Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective

by Michael Schut (Editor), Cecile Andrews, John B. Cobb Jr. (Contributor)

Simpler Living, Compassionate A Christian Perspective is a rich collection of voices that bring clarity to the confusion between our society's ideal of the material "good life" with the "abundant life, " modeled after the person of Jesus, the things he taught, and the way he lived. It invites us to re-examine and rearrange our lives, to sweep away the "clutter" that keeps us from contact with the world, with God, with our own souls. It provides further images of the abundant life and suggests ways of moving toward it personally and culturally. It shares practical suggestions that cover topics such as personal consumer choices and service projects to reinvigorating community life and traditional celebrations. Whether reading through it alone or using the insightful study guide with a group, Simpler Living, Compassionate Life invites you into the dialogue.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Theology, Christian Living, Inspirational, Faith

295 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Scott Schlotfelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free as part of some special offer almost 15 years ago. Often, I've seriously considered reading it only to choose something else. After so many years, I've now made it through (although slowly) and I have to say that it's really a unique treasure of a book. Although technically a Christian book, it really could speak to anyone (religious or not - some will be disappointed there isn't more Jesus-ey stuff in it while others might wonder why there is so much) as it covers topics such as how we deal with our time, money, lifestyle, consumption, and care of the earth in a world that is rich with life and meaning. I found it amazing how so many of the writings (most chapters are written by different authors) could have easily been written within the last year as they forecasted ahead to an economy that would become more polarized with rich and poor and a climate that would show wear from global warming. I only give it three stars partly because of how I read it - straight through. This book is better read as one chapter week-by-week allowing time for the content to marinate. Another reason is that several of the chapters are just slow and not real interesting or exciting to read. Last, I really think this book could be updated, revised and put back on the market. The cover looks like it's marketed to women which I find disappointing considering how universal the topics are. It could also be injected with new authors and updated statistics that would speak well to a readership that is becoming ever more aware of these same truths that were written 15 years ago but are even more true today.

[ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

though i am not a christian, i absolutely respect this book and it's philosophies about living simply and sustainably. it's got great facts and research about how dangerous our lifestyles are becoming for the earth, but it's not all doomsday material, and backs up the criticism with positive solutions that can actually be accomplished by anyone everyday.

[Bradelliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

" Freedom is not the opposite of determinism, but of compulsion, of having to act."

"The myth of fulfillment makes us miss the most beautiful aspect of our human souls: our emptiness, our incompleteness, our radical yearning for love. We were never meant to be completely fulfilled; we were meant to taste it, to long for it, and to grow toward it. In this way we participate in love becoming life, life becoming love. To miss our emptiness is, finally, to miss our hope."

"The ancients knew the value of spaciousness for its own sake…Sabbath was meant to be a day of spaciousness in form, time and soul. It was to be an uncluttered day, a day not filled up, a day of rest and appreciation, a day of freedom just to be."

[Amy]

This is a collection of Essay's. The few that I have read have been so insightful and challenging. A great used book store find!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

some good chapters, some a bit fuzzy. It did stretch me out of my box, which is always good.

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the book Simpler Living, Compassionate Life – A Christian Perspective because I was looking for spiritual grounding during a time when I was experiencing some economic anxiety. The book is a series of essays written about Simple Living that gives and overview of the practice, it’s historical background and theological basis. While I did find some inspiration & solace from reading this collection of essays, that the book is written for and about people who have significantly more economic security was a problematic barrier to my experiencing the book as useful or throughly enjoyable.

There are a few issues I have with this book. First, I find it problematic that poor people are referenced in the book while erasing us as part of the assumed readership of the book. There are plenty of us Christians who do not fit into the economically secure audience this book seems to imagines as owners of the “Christian Perspective.” Erasure is harmful. Also, it (appears to me) that no women of color’s writing on these topics were included in the collection and that most of the essay writers were white men. I think this was a poor editing choice because I don’t believe that the amplification of white men voices over others on the topic of simple living will move us productively towards a sustainable planet or just society. In the book, I see no meaningful challenge for the supposed economically secure reader to de-colonize, dismantle racism and/or redistribute their wealth. I find this extremely problematic, given that the book's claims to be a “Christian Perspective” I would expect more challenge to the affluent or economically secure reader.

Despite these glaring problems, I did enjoy reading the book and most of the essays. It felt like a comfortable and easy read for me. It felt grounding to be reminded of the theological principles of abundance. As I read, I was glad to be reminded that there are other people making honest attempts to live within God’s abundance as we navigate around the constraints of our capitalistic society.

[Kim Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Though I did not read it with a discussion group, I read a few of the essays each weekend and gave myself the following week to mentally digest them. Every single one provided food for thought!

The very best thing I like about this book is that the essays were all written before 1999 at a time when it wasn't necessarily fashionable to look for the "simple life". Many of the warnings seem to be taken from today's headlines, but they were really voiced decades ago!

[Rod White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve gave me this book and made sure I got to it. I am glad he did. It is a lovely collection of essays about simplicity -- words that are much-needed in this noisy, crowded, anonymous and slavish era. I especially appeciated the words on sabbath and on food. These are not simple essays; it is a deep book. But thinkers (and people who should be thinkers) will want to read it. Cell leaders might even want to drop in one of the study guides for a cell meeting. I hope Steve will let me keep the copy for future reference.

[Gloria]

This is a collection of essays written by proponents of simplicity as a lifestyle and simplicity as a means of saving/healing the earth. A variety of perspectives that cross economical, theological, ecological, and family territories. Strong views present. This is not a how-to book, but rather prone to make you think about these issues and how they might become part of your life. You can read one excerpt or the whole thing as desired.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far a great book of various articles with a study guide that I'm going through with a core group. It addresses the issue of time, money, peace, and can less really mean more! It has been especially good considering the season of holidays we are in!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit academic, not an easy read.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. I can't believe I wasn't exposed to this collection of essays earlier. Very deep, very practical, great perspectives. Great!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a great book with several contributing authors.
i missed out on the accompanying video curriculum (it's from 1999)
but hope to find it and lead a group through it at some point soon.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful essays. Contemplative and inspiring.

[Dan Brunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid small group discussion text.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas I this book, though many if the essays are quite outdated.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid. Highly recommended. Good small group resource.