Author: James B. Twitchell
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9780743292870
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
Not so long ago religion was a personal matter that was seldom discussed in public. No longer. Today religion is everywhere, from books to movies to television to the internet-to say nothing about politics. Now religion is marketed and advertised like any other product or service. How did this happen? And what does it mean for religion and for our culture? Just as we shop for goods and services, we shop for church. A couple of generations ago Americans remained in the faith they were born into. Today, many Americans change their denomination or religion, sometimes several times. Churches that know how to appeal to those shopping for God are thriving. Think megachurches. Churches that don't know how to do this or don't bother are fading away. Think mainline Protestant churches. Religion is now celebrated and shown off like a fashion accessory. We can wear our religious affiliation like a designer logo. But, says James Twitchell, this isn't because Americans are undergoing another Great Awakening; rather, it's a sign that religion providers-that is, churches-have learned how to market themselves. There is more competition among churches than ever in our history. Filling the pew is an exercise in salesmanship, and as with any marketing campaign, it requires establishing a brand identity. Successful pastors ("pastorpreneurs," Twitchell calls them) know how to speak the language of Madison Avenue as well as the language of the Bible. In this witty, engaging book, Twitchell describes his own experiences trying out different churches to discover who knows how to "do church" well. He takes readers into the land of karaoke Christianity, where old-style contemplative sedate religion has been transformed into a public, interactive event with giant-screen televisions, generic iconography (when there is any at all), and ample parking. Rarely has America's religious culture been examined so perceptively and so entertainingly. Shopping for God does for religion what Fast Food Nation has done for food.
Shopping for God
Author: James B. Twitchell
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9780743292870
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
Not so long ago religion was a personal matter that was seldom discussed in public. No longer. Today religion is everywhere, from books to movies to television to the internet-to say nothing about politics. Now religion is marketed and advertised like any other product or service. How did this happen? And what does it mean for religion and for our culture? Just as we shop for goods and services, we shop for church. A couple of generations ago Americans remained in the faith they were born into. Today, many Americans change their denomination or religion, sometimes several times. Churches that know how to appeal to those shopping for God are thriving. Think megachurches. Churches that don't know how to do this or don't bother are fading away. Think mainline Protestant churches. Religion is now celebrated and shown off like a fashion accessory. We can wear our religious affiliation like a designer logo. But, says James Twitchell, this isn't because Americans are undergoing another Great Awakening; rather, it's a sign that religion providers-that is, churches-have learned how to market themselves. There is more competition among churches than ever in our history. Filling the pew is an exercise in salesmanship, and as with any marketing campaign, it requires establishing a brand identity. Successful pastors ("pastorpreneurs," Twitchell calls them) know how to speak the language of Madison Avenue as well as the language of the Bible. In this witty, engaging book, Twitchell describes his own experiences trying out different churches to discover who knows how to "do church" well. He takes readers into the land of karaoke Christianity, where old-style contemplative sedate religion has been transformed into a public, interactive event with giant-screen televisions, generic iconography (when there is any at all), and ample parking. Rarely has America's religious culture been examined so perceptively and so entertainingly. Shopping for God does for religion what Fast Food Nation has done for food.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9780743292870
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
Not so long ago religion was a personal matter that was seldom discussed in public. No longer. Today religion is everywhere, from books to movies to television to the internet-to say nothing about politics. Now religion is marketed and advertised like any other product or service. How did this happen? And what does it mean for religion and for our culture? Just as we shop for goods and services, we shop for church. A couple of generations ago Americans remained in the faith they were born into. Today, many Americans change their denomination or religion, sometimes several times. Churches that know how to appeal to those shopping for God are thriving. Think megachurches. Churches that don't know how to do this or don't bother are fading away. Think mainline Protestant churches. Religion is now celebrated and shown off like a fashion accessory. We can wear our religious affiliation like a designer logo. But, says James Twitchell, this isn't because Americans are undergoing another Great Awakening; rather, it's a sign that religion providers-that is, churches-have learned how to market themselves. There is more competition among churches than ever in our history. Filling the pew is an exercise in salesmanship, and as with any marketing campaign, it requires establishing a brand identity. Successful pastors ("pastorpreneurs," Twitchell calls them) know how to speak the language of Madison Avenue as well as the language of the Bible. In this witty, engaging book, Twitchell describes his own experiences trying out different churches to discover who knows how to "do church" well. He takes readers into the land of karaoke Christianity, where old-style contemplative sedate religion has been transformed into a public, interactive event with giant-screen televisions, generic iconography (when there is any at all), and ample parking. Rarely has America's religious culture been examined so perceptively and so entertainingly. Shopping for God does for religion what Fast Food Nation has done for food.
Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces
Author: Jon Pahl
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 160608397X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Christian historian Sidney Mead has observed: In America space has played the part that time has played in older cultures of the world. In Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces, Jon Pahl examines this provocative statement in conversation with what he calls the spatial character of American theology. He argues that places are always imaginatively constructed by the human beings who inhabit them. Sometimes this spatial theology works to our benefit; other times it poses spiritual risks. What happens when our banal clothing of the sacred violates our genuine need for comfort and intimacy? Or when we remember that the fleeting pleasures of a shopping trip or a Disneyland escape are designed to fill someone else's pocket rather than the spiritual emptiness in our own hearts? Pahl develops several ways to clothe the divine from within the Christian tradition. He introduces a theology of place that reveals aspects of God's character through biblical metaphors drawn from physical spaces, such as the true vine, the rock, and the living water. Accessible and thought provoking, this enlightening book provides a better grasp of our particularly American way of lending religious significance to spaces of all kinds.
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 160608397X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Christian historian Sidney Mead has observed: In America space has played the part that time has played in older cultures of the world. In Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces, Jon Pahl examines this provocative statement in conversation with what he calls the spatial character of American theology. He argues that places are always imaginatively constructed by the human beings who inhabit them. Sometimes this spatial theology works to our benefit; other times it poses spiritual risks. What happens when our banal clothing of the sacred violates our genuine need for comfort and intimacy? Or when we remember that the fleeting pleasures of a shopping trip or a Disneyland escape are designed to fill someone else's pocket rather than the spiritual emptiness in our own hearts? Pahl develops several ways to clothe the divine from within the Christian tradition. He introduces a theology of place that reveals aspects of God's character through biblical metaphors drawn from physical spaces, such as the true vine, the rock, and the living water. Accessible and thought provoking, this enlightening book provides a better grasp of our particularly American way of lending religious significance to spaces of all kinds.
What If God Wrote Your Shopping List?
Author: Jay Payleitner
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 0736977287
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
How Do You Spend Your Time and Money? Do you think there’s no connection between your choices as a consumer and your priorities in life? Think again. The everyday items you buy—or choose not to buy—say A LOT about who you are as a person and what’s important to you. Consider bestselling author Jay Payleitner’s creative ideas for purposeful purchases, such as… A shower curtain of the earth to remind you of God’s love for the world Comfort food that evokes memories and connects generations The ubiquitous smartphone and whether you need the latest and greatest model Encounter these and 49 other finds on your way to realizing your shopping list from God isn’t about acquiring more material goods, but about living a good life filled with faith and wisdom.
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 0736977287
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
How Do You Spend Your Time and Money? Do you think there’s no connection between your choices as a consumer and your priorities in life? Think again. The everyday items you buy—or choose not to buy—say A LOT about who you are as a person and what’s important to you. Consider bestselling author Jay Payleitner’s creative ideas for purposeful purchases, such as… A shower curtain of the earth to remind you of God’s love for the world Comfort food that evokes memories and connects generations The ubiquitous smartphone and whether you need the latest and greatest model Encounter these and 49 other finds on your way to realizing your shopping list from God isn’t about acquiring more material goods, but about living a good life filled with faith and wisdom.
Shopping for God
Author: James B. Twitchell
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1416545727
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 337
Book Description
Not so long ago religion was a personal matter that was seldom discussed in public. No longer. Today religion is everywhere, from books to movies to television to the internet-to say nothing about politics. Now religion is marketed and advertised like any other product or service. How did this happen? And what does it mean for religion and for our culture? Just as we shop for goods and services, we shop for church. A couple of generations ago Americans remained in the faith they were born into. Today, many Americans change their denomination or religion, sometimes several times. Churches that know how to appeal to those shopping for God are thriving. Think megachurches. Churches that don't know how to do this or don't bother are fading away. Think mainline Protestant churches. Religion is now celebrated and shown off like a fashion accessory. We can wear our religious affiliation like a designer logo. But, says James Twitchell, this isn't because Americans are undergoing another Great Awakening; rather, it's a sign that religion providers-that is, churches-have learned how to market themselves. There is more competition among churches than ever in our history. Filling the pew is an exercise in salesmanship, and as with any marketing campaign, it requires establishing a brand identity. Successful pastors ("pastorpreneurs," Twitchell calls them) know how to speak the language of Madison Avenue as well as the language of the Bible. In this witty, engaging book, Twitchell describes his own experiences trying out different churches to discover who knows how to "do church" well. He takes readers into the land of karaoke Christianity, where old-style contemplative sedate religion has been transformed into a public, interactive event with giant-screen televisions, generic iconography (when there is any at all), and ample parking. Rarely has America's religious culture been examined so perceptively and so entertainingly. Shopping for God does for religion what Fast Food Nation has done for food.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1416545727
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 337
Book Description
Not so long ago religion was a personal matter that was seldom discussed in public. No longer. Today religion is everywhere, from books to movies to television to the internet-to say nothing about politics. Now religion is marketed and advertised like any other product or service. How did this happen? And what does it mean for religion and for our culture? Just as we shop for goods and services, we shop for church. A couple of generations ago Americans remained in the faith they were born into. Today, many Americans change their denomination or religion, sometimes several times. Churches that know how to appeal to those shopping for God are thriving. Think megachurches. Churches that don't know how to do this or don't bother are fading away. Think mainline Protestant churches. Religion is now celebrated and shown off like a fashion accessory. We can wear our religious affiliation like a designer logo. But, says James Twitchell, this isn't because Americans are undergoing another Great Awakening; rather, it's a sign that religion providers-that is, churches-have learned how to market themselves. There is more competition among churches than ever in our history. Filling the pew is an exercise in salesmanship, and as with any marketing campaign, it requires establishing a brand identity. Successful pastors ("pastorpreneurs," Twitchell calls them) know how to speak the language of Madison Avenue as well as the language of the Bible. In this witty, engaging book, Twitchell describes his own experiences trying out different churches to discover who knows how to "do church" well. He takes readers into the land of karaoke Christianity, where old-style contemplative sedate religion has been transformed into a public, interactive event with giant-screen televisions, generic iconography (when there is any at all), and ample parking. Rarely has America's religious culture been examined so perceptively and so entertainingly. Shopping for God does for religion what Fast Food Nation has done for food.
Chosen by God
Author: R. C. Sproul
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 1414361149
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 196
Book Description
Nearly 200,000 copies sold! Chosen by God by Dr. R. C. Sproul is a contemporary classic on predestination, a doctrine that isn’t just for Calvinists. It is a doctrine for all biblical Christians. In this updated and expanded edition of Chosen by God, Sproul shows that the doctrine of predestination doesn’t create a whimsical or spiteful picture of God, but rather paints a portrait of a loving God who provides redemption for radically corrupt humans. We choose God because he has opened our eyes to see his beauty; we love him because he first loved us. There is mystery in God’s ways, but not contradiction.
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 1414361149
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 196
Book Description
Nearly 200,000 copies sold! Chosen by God by Dr. R. C. Sproul is a contemporary classic on predestination, a doctrine that isn’t just for Calvinists. It is a doctrine for all biblical Christians. In this updated and expanded edition of Chosen by God, Sproul shows that the doctrine of predestination doesn’t create a whimsical or spiteful picture of God, but rather paints a portrait of a loving God who provides redemption for radically corrupt humans. We choose God because he has opened our eyes to see his beauty; we love him because he first loved us. There is mystery in God’s ways, but not contradiction.
Believing God
Author: Beth Moore
Publisher: Lifeway Church Resources
ISBN: 9780633096656
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Includes one member book, one leader guide, and 6 DVD's.
Publisher: Lifeway Church Resources
ISBN: 9780633096656
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Includes one member book, one leader guide, and 6 DVD's.
Pleasing God
Author: R. C. Sproul
Publisher: David C Cook
ISBN: 0781408539
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Dr. R.C. Sproul is one of the most vital and renowned theologians of our time. For over 40 years Dr. Sproul has encouraged, educated, and enlightened millions through his books, teaching, and ministry. How can imperfect people hope to please a perfect God? The answer is both simple and challenging: sanctification. Pleasing God takes an in-depth look at sanctification and its essential role in the life of every believer. Filled with Biblical insights, this release guides both new and seasoned Christians through God’s path for transforming His people.
Publisher: David C Cook
ISBN: 0781408539
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Dr. R.C. Sproul is one of the most vital and renowned theologians of our time. For over 40 years Dr. Sproul has encouraged, educated, and enlightened millions through his books, teaching, and ministry. How can imperfect people hope to please a perfect God? The answer is both simple and challenging: sanctification. Pleasing God takes an in-depth look at sanctification and its essential role in the life of every believer. Filled with Biblical insights, this release guides both new and seasoned Christians through God’s path for transforming His people.
God Conversations
Author: Tania Harris
Publisher: Authentic
ISBN: 9781780781884
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
How do I know it's God? is one of the most commonly asked questions of new and mature Christians alike, and the aim of God Conversations is to both equip and inspire the reader and show them that hearing the voice of the Spirit is accessible to everyone who chooses to follow Jesus. Most Christians know that God speaks, yet struggle with how to recognise his voice in their everyday lives. What does God's voice sound like? How do we know if what we're hearing is from God? Stories of God talking to his people abound throughout the Bible, but we usually only get the highlights. We read; "And God said to Joseph; 'Go to Egypt'," and then; "Mary and Joseph left for Egypt." We don't get a blow-by-blow description of how God spoke. We don't receive a detailed explanation of how they knew it was God, and we don't get to see what was going on inside their heads as they acted on what they'd heard. In God Conversations, international speaker and pastor Tania Harris shares insights from her own journey about hearing God's voice. You'll get to eavesdrop on some contemporary conversations with God in the light of his communication with the ancient characters of the Bible. Part memoir, part teaching, this unique and creative collection of stories will help you to recognise God's voice when he speaks and how to respond when you do.
