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Finding God in the Hunger Games
On the back cover of Suzanne Collin's book are these "In the ruins of a place once known as North America . . . ."
One doesn't have to be a prophet to see the frightening vision of what the future holds, not only for North America but for the world. This book is explores the absence of God and the consequences of his absence in our individual lives and in the collective life of the state. And yet, the image of God still resides in us, offering hope.
First, Ken Gire looks back at the first hunger games with the rise of the godless emperor, Nero, and the games he hosted in Rome, where he offered free food and entertainment to the populace. At first the games were gladiatorial contests, then the slaughter of Christians became the entertainment of the day. Part Two examines the present hunger games and how they speak to the gnawing hunger within us, both individually and collectively. It shows how that hunger has expressed itself in our culture with the rise of a vicious competitive spirit that pervades politics, entertainment, and business. Part Three of the book looks ahead to future hunger games. This glimpse into the future is based on Jesus' Olivet Discourse and his view of how society will deteriorate to a form of barbarism and totalitarianism in the end times.
The book ends with a call to be alert to what is taking place in the world and to stand resolute against the forces that appeal to our baser instincts, looking forward to the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
One doesn't have to be a prophet to see the frightening vision of what the future holds, not only for North America but for the world. This book is explores the absence of God and the consequences of his absence in our individual lives and in the collective life of the state. And yet, the image of God still resides in us, offering hope.
First, Ken Gire looks back at the first hunger games with the rise of the godless emperor, Nero, and the games he hosted in Rome, where he offered free food and entertainment to the populace. At first the games were gladiatorial contests, then the slaughter of Christians became the entertainment of the day. Part Two examines the present hunger games and how they speak to the gnawing hunger within us, both individually and collectively. It shows how that hunger has expressed itself in our culture with the rise of a vicious competitive spirit that pervades politics, entertainment, and business. Part Three of the book looks ahead to future hunger games. This glimpse into the future is based on Jesus' Olivet Discourse and his view of how society will deteriorate to a form of barbarism and totalitarianism in the end times.
The book ends with a call to be alert to what is taking place in the world and to stand resolute against the forces that appeal to our baser instincts, looking forward to the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
- GenresReligion
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Ken Gire
83 books50 followersKen Gire is the author of more than 20 books, including "The Divine Embrace," "Windows of the Soul," "The Work of His Hands," the Moments with the Savior series, and the Reflective Life series. He has also co-authored "The Birthright" with John Sheasby. Two of his books have been awarded a Gold Medallion. A full-time writer and speaker, Ken is the founder of Reflective Living, a nonprofit ministry devoted to helping people learn how to slow down and live more reflective lives so they can experience life more deeply, especially life with God and other people. Ken is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has four children and three grandchildren and lives near the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Monument, Colorado.
As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.
As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 18, 2015
A friend of mine gave me this book as a gift, knowing how huge a fan of The Hunger Games I am and how much I love my faith, so I was really excited to read a book about the connection between the two. Unfortunately, I found this book to be a disappointment.
First of all, any serious fan of The Hunger Games will base all their ideas about it on the books; the author did not base his analysis on the books, nor had he read them prior to writing his own. (I sincerely hope he has read the trilogy by now.) Instead he based his analysis on the movie. Now anyone will tell you, 99 times out of 100 the book is better than the film; so why, Ken Gire, would you NOT base your essay on the books?! I am sorry, sir, but your analysis was sorely lacking because your knowledge of The Hunger Games is sorely lacking. The books give you SO much more of the Christian connection than the movie does. Your essay could have been SO much better if you had based it on the books instead!
What's worse, after spending 1/4 or maybe even 1/3 of the essay explaining the plot (hello, we know!), Gire wastes more time starting down certain theories of how THG 'could' have a Christian connection...but never finishes developing the thought and decides it is not a strong enough connection to discuss. When he finally gets there, he explains his points very weakly.
