The Divine Commodity

Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity

By: Skye Jethani

Narrated by: Tom Casaletto

"The challenge facing Christianity today is not a lack of motivation or resources, but a failure of imagination.A growing number of people are disturbed by the values exhibited by the contemporary church. Worship has become entertainment, the church has become a shopping mall, and God has become a consumable product. Many sense that something is wrong, but they cannot imagine an alternative way. The Divine Commodity finally articulates what so many have been feeling and offers hope for the future of a post-consumer Christianity.Through Scripture, history, engaging narrative, and the inspiring art of Vincent van Gogh, The Divine Commodity explores spiritual practices that liberate our imaginations to live as Christ's people in a consumer culture opposed to the values of his kingdom. Each chapter shows how our formation as consumers has distorted an element of our faith. For example, the way churches have become corporations and how branding makes us more focused on image than reality. It then energizes an alternative vision for those seeking a more meaningful faith. Before we can hope to live differently, we must have our minds released from consumerism's grip and captivated once again by Christ."

What Every Christian in America needs to know...about him/herself

I had read Jethani's "With" and loved it- I had started reading "Futureville,"his latest--why has it taken me so long to read his first book?! I also have purchased the paperback so I can actually use it, along with the Bible to grow out of my consumer worldview. A must-read!

Something of Substance Throughout

Jethani seems to me to be an excellent thinker and writer and many of his observations and thoughts seem very Holy Spirit led. So often, when reading a non-fiction book, one reads the first 3 or 4 chapters and it seems that the rest of the book is devoted to a basic repetition of the same thoughts given in those first few chapters. Not true here. There is something to chew on in the beginning, middle, and to the very end. This is an important critique that we should all take to heart. Jethani widely counsels us to look first to how consumerism has twisted our own view of God and the church.

Thought Provoking

The Divine Commodity is made me question what is being served up as faith in most US churches. As a skeptic that is reconsidering and exploring my Christian faith, I found The Divine Commodity insightful, inspirational and thought provoking. I thought the narration was well done, but after hearing the author Skye Jethani in podcasts, I would prefer that Skye narrates the books he authors.

Outstanding Reading!

Would you listen to The Divine Commodity again? Why?

I would read it again, I actually like it so much that I listen to every chapter twice!

What other book might you compare The Divine Commodity to and why?

I wouldn't compare with another book cause I have never a really good book about this subject before so for me this book is unique and a exceptional work.

What does Tom Casaletto bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Tom has a calm and comforting voice that really helps me focus and relax while I listen to the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Vincent Van Gogh love for people and true commitment to the mission of preaching the Gospel with genuine love.

Any additional comments?

Read this book, you might enjoy the stars or a sunset more than you used to do before.

Good topic

I'm not sure why sky didn't narrate this himself. If you like this listen to him on the Phil Vischer podcasts.