Publisher: Authentic
ISBN: 9781780781884
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222
Book Description
How do I know it's God? is one of the most commonly asked questions of new and mature Christians alike, and the aim of God Conversations is to both equip and inspire the reader and show them that hearing the voice of the Spirit is accessible to everyone who chooses to follow Jesus. Most Christians know that God speaks, yet struggle with how to recognise his voice in their everyday lives. What does God's voice sound like? How do we know if what we're hearing is from God? Stories of God talking to his people abound throughout the Bible, but we usually only get the highlights. We read; "And God said to Joseph; 'Go to Egypt'," and then; "Mary and Joseph left for Egypt." We don't get a blow-by-blow description of how God spoke. We don't receive a detailed explanation of how they knew it was God, and we don't get to see what was going on inside their heads as they acted on what they'd heard. In God Conversations, international speaker and pastor Tania Harris shares insights from her own journey about hearing God's voice. You'll get to eavesdrop on some contemporary conversations with God in the light of his communication with the ancient characters of the Bible. Part memoir, part teaching, this unique and creative collection of stories will help you to recognise God's voice when he speaks and how to respond when you do.
The Mala of God
Author: Mooji
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1684030579
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
The Mala of God is a unique spiritual gift, an expression of the surrendered heart filled with prayer, devotion, and gratitude, yet imbued with the unsparing wisdom and power of non-dual self-inquiry. With profound simplicity, Advaita zen master Mooji unveils the intimate, mystical ways of the praying heart, and provides insight for those yearning to discover their true nature. Many of us seek inner peace and happiness, lasting self-realization and awakening, or a felt blissful oneness beyond the mere concept of unity. In our search for truth and enlightenment, we may find ourselves drawn deeply into sincere introspection or with a deep affinity for prayer as a means of self-discovery and communion with the Supreme. Using language familiar to many spiritual traditions, including Christianity and Sufism, this book bridges the seeming divide between devotion and non-dual self-inquiry. This beautiful collection can be read start to finish or opened to any page for insight into the moment—perfect for both the spiritual seeker with an interest in non-duality or one who is drawn to devotion and the power of prayer. Including over 100 powerful prayers and blessings, complemented by Mooji’s drawings and handwritten sayings throughout, The Mala of God provides wisdom and inspiration that sets your heart free.
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
ISBN: 1684030579
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
The Mala of God is a unique spiritual gift, an expression of the surrendered heart filled with prayer, devotion, and gratitude, yet imbued with the unsparing wisdom and power of non-dual self-inquiry. With profound simplicity, Advaita zen master Mooji unveils the intimate, mystical ways of the praying heart, and provides insight for those yearning to discover their true nature. Many of us seek inner peace and happiness, lasting self-realization and awakening, or a felt blissful oneness beyond the mere concept of unity. In our search for truth and enlightenment, we may find ourselves drawn deeply into sincere introspection or with a deep affinity for prayer as a means of self-discovery and communion with the Supreme. Using language familiar to many spiritual traditions, including Christianity and Sufism, this book bridges the seeming divide between devotion and non-dual self-inquiry. This beautiful collection can be read start to finish or opened to any page for insight into the moment—perfect for both the spiritual seeker with an interest in non-duality or one who is drawn to devotion and the power of prayer. Including over 100 powerful prayers and blessings, complemented by Mooji’s drawings and handwritten sayings throughout, The Mala of God provides wisdom and inspiration that sets your heart free.
God Hears Her
Author:
Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing
ISBN: 1627077553
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
Take comfort in knowing that God hears you. The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel tells of one woman’s personal heartache and trust in the One who could fulfill her desires. She poured her heart out to God, and He heard her. The Our Daily Bread devotions selected for this collection reassure you that God is with you, God is for you, and God hears you. The personal stories and Scripture passages lift you up and remind you that God is bigger than the trials you face.
Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing
ISBN: 1627077553
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
Take comfort in knowing that God hears you. The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel tells of one woman’s personal heartache and trust in the One who could fulfill her desires. She poured her heart out to God, and He heard her. The Our Daily Bread devotions selected for this collection reassure you that God is with you, God is for you, and God hears you. The personal stories and Scripture passages lift you up and remind you that God is bigger than the trials you face.