It is very unfortunate that something for which I had such high hopes was so disappointing. I actually discovered this article today that, in one short post, covers more ground more thoroughly, deeply, and eloquently than Gire's entire book: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-c... . Try Clawson's analysis instead, Tributes.
First of all, any serious fan of The Hunger Games will base all their ideas about it on the books; the author did not base his analysis on the books, nor had he read them prior to writing his own. (I sincerely hope he has read the trilogy by now.) Instead he based his analysis on the movie. Now anyone will tell you, 99 times out of 100 the book is better than the film; so why, Ken Gire, would you NOT base your essay on the books?! I am sorry, sir, but your analysis was sorely lacking because your knowledge of The Hunger Games is sorely lacking. The books give you SO much more of the Christian connection than the movie does. Your essay could have been SO much better if you had based it on the books instead!
What's worse, after spending 1/4 or maybe even 1/3 of the essay explaining the plot (hello, we know!), Gire wastes more time starting down certain theories of how THG 'could' have a Christian connection...but never finishes developing the thought and decides it is not a strong enough connection to discuss. When he finally gets there, he explains his points very weakly.
It is very unfortunate that something for which I had such high hopes was so disappointing. I actually discovered this article today that, in one short post, covers more ground more thoroughly, deeply, and eloquently than Gire's entire book: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-c... . Try Clawson's analysis instead, Tributes.
April 19, 2016
Finding God in the Hunger Games is an analysis of the popular series from a Christian perspective. The author looks into the themes of The Hunger Games and Suzanne Collins' inspiration for the series. Overall, I thought it was interesting, but I was surprised to see that the author used the movie of The Hunger Games , not the book, as his source material. While he did ultimately reach the same conclusion I did on this topic after reading The Hunger Games , there were also parts where I felt that the author was sort of "grasping at straws" to find spiritual take-aways. All in all though, a thought-provoking analysis.
November 3, 2012
I had the privilege of listening to this book as part of ChristianAudio.com's reviewer program.
I was very sceptical when it came to listening to this book, as I have watched The Hunger Games, and couldn’t find any spiritual parallels, as this is our families habit after watching a movie together – but we had nothing!
It was good then to know that Ken also had trouble initially, until he remembered the book of Esther, where God is not anywhere in that book, but at the same time God is everywhere in that book.
If you are looking for a shadow of Jesus in this book you might have trouble, but if you look for ways that it speaks to the state of our contemporary culture in contrast to the redeemed culture of those who are in Christ – then you will see a lot. I particularly found chapter 5 to be enlightening I this way.
The book is short, and easy to understand, good quality recording and narration.
As movies, DVD’s, online video, and TV shows are modern-day pulpits where the message of the culture of the world are being preached to us and those around us all the time, it is good to be able to show these things to those that we are reaching out to, from the medium that they are enjoying, and can clearly see. This book is a good tool for that purpose. For the Glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
I was very sceptical when it came to listening to this book, as I have watched The Hunger Games, and couldn’t find any spiritual parallels, as this is our families habit after watching a movie together – but we had nothing!
It was good then to know that Ken also had trouble initially, until he remembered the book of Esther, where God is not anywhere in that book, but at the same time God is everywhere in that book.
If you are looking for a shadow of Jesus in this book you might have trouble, but if you look for ways that it speaks to the state of our contemporary culture in contrast to the redeemed culture of those who are in Christ – then you will see a lot. I particularly found chapter 5 to be enlightening I this way.
The book is short, and easy to understand, good quality recording and narration.
As movies, DVD’s, online video, and TV shows are modern-day pulpits where the message of the culture of the world are being preached to us and those around us all the time, it is good to be able to show these things to those that we are reaching out to, from the medium that they are enjoying, and can clearly see. This book is a good tool for that purpose. For the Glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
February 3, 2018
I wish this book followed the book series rather than the film.
September 22, 2019
I didnt watch the movie but I enjoyed this book
The writing was very thought out. Even though I did not watch the movie or read any of the books I was able to follow and understand the point of the book. Powerful message. Certainly sobering in this time we live. Jesus is coming soon. I can feel it in the air as I read this. Ken Gire is one of my favorite authors. Thank you for reminding me to be watchful! I recommend this book!
The writing was very thought out. Even though I did not watch the movie or read any of the books I was able to follow and understand the point of the book. Powerful message. Certainly sobering in this time we live. Jesus is coming soon. I can feel it in the air as I read this. Ken Gire is one of my favorite authors. Thank you for reminding me to be watchful! I recommend this book!
November 27, 2012
My neighbor got this for me because she knows I love THG. She was at a religious conference and bought it at their little book store. I was excited, because I've seen discussions on the religious lessons in the book, and some of those discussions were very good and eye opening.
I didn't really look at The Hunger Games that way at first, since there is no reference to religion or God or lack of, even. But the moral and ethical challenges faced in the story as it progressed through all 3 books really do present great discussions where you can interject religious references. I don't think it was designed that way by Suzanne Collins, but The Hunger Games was so well developed and created strong attachments to the story and characters, that everything seems real and relevant.
But, I was terribly disappointed with the book. I won't say I didn't like it, because it hit upon a few good points. The author wrote it based on the movie, though, and a few references to characters and story were incorrect which drove me crazy (i.e. referring to Cinna at Katniss' AND Peeta's stylist). And I didn't see his parallels very well. He made a lot of reference to women in the Bible and women in the movie, but other than that there wasn't much substance. It seemed more of a platform for people to get sucked into reading about his beliefs by using a popular book to hook people in, when in reality there aren't enough connections to make it a worthwhile read.
I was hoping for more examples along the lines of the tough decision-making each character had to face, the way of "normal" life for the people in the districts versus that of the people in the Capitol. I was expecting some specific examples throughout the book, such as when Katniss faced Cato at the end of the first book and was deciding whether to mercy kill him or not. There are some great things that are here for discussion in relation to religion, even without God being mentioned once in the book.
Don't waste your time with this.
I didn't really look at The Hunger Games that way at first, since there is no reference to religion or God or lack of, even. But the moral and ethical challenges faced in the story as it progressed through all 3 books really do present great discussions where you can interject religious references. I don't think it was designed that way by Suzanne Collins, but The Hunger Games was so well developed and created strong attachments to the story and characters, that everything seems real and relevant.
But, I was terribly disappointed with the book. I won't say I didn't like it, because it hit upon a few good points. The author wrote it based on the movie, though, and a few references to characters and story were incorrect which drove me crazy (i.e. referring to Cinna at Katniss' AND Peeta's stylist). And I didn't see his parallels very well. He made a lot of reference to women in the Bible and women in the movie, but other than that there wasn't much substance. It seemed more of a platform for people to get sucked into reading about his beliefs by using a popular book to hook people in, when in reality there aren't enough connections to make it a worthwhile read.
I was hoping for more examples along the lines of the tough decision-making each character had to face, the way of "normal" life for the people in the districts versus that of the people in the Capitol. I was expecting some specific examples throughout the book, such as when Katniss faced Cato at the end of the first book and was deciding whether to mercy kill him or not. There are some great things that are here for discussion in relation to religion, even without God being mentioned once in the book.
Don't waste your time with this.
January 22, 2013
I suppose I should have watched the movie before I read this book, but I didn't. O well :)
Even without ever seeing the movie, I anticipated this book taking a bit of a different course than it did. The focus was much more on our current cultural degradation and how we might soon be at the place where such "games" are accepted practice. The comparison is drawn between their world and ours where we all look for a hero and where hope in general seems in short supply. As the coming of Christ draws nearer and nearer our cultural situation could get a lot worse - this seemed to be the main vein of the book. Gire did address some side issues such as Katniss as a warrior and how this is a somewhat biblical image. His conclusion is a hodge-podge of thoughts on the spiritual aspects of "The Hunger Games". These thoughts could have easily been another book or a few more chapters of this one. Gire ends this book with lots of scripture dealing with the coming days, our coming struggle and how we can place our hope in Christ who will return for his Church.
Even without ever seeing the movie, I anticipated this book taking a bit of a different course than it did. The focus was much more on our current cultural degradation and how we might soon be at the place where such "games" are accepted practice. The comparison is drawn between their world and ours where we all look for a hero and where hope in general seems in short supply. As the coming of Christ draws nearer and nearer our cultural situation could get a lot worse - this seemed to be the main vein of the book. Gire did address some side issues such as Katniss as a warrior and how this is a somewhat biblical image. His conclusion is a hodge-podge of thoughts on the spiritual aspects of "The Hunger Games". These thoughts could have easily been another book or a few more chapters of this one. Gire ends this book with lots of scripture dealing with the coming days, our coming struggle and how we can place our hope in Christ who will return for his Church.
January 22, 2013
I suppose I should have watched the movie before I read this book, but I didn't. O well :)
Even without ever seeing the movie, I anticipated this book taking a bit of a different course than it did. The focus was much more on our current cultural degradation and how we might soon be at the place where such "games" are accepted practice. The comparison is drawn between their world and ours where we all look for a hero and where hope in general seems in short supply. As the coming of Christ draws nearer and nearer our cultural situation could get a lot worse - this seemed to be the main vein of the book. Gire did address some side issues such as Katniss as a warrior and how this is a somewhat biblical image. His conclusion is a hodge-podge of thoughts on the spiritual aspects of "The Hunger Games". These thoughts could have easily been another book or a few more chapters of this one. Gire ends this book with lots of scripture dealing with the coming days, our coming struggle and how we can place our hope in Christ who will return for his Church.
- Curtis
Even without ever seeing the movie, I anticipated this book taking a bit of a different course than it did. The focus was much more on our current cultural degradation and how we might soon be at the place where such "games" are accepted practice. The comparison is drawn between their world and ours where we all look for a hero and where hope in general seems in short supply. As the coming of Christ draws nearer and nearer our cultural situation could get a lot worse - this seemed to be the main vein of the book. Gire did address some side issues such as Katniss as a warrior and how this is a somewhat biblical image. His conclusion is a hodge-podge of thoughts on the spiritual aspects of "The Hunger Games". These thoughts could have easily been another book or a few more chapters of this one. Gire ends this book with lots of scripture dealing with the coming days, our coming struggle and how we can place our hope in Christ who will return for his Church.
- Curtis
October 18, 2012
Short Review: I hate being the first person to review a book and review it poorly. But this is not a book I can recommend. It is using a cultural wave to get people to connect to Christianity. This is like a church sermon series that uses all of the logos and fonts of a movie or book that is culturally popular but then ignoring the content of the movie or book.
This is not really about Hunger Games. He mentions lines and quote and even the occasional scene. But he says at the beginning of the third section that he does not really think that God is in the Hunger Games. Primarily he is interacting with the movie and not the book. He says that he had not finished reading the book when he watched the movie. And he only mentioned watching the movie twice. I have seen the movie twice and read the book twice but that is not sufficient background to write a book, even a short one.
My longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/finding-god-in-the-h...
This is not really about Hunger Games. He mentions lines and quote and even the occasional scene. But he says at the beginning of the third section that he does not really think that God is in the Hunger Games. Primarily he is interacting with the movie and not the book. He says that he had not finished reading the book when he watched the movie. And he only mentioned watching the movie twice. I have seen the movie twice and read the book twice but that is not sufficient background to write a book, even a short one.
My longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/finding-god-in-the-h...
February 9, 2017
This book was very short...too short in fact to have the full synapsis of the movie that it had. It never lived up to its title.
December 5, 2013
Wasn't what I expected, very poorly written and not well thought out.
January 18, 2026
I really appreciated this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews