consumerism holds the western church captive

more from The Next Evangelicalism by Soong-Chan Rah

as the society has been infected with affluenza, so materialism and consumerism governs the society of the western church? (p.49)

(p. 51) does it also effect how we view success?... how we design church buildings? (like malls, movie theatres) ... and the design of malls now reflect the search for community p. 52 ... I ask, what's with the role reversal here? ... both, though, are shrines to the gods of materialism

this captivity is also reflected in the 'old' church holding on to its resources to the bitter end, even while it dies; it could, though, be invested in the new face of evangelicalism (p. 54)

consumerism, materialism - they reflect/affect on our shallow spirituality (p. 54) ... we have consumer expectations of church (church shopping) ... (p.55) = entice
with consumerism, retain with consumerism .... question: if it starts with marketing how can it move to a deeper commitment? ... materialism/consumerism is the trap to entice and hold

the focus becomes buildings, bucks, butts, - and this defines success?? By what standards? The culture (to which we are enslaved) not the Bible (p. 56)

the result: creating leadership heroes (of culture or Christ I ask)

the need for liberation of God's people from this slavery was first expressed by the OT prophet Amos. ... excessive wealth and economic injustice indicated spiritual decay ... ironically, they were still polished worshippers (p. 59) much like the western white church that excells in externals

so.... (p. 62) the church of today still needs to have its Temple cleansed