Mustard Seed vs. McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future [Paperback]

Tom Sine (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801090881 | ISBN-13: 978-0801090882 | Publication Date: September 1, 1999

A guide for helping Christians understand the rapid-fire global changes in society and grasp God's perspective of working through the seemingly insignificant to effect lasting change.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A powerful prophetic vision that screams hope in the face of modern day fatalism. Within these pages we are educated about our world, challenged to change it and given the tools and inspiration to do so. -- Phil Wall, The Salvation Army

An important book about our globalized society and the consumer values which drive it. This is essential reading for all western Christians committed to shaping their lifestyle according to the teaching of Christ. -- Graham Clay, Ridley College, Cambridge

An intriguing book that shows secularism to be a lot deeper than most of us have thought. ... Sine forces us to confront our hidden accommodations to modernity and invites us to join his conspiracy for non-dualistic discipleship. -- Peter C. Moore, president, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry

Because Tom Sine thinks carefully about our past and our future, we can take seriously what he says about our present. Mustard Seed vs. McWorld is an important book about our present and how, with divine creativity, we might envision our future. An important read that we neglect to our peril. -- Richard J. Foster, author, Celebration of Discipline and Streams of Living Water

Beckons us to choose the seeds of the kingdom and shows us how to plant them. This is essential work if the forces of global materialism are to be uprooted with the power of the gospel. A guidebook for imaginative discipleship, equipping Christians for the new millennium. -- Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, general secretary, Reformed Church in America

In the meltdown to the new millennium this is a must read for all who care about the future of the church and world. A profoundly challenging book. -- Roger and Faith Forster, Ichthus Christian Fellowship

Many of us consider Tom Sine as one of the outstanding futurists of this generation. This book may be his very best. He communicates from both mind and heart his concerns for the church in the Western world. But he does not merely critique. He presents some practical potential solutions which every one of use should prayerfully consider. -- Paul Cedar, chairman, Mission America

This book is a must read for any Christian leader who is determined to face tomorrows challenges equipped for the task. As one who spends a lot of time trying to peer into the future, I cannot commend this book more highly. -- Richard Kew, director, Anglican Forum for the Future

Tom Sine cuts through corporate one-world propaganda to reveal the dark side of economic globalization and asserts with vigor that the American Dream is no substitute for the mission that Jesus gave to the church. -- Stephen A. Hayner, president, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA

About the Author

Tom Sine (Ph.D., University of Washington) is a futurologist who consults with Christian organizations around the world. He has taught at Fuller Theological Seminary and the University of Washington. His previous books include Wild Hope, The Mustard Seed Conspiracy, and Cease Fire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801090881
• ISBN-13: 978-0801090882
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,040,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to be "in the world, but not of it", July 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Mustard Seed vs. McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future (Paperback)

Many Christian writers give solid advice for dealing with family and friends, but downplay our interactions with the "secular" world, as if we're better off avoiding it as much as possible. Others get hung up on social action for the sake of their favorite -ism, often seeming to forget about God in the process. This worthwhile book avoids both these pitfalls. Tom Sine shows that we can live our faith in the world by starting small faith-based projects -- "planting mustard seeds" -- in areas like evangelization, charitable works, ecology, and the arts. He provides many examples and case studies, and talks about why it's important for Christians to want to make a difference. If you're interested in practical ways to share Christian values in society, this book is both thought-provoking and action-provoking.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sine of the Times, May 8, 2000

By 

S. Cornforth "Steve Cornforth" (Liverpool, UK England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mustard Seed vs. McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future (Paperback)

Tom Sine looks firstly at the phenomenon of globalisation andthe growth of certain corporations who are now bigger than theeconomies of some countries. In his analysis of this 'race to the top' he presents a vivid picture of the alarming power of these 'super companies.' In this context he introduces the opportunities and dangers of technology and especially e-commerce which is dramatically accelerating globalisation.

He then moves on to the dangers and challenges of this new McWorld. He looks at the pressures on young people and their accumulation of debt as they join in the race. He then highlights the plight of the world's poor who increasingly left behind. He uses the example of Ugandan villagers who can no longer afford locally produced fish as the producers have found a higher price from Western purchasers. The local population are left to queue for the scraps.

Sine's aim is to challenge Christian leaders to present an alternative to McWorld, based on a concern for the poor and for our environment. He achieves this in a way that is informative and readable. He presents material which is often perceived as dry in a lively and challenging way.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "WWJD" = symptom of a problem in Christendom?, December 15, 2001

By 

Timotheus Josephus - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mustard Seed vs. McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future (Paperback)

Sine is not your typical conservative Christian author. If you're looking for a book by one of Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell's buddies, then you're in the wrong aisle; try checking over in the area with all the "WWJD" bracelets and T-shirts.

Sine's book would surely ruffle the feathers of the average church-going, capitalist-loving, suburban Christian. After all, this guy (Sine) has the audacity to claim that we, as Christians, are actually supposed to place the teachings of Jesus on a higher level than the priorities of an American culture based on consumerism. Sheesh!!! Who does he think he is? Sine's emphasis is on re-organizing our lives to get away from the perceived need to mold them in a way that feeds off of materialism, and to focus our efforts instead on the work of God's kingdom. Rather than having our priorities be 1) material things, 2) family, and 3) God, Sine rightly states they should be 1) God, 2) family, 3) material necessities.

If you're disappointed with working 50-60 hours per week striving for that next promotion while trying to find time to race the kids to their activities, feed the dog, mow the lawn, and do the dishes, (Oh! and I'll find time for God next week) all to end up with high blood pressure, a divorce, and bankruptcy court, then you definitely should read this book. It will either scare you or inspire you to start over! Or both...