In his excellent introduction the author defines consumerism as an exaggerated and privatised form of materialism. He sees it centred on this present world, holding out material goods and services as a promise of happiness and focusing on the power of personal choice for the consumer. This leads him on to claim that we need to be concerned about its effect on world ecology, on justice and on spirituality. The aim of the book is to show how Christian discipleship can be lived against the background.
In ten chapters he examines post-modernism, the media, 'throw-away identity', freedom, customer service and so on. He has an excellent chapter entitled The Currency of Commitment. He laments the loss of a Christian counter-culture as Christians allow themselves to be diverted by the trivia in their attitude to society. It is so easy to be misled by half-truths, and he notes the element of self-worship even in Christian conferences.
Here is a book of close observation of our culture combined with careful exposition of the Bible. The chapter on commitment is worth the money on its own. It is well-written (apart from some split-infinitives) and well worth owning.
-- Ron Preece, Evangelism
This is a very interesting and topical book. It warns us about the dangers of being drawn into the surrounding culture. It also highlights the fact that, by living differently, we will be giving a powerful witness about God, the true Source of all happiness
-- Direction Magazine
John Benton has written a timely book....One of the most graphic passages in the Book of Revelation is on the end of a consumer society...It is only too easy for churches in the leafy suburbs to ignore the plight of their poorer neighbours. The secular humanists can scorn the faith of a comfortable church, it is harder to scorn the faith of a Mother Teresa.
-- Sir Fred Catherwood
...thoughtful and challenging, and makes good use of relevant Bible passages. An accessible introduction to a subject affecting all of us.
-- Christian Herald
In this short but hard-hitting book John Benton exposes the evils of consumerism, the extreme form of materialism which embraces all of our senses and which exploits the vast range of choices provided for consumers by modern technologies. Whilst emphasising that the material world, as God's good creation, is not evil in itself, Benton shows how the Church at so many points has sold out to the attractions of consumerism, and so has lost much of its spiritual power. Issues covered include Postmodernism, the cult of self, and, in a particularly helpful chapter, the role of the media. As Benton demonstrates, for many Christians choice has replaced commitment to a fully biblical lifestyle. This is not the book for you if you like to be left feeling warm and comfortable by your reading, but it is a book most of us need to read and heed.
-- David McKay, Covenanter Witness (Professor of Systematic Theology, Ethics and Apologetics, Reformed Theological College, Belfast, Northern Ireland)
...excellent book which is very up to date. It really makes you think and hopefully act on what you read.
-- Evangelical Magazine of Wales
