Customer Reviews

Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces: Putting God in Place

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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.

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.

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.