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This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel
Uncertain. Confused. Overwhelmed.
Many Christians feel bombarded by the messages they hear and the trends they see in our rapidly changing world.
How can we resist being conformed to the pattern of this world? What will faithfulness to Christ look like in these tumultuous times? How can we be true to the gospel in a world where myths and false visions of the world so often prevail?
In This is Our Time, Trevin Wax provides snapshots of twenty-first-century American Life in order to help Christians understand the times. By analyzing our common beliefs and practices (smartphone habits, entertainment intake, and our views of shopping, sex, marriage, politics, and life’s purpose), Trevin helps us see through the myths of society to the hope of the gospel.
As faithful witnesses to Christ, Trevin writes, we must identify the longing behind society’s most cherished myths (what is good, true, beautiful), expose the lie at the heart of these myths (what is false and damaging), and show how the gospel tells a better story – one that exposes the lie but satisfies the deeper longing.
Many Christians feel bombarded by the messages they hear and the trends they see in our rapidly changing world.
How can we resist being conformed to the pattern of this world? What will faithfulness to Christ look like in these tumultuous times? How can we be true to the gospel in a world where myths and false visions of the world so often prevail?
In This is Our Time, Trevin Wax provides snapshots of twenty-first-century American Life in order to help Christians understand the times. By analyzing our common beliefs and practices (smartphone habits, entertainment intake, and our views of shopping, sex, marriage, politics, and life’s purpose), Trevin helps us see through the myths of society to the hope of the gospel.
As faithful witnesses to Christ, Trevin writes, we must identify the longing behind society’s most cherished myths (what is good, true, beautiful), expose the lie at the heart of these myths (what is false and damaging), and show how the gospel tells a better story – one that exposes the lie but satisfies the deeper longing.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2017
99 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Trevin K. Wax
30 books132 followersTrevin Wax is the Bible and Reference Publisher for LifeWay Christian Resources. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin hosts a blog at The Gospel Coalition and regularly contributes to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today, which named him one of thirty-three millennials shaping the next generation of evangelicals. His previous books include Counterfeit Gospels, Clear Winter Nights, and Gospel-Centered Teaching. He and his wife Corina have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 13, 2017
This book is the most relevant for our time that I have read in quite a while. Our youth group has just finished participating in a Discipleship Now weekend, and all I could think about is how badly our youth need this book. Christians everywhere need this book. The Church needs this book! Trevin Wax pulls no punches in this book. He may step on your toes and shine a light on things you may wish to remain hidden, but overall he shows a Christian path for a faithful presence in our culture.
The fact is that for most of us society is changing so rapidly that we simply cannot keep up. It's hard to stay on top of what is true and what is a myth. We become so absorbed in our culture that we often give in and go with the flow because it is the easiest thing to do.
In the first half of this book Wax looks at the habits that impact us day to day. The second half examines the larger myths that animate our society, including politics, marriage, and sexuality. One very interesting section talks about smart phones, social media, and social identities. Wax points out that the fact that "God doesn't just see the image you want the world to see; He sees what you'd never want the world to know. And He loves you anyway."
Next he discusses tips for freeing yourself from the enslavement of your smartphone and social media, and how to effectively utilize it for the glory of God. I'm sure you would agree that we spend entirely too much time on our devices. My young daughters are already addicted to YouTube Kids and Netflix on their tablets and I'm exactly sure how that all came about. It is time we purge our lives of all things that distract us from learning about and sharing the glory of God. I'm not advocating throwing away our smart phones and tablets, but rather being more responsible with them and loosening the leash they have on our lives.
Another dangerous practice Wax discusses is how we replace spiritual knowledge and gifts with material things. Consumerism in this country is out of control, especially around the holidays. The things of this world mean nothing. We cannot take them with us when we enter the Kingdom. Our focus should be on the Word of God and His love for us.
I also appreciate the section that examines popular songs, movies, and shows, warning that it is okay to like those things, but to be careful to not let them have a greater impact on you than the Church and the Word. The important thing to remember is to immerse yourself in the Word. Fill your heart with hymns and scripture. Otherwise the songs and sermons of the world will be your guide and anchor and you will he led astray.
The last sections that discuss tolerance, prosperity, morality, marriage, and sexuality are very well written. Wax points out that desensitization is not a sign of spiritual progress but of sensual dullness. We should never confuse the ability to be unfazed by depictions of sin as spiritual maturity. Wisdom draws on the resources of the past, looks to the promise of the future, and relies on the Spirit’s guidance in the present.
I recommend this book to all Christians, regardless of maturity level. As I mentioned earlier, our youth need this book - they are the young image bearers of Christ and our leaders of tomorrow. The Church needs this book - culture threatens to invade our walls and sway our perceptions and values. This book presents a Christian path for a faithful presence in our culture. I received this as a free ARC from B&H Books, B&H Publishing Group, on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The fact is that for most of us society is changing so rapidly that we simply cannot keep up. It's hard to stay on top of what is true and what is a myth. We become so absorbed in our culture that we often give in and go with the flow because it is the easiest thing to do.
In the first half of this book Wax looks at the habits that impact us day to day. The second half examines the larger myths that animate our society, including politics, marriage, and sexuality. One very interesting section talks about smart phones, social media, and social identities. Wax points out that the fact that "God doesn't just see the image you want the world to see; He sees what you'd never want the world to know. And He loves you anyway."
Next he discusses tips for freeing yourself from the enslavement of your smartphone and social media, and how to effectively utilize it for the glory of God. I'm sure you would agree that we spend entirely too much time on our devices. My young daughters are already addicted to YouTube Kids and Netflix on their tablets and I'm exactly sure how that all came about. It is time we purge our lives of all things that distract us from learning about and sharing the glory of God. I'm not advocating throwing away our smart phones and tablets, but rather being more responsible with them and loosening the leash they have on our lives.
Another dangerous practice Wax discusses is how we replace spiritual knowledge and gifts with material things. Consumerism in this country is out of control, especially around the holidays. The things of this world mean nothing. We cannot take them with us when we enter the Kingdom. Our focus should be on the Word of God and His love for us.
I also appreciate the section that examines popular songs, movies, and shows, warning that it is okay to like those things, but to be careful to not let them have a greater impact on you than the Church and the Word. The important thing to remember is to immerse yourself in the Word. Fill your heart with hymns and scripture. Otherwise the songs and sermons of the world will be your guide and anchor and you will he led astray.
The last sections that discuss tolerance, prosperity, morality, marriage, and sexuality are very well written. Wax points out that desensitization is not a sign of spiritual progress but of sensual dullness. We should never confuse the ability to be unfazed by depictions of sin as spiritual maturity. Wisdom draws on the resources of the past, looks to the promise of the future, and relies on the Spirit’s guidance in the present.
I recommend this book to all Christians, regardless of maturity level. As I mentioned earlier, our youth need this book - they are the young image bearers of Christ and our leaders of tomorrow. The Church needs this book - culture threatens to invade our walls and sway our perceptions and values. This book presents a Christian path for a faithful presence in our culture. I received this as a free ARC from B&H Books, B&H Publishing Group, on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2020
Trevin Wax's voice on being faithful Christ-followers in these times was a refreshing, biblically-founded read. I was especially challenged by the Bible's call for us to honor our leaders, written at a time when Nero was mercilessly persecuting Christians. That's a sobering call to honor our leaders in our time.
February 10, 2017
I do not know how to start out this review other than saying that I have been uniquely blessed by "This is Our Time". This is the most relevant book I have read in years. Trevin Wax goes after the myths heart of our culture in America with a Gospel scalpel of unique precision.From social media to sex, the author engages the issues of the day with a potent dose of grace and truth. This is not your average self help or even get right with God book. It is, instead, a straight forward, but profound, look at the culture, the church, and the falsehoods inherent in both that can only be confronted by the beautiful and sometimes painful truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
November 8, 2019
Simple and very readable. This book provided a framework for me to view the culture. I’m grateful for Wax’s premise that each myth reveals a longing that can be met in the light of the Gospel. Highly recommend for Christians who feel overwhelmed by society/culture, who know “things aren’t right,” but are unable to name these things. No finger pointing, but challenges to Believers to embrace Biblical truth.
March 3, 2022
This book details biblical, Gospel-centered responses to the idols that our society makes out of things such as social media, marriage, politics and sex. Trevin Wax does a great job at reminding us that our idolization of these things only points towards a deeper desire that only Christ can fully satisfy. As we sense an ever growing sense of disdain towards true believers, we are reminded that we are not of this world and our only true hope is in Christ. God is our dwelling place in every generation (Psalm 90). Though everything around us is changing, He is immutable, good and just.
“Our knowledge of what is right and wrong cannot be derived from what comes naturally to us because everything that is wrong with this world came naturally from us. Morality has to be defined by someone outside of us. And it is - by the God who created us”
“Our knowledge of what is right and wrong cannot be derived from what comes naturally to us because everything that is wrong with this world came naturally from us. Morality has to be defined by someone outside of us. And it is - by the God who created us”
September 20, 2024
Excellent
November 20, 2021
This is my first book to read from Trevin Wax, but he is indeed an insightful cultural commentator. In “This is our Time,” Wax contrasts common myths of the world with the truth of the gospel. I’m convinced that discipleship consists of both positive and negative tasks. Positively, we must communicate the truths of God’s word to help someone along in the maturity of their faith. Negatively, we must deconstruct the supposed truths of the world to help them be transformed by the renewal of their mind and not conformed to the pattern of this world (Rom 12:2). Wax models this discipling task well by applying these principles to a myriad of cultural issues that would exert palpable influence over Christians. My only critique of this book is that it lacks concision throughout – much like my reviews :)
February 15, 2021
Trevin Wax is an excellent writer. I frequently go to his articles on The Gospel Coalition website for insights on the connection of culture, politics, and Scripture. This book is another great resource on how to live as Christians in a culture full of "myths" on how we should live. But for some reason, I just didn't get a lot from it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this book; perhaps it's because this book seems to be geared toward younger believers, