An Informal Review of Skye Jethani’s The Divine Commodity: Part 2

Rising Voice Staff

by Jenny Abel

Part 2 of 2: Do Today’s Churches Fall Prey to “Consumer Christianity”?

In part 1 of this post, we began discussing Skye Jethani’s book The Divine Commodity and its challenge to live authentic Christian lives in the face of a prevalent “consumer Christian” mindset that tempts us toward focusing solely on external experiences and religious conformity.

If “consumer Christianity” has invaded individual mindsets, has it also invaded churches? Jethani addresses this question extensively. Author/economist James Gilmore, quoted at length, contends: “The organized church should never try to stage a God experience. … To the extent that it [does], it will lose its effectiveness.” Read More »

An Informal Review of Skye Jethani’s The Divine Commodity

Rising Voice Staff

Part 1 of 2: Are You a Consumer Christian?

by Jenny Abel

Skye Jethani’s book The Divine Commodity is one of the most stimulating books I’ve read in recent years, perhaps because of its relevance to our generation. The author first traces the history of modern consumerism and advertising, ultimately bringing readers to the current day, which can best be described as the era of brand proliferation (my phrase). Read More »

Another Play-Off Game

Dawn McBane

Today is another day for NFL play-offs and for many of us who live in Colorado, we’re eagerly awaiting Saturday evening’s game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots.  Read More »

Ding, Dong, Merrily on High…

Rising Voice Staff

Regardless of how you celebrate Christmas, one of its most universal aspects is music. We all have our favorites, from the lighter tunes to the more profound melodies, and our least favorites (like crazy renditions of “Here Comes Santa Claus” that grate on your nerves as you shop). The great thing about Christmas music is that it can be a blessing to anyone regardless of life situation, no matter if you’re spending the holiday alone, hurting, missing a loved one, in danger (such as those on military duty abroad), or surrounded by a loving family. Christmas carols offer comfort, reflection, joy, encouragement, a sense of anticipation, and deep Truth.

What are your favorite Christmas songs or musical traditions?

I’ll share one of mine: every year the high school I attended has a tradition of performing an abbreviated version of Handel’s Messiah. I love returning to that performance when I can—and if I can’t (since I no longer live in the same town), I love listening to a recording of the Messiah all the way through. In addition to bringing back personal memories (I sang in the production my senior year), the progression from the prophetic phrases of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, to the birth of Christ, the Passion, the Resurrection, and the hope of His Second Coming, is a great reminder of the full significance of this season.

The Christmas Story of Life

Rising Voice Staff

by Jenny Abel

In the November elections, the issue of life—and when exactly it begins inside a woman—was on the ballot again. Fifty-five percent of Mississippi voters, however, rejected an amendment that would have defined personhood as beginning at the moment of fertilization. If it had passed, the definition would have, in effect, criminalized. Read More »