Old Doxoblogy

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

More Man-Centeredness

I just received an email advertisement from one of the nation’s largest Christian bookstore chains highlighting some new and recommended books that are for sale. Since I don’t want to give away any free advertisement for these books, I will simply give you some of the descriptions that are given for these books, and I would like to see if I am the only one troubled with what I read.

“Drawing simple but powerful truths from the Bible, this book gives you practical guidance for specific types of change, and it links you up with the power to actually make the changes you long to make.”

“In (the name of the book), (the author) insists that we cannot appropriate and enjoy the benefits of God's kingdom until we understand how it operates. As you study such principles as the Kingdom concepts of kings, lord, territory, law, citizens, royal privilege, culture, economy and others, prepare for your thinking about God's kingdom and mankind's destiny to be radically transformed. This book will help you learn to think and act like a Kingdom citizen and the ruler God intended you to be. It will infuse your life as a believer with a new sense of excitement and purpose.

“Drawing on biblical models like David, Esther and Jesus Himself, this book reveals how personal courage, integrity and determination can help you live at your full potential as a person transformed with God-ordained significance.

“(The author) offers concise, practical insights you can understand and apply in order to move past hardships and experience a life of purpose and significance.”

I have saved the best for last:

“This book shows how God responds to us when we live in agreement with Him. There is power in the little word "yes" when it becomes the driving force of our lives in both prayer and action.”

As if God couldn’t be God without your permission!

What about a book about living for the glory of God?
Why aren’t deeply theological books not on the best-sellers list?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

OOO! OOO! Finally a question I can answer! Because we enjoy the pragmatic gospel that is foisted upon us and real theology might cause us to repent. How did I do D.J.?

pilgrim said...

One of the biggest oxymorons ever is "Christian Self-help"
I cringe when I see that.
Publishers even use that label on GOOD books.

This type of thinking leads to the thinking that God can't be God if we don't let Him---which at it's root is very arrogant.

D.J. Cimino said...

Peter, you did better than me since I was the one who had to ask... at least you had an answer! ;)

Daniel said...

I suppose you will be telling us next that there is something wrong with the "Gab it and Grab it" gospel? That God is -not- in fact living solely and only to glorify man above all else, and to do so by prospering men in every selfish whim that comes out of their mouth?

Gasp!