Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear

By Scott Bader-Saye

Through politics, marketing, news programming, and popular culture we are taught to fear, often in ways that profit others. But what does all this fear do to our moral lives as it forms (or deforms)... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1587431920
• ISBN13: 9781587431920
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Brazos Press
• Length: 169 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Forget the fear

This is an excellent treatment of how governments, candidates, companies can use fear of things that are very unlikely to occur to further their purposes. Bader-Sayes treatise shows how to evaluate fear and put it in its proper place in the scheme of the Christian Life. Highly recommend this book to persons who fall prey to this fear mongering.

A Vitally Important Book

In this short but spot-on book, Scott Bader-Saye examines modern and postmodern culture and the prevalence of fear based thinking and media content within it as well as the effect this thread of our cultural fabric (which has become significantly more dominant in the years following the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks) has on Christian morals, ethics and, most importantly, practice. By examining our culture's present emphasis in all areas of life on "safety" as being the most important thing we can all agree on (in a sense, our culture's present metanarrative) Bader-Saye discusses three cultural practices that have arisen due ot this emphasis: suspicion, preemption and accumulation. Following this introduction is what I feel to be the true heart of the book; chapters on what fear is and why it is a natural and healthy response to threat, how fear can be dealt with in an intelligent and Christian manner, the importance of community in dealing with fear and having courage and, finally, a powerful discussion of a meaningful view of the idea of Providence in the context of God's narrative story for humanity. These chapters draw heavily from the writings of the ancient, premodern church. Most important among these are works by Aquinas and Augustine. Lest these references become to ponderous for or distanced from the reader, Bader-Saye also weaves into his discussion numerous examines from today's life including U2, "Security Moms" as a politcal force. the Taize movement and the Star Wars story arc. From these considerations flow discussions on Christian practice in three broad areas: hospitality, peacemaking and generosity. In each practice the abuse of the idea of Providence to justify behavior that is unchristian in ethic is discussed followed by a more Biblical view. Specific examples of proper practice are discussed and contrasted with cases where fear based solutions where shown to be inadequate. If there is to be any disagreement with the subject matter of the book, I expect it would be in these areas as they are often critical present practice by those in positions of power in our culture. I decided to read this book in preparation for a Bible study I will be leading in the Fall for a group of college age students focusing on the truly revolutionary nature of Christianity a compared to many of the so-called revolutions modern culture has produced. I found this book to be extremely relevant in terms of preparing for the study as well as in thinking about my own role in a culture of fear. I highly recommend this book to anyone wrestling with or trying to live out Christ's radical and revolutionary message in a world where fear and its derivatives seem to be the dominant theme in public discourse and decision making.

Timely

This is a very timely book and well done. The one thing I think could be added in is how much the God speaks to us in the Bible, and I believe today, about not being afraid. HE is constantly saying, "Don't be afraid."

A radical book on an urgent and global topic

This is a "must read" book. Radical, profound, and very well written. I don't suppose that Jesus coddled the disciples much or promised that there was not hard work ahead. Bader-Saye certainly doesn't leave readers to think this is an easy or comfortable topic, but does convince you that it's one worth exploring in today's world. Never before have I read a book that so clearly lays out the idea of "you reap what you sow". If you are able to get your head around the challenges Bader-Saye puts forth I believe you are part of the solution in this broken world we live in. If you think he's somehow got it wrong (that hospitality and community are NOT important, that peacemaking and generosity are NOT risks worth taking today) then I will pray for you (and those around you) as you try to navigate this complex world. I guess time will tell if this book (and Bader-Saye's theological perspective and challenge) is embraced or disparaged. I hope for all our sakes it's the former not the latter. I strongly suggest reading it with a group of friends, it definitely adds a whole other dimension to the book and to the ongoing discussion it creates.

Fear Not

In many ways the Church reflects the culture wherein it resides. For example, much of what passes for Evangelical Christianity in the United States today, is often a reflection of conservative political leanings and not a true following of Jesus. Nowhere is this enculturation more evident than in the way the Church has become ensnared by the culture of fear foisted upon us by the media and politicians. Scott Bader-Saye explains how fear has so gripped the Church that we no longer feel safe practicing three important virtures; hospitality, peacemaking and generosity. He shows how trusting in providence (defined correctly as God's provision and redemption - that which ultimately gives our lives meaning and purpose) and being in a community where we can speak honestly about our fears, we can become the witness to God's love and care that we are intended to be. I know of no book more relevant for the life of the Church today.