Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces: Putting God in Place [Paperback]

Jon Pahl (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers (December 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160608397X
• ISBN-13: 978-1606083970
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,279,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jon Pahl is Professor of the History of Christianity in North America and Director of MA Programs for The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and has been Visiting Professor at Temple University and Princeton University. Dr. Pahl received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School, where he studied with noted historian Martin E. Marty. Jon is the author or editor of seven books, and has spoken to audiences from Ankara, Turkey to Anaheim, California. He was also featured in a documentary film, Malls R Us, which had its world premiere at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Jon lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three children near Swarthmore, PA, where he enjoys sports, gardening, and playing the saxophone with his jazz and rhythm and blues band, "The Groove Daemons."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on space and meaning, July 29, 2005

By 

Congregational Leader (Midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces: Putting God in Place (Paperback)

The author takes the reader on a tour of the Mall of America, Disney World, and the suburban home and shows how each of these places communicate a whole world of desire. Of course, these places provide fun, entertainment, and comfort. Yet, these places also provide a different kind of world than say, the world depicted in the most grace filled texts of grace. So how do we reconcile what these very worldly places communicate and a faith filled, theological understanding of the Kingdom of God? This book is rare in that it is deeply theological and at the same time highly accessible and personal. Pahl does serious research but it is based on lived experience (you go with his family to the Mall of America). Ever wonder why malls make you "want to buy" or give you a headache or make you think really hard as to where you parked your car? Or how about this, how is the desire the Kingdom of Disney provokes different, strategically different, than the Kingdom of God? Read the book. Perfect for your own reading, or study it as part of a book club, or get your adult education church group to take a look. You'll learn.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent commentary on modern day US priorities, September 28, 2010

By 

Sam Miller "Sam" (NJ) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces: Putting God in Place (Paperback)

This book is well written and gives a great deal of insight into all of our lives here in the US. Pahl tells personal stories mixed with easily read theology and observations. Anyone who is addicted to a green lawn, shopping, or Disney would do well to read this and balance their point of view.

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful and painfully honest piece., August 16, 2011

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BAH - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces: Putting God in Place (Paperback)

In "Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Places," Jon Pahl considers the idols of American society and the temples where they are worshiped. Through personal experience and theological consideration, Pahl shows how dangerous and lackluster these idols are when compared to the real deal, the natural glory of God woven throughout creation. If life seems mediocre and you are up for a challenge, Pahl will open your eyes and your senses to the shrines found in every day life. His writing is very readable. His ideas are provocative. This book angered me, challenged me, and offered me grace.