussions on Christian practice in three broad areas: hospitality, peacemaking and generosity. In each practice the abuse of the idea of Providence to justify behavior that is unchristian in ethic is discussed followed by a more Biblical view. Specific examples of proper practice are discussed and contrasted with cases where fear based solutions where shown to be inadequate. If there is to be any disagreement with the subject matter of the book, I expect it would be in these areas as they are often critical present practice by those in positions of power in our culture.

I decided to read this book in preparation for a Bible study I will be leading in the Fall for a group of college age students focusing on the truly revolutionary nature of Christianity a compared to many of the so-called revolutions modern culture has produced. I found this book to be extremely relevant in terms of preparing for the study as well as in thinking about my own role in a culture of fear.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wrestling with or trying to live out Christ's radical and revolutionary message in a world where fear and its derivatives seem to be the dominant theme in public discourse and decision making.

Loved the beginning of the book. Totally pulled me in to keep reading and reflecting on life in the culture. I truly wonder now much is thought out before it hits the media on control by fear. This is probably a book that could make you re-think your media consumption more than any other book I've read. I have cut back on media consumption since.

Everything in our culture, from T.V. commercials to politicians, the evening news and even ther church (Y2K is a good example) is aimed at producing fear in it's listeners. The goal of much of this fear is the profit of the one selling us a product or wanting us to agree to their fear driven political agenda. The horrid truth is that "fear sells." It attracts listeniers to the evening news, sells products to protect us from harm, etc. Fear also issolates us from others and stops us from practicing hospitality and generosity. We need to get smart and start to tune out at least some of the bad news and start filling ourselves with the good news of the Scriptures. Not that we should be ignorant as to what is going on in the world, but we were not created to live on a constant dose of fear producing messages. No wonder the Scriptures tell us that in the last days men's hearts will fail them for fear (Luke 21:26).

In Psalm 23 God promises that if we keep our eyes on him, he will make us to lie down in green pastures and lead us beside quite waters. Even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death, we will not need to fear any evil for our Savior (delieverer) will be with us. Our all pwerful creator has a table prepared for us to peaceful set down and eat in the presence of our enemies all the while enjoying his company. That's how how I want to live my life. My other favorite Scripture on fear is Psalm 91. I gave the book a four star rating because even though there was much good inormation in the book, I didn't agree with all the author had to say.

The print is too small to make this book comfortable to read. But the content is excellent. I read this for an online class at Seminary of the Southwest.

This is an excellent treatment of how governments, candidates, companies can use fear of things that are very unlikely to occur to further their purposes. Bader-Sayes treatise shows how to evaluate fear and put it in its proper place in the scheme of the Christian Life. Highly recommend this book to persons who fall prey to this fear mongering.

This is a very timely book and well done.

The one thing I think could be added in is how much the God speaks to us in the Bible, and I believe today, about not being afraid. HE is constantly saying, "Don't be afraid."