Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, 'Buying God' explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action. Drawing on the Church's rich traditions of Social Liturgy, 'Buying God' calls on the Christian community to renew its confidence and strength in proclaiming this good news. Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, the book explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action.

Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, 'Buying God' explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action.

Eve Poole

Buying God

Preface

Introduction

PART ONE: How to do Theology

Types of Theology

Worldview Theology

Etiquette Theology

Good Theology

PART TWO: God and Consumerism

What in the World is Consumerism?

What does God Think About It?

What Should We do About It?

The Consumption Audit

Conclusion

Resources

1 The Consumer's Prayer

2 A Month of Virtue

3 Consumption Audit

4 Useful Websites

5 The Bible on Money

6 Six-Week Reflection Course

References and Further Reading

Index

Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, 'Buying God' explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action. Drawing on the Church’s rich traditions of Social Liturgy, 'Buying God' calls on the Christian community to renew its confidence and strength in proclaiming this good news. Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, the book explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action.

\- Eve Poole is a popular academic writer, thinker, and activist, and a regular speaker at Greenbelt and elsewhere - Comes at a time when appetite for deeper theological thinking on money and consumerism is on the increase. - Written with Eve Poole's trademark wit and lightness of touch, but nonetheless drawing on her acute deep understanding of both theology and the world of capitalism

Christians are deeply concerned about consumerism, but lack the tools to be able to engage robustly in the debate about its future. Economists obfuscate, politicians polarise, and church leaders bluff. While desire to consume is a fundamentally human trait, consumerism offers only illusory satisfaction. Yet Christianity happens to be unusually well-equipped to lead the fight against Mammon's most alluring secular narratives. Consumerism is human action, so it can as easily be redemptive as it can be parasitical. We just need to consume for God instead. Drawing on the Church's rich traditions of Social Liturgy, 'Buying God' calls on the Christian community to renew its confidence and strength in proclaiming this good news. Uniting theoretical work on theology, capitalism and consumerism with a scheme of detailed practical action, the book explores how we can wean ourselves off the material and on to the eternal, through prayer, example, and vibrant social action.

"Dr Poole's work is a magnificent contribution to the church. Written by a gifted theologian and practitioner, this book is for all those wishing to gain both a richer theological understanding of capitalism and modern consumerism, and practical insights on how we can simplify our lives. This is vital work, not only for our own spiritual benefit, but also for the good of society and for the wellbeing of our planet."

"This is a wonderful book. It is very accessible, theologically sophisticated, and rooted in a deep knowledge of commerce, management and consumerism, in which Eve Poole is an expert. I know of no better book for guiding Christians in the day to day world of consumerism. Inspiring, compelling and very easy to read, it deserves a wide readership."

"Knowledgeable and accessible, as adept at exploring economics as at delineating theological method, Buying God offers a steady hand through the demands of global capitalism and the seductions of human desire. Eve Poole offers an example of how theology is always politics, and always devotional – and, at its best, both at the same time."

'This learned and thought provoking book might be the only you you ever need on the subject. It manages to combine a whistle stop tour through theology's big dogs with a helpful primer on capitalism and some deeply practical questions to provoke action. It's rare that a book this readable and amusing covers so much intellectual ground.'

'This book is thought provoking, giving the reader the opportunity to reflect seriously from a theological perspective about their own consumerism and the wider implications of consumerism within the global economy.'

Preface Introduction Part 1 How to do the Theology 1. Types of Theology 2. Worldview Theology 3. Etiquette Theology 4. Good Theology Part 2 God and Consumerism 5. What in the World is Consumerism? 6. What does God Think About It? 7. What Should We do About It? 8. The Consumption Audit Conclusion Resources 1. The Consumer's Prayer 2. A Month of Virtue 3. Consumption Audit 4. Useful Websites 5. The Bible on Money 6. Six Week Reflection Course References and Further Reading Index

\["Want a thoughtful, nonjudgmental look at consumerism?","Buying God gives Christians the understanding to approach the economy","You'll see clearly the divergence between faith and consumerism"\]

Exploring global capitalism and consumerism through the lens of faith, this in-depth book helps Christians speak into the economic forces of the 21st century.

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Buying God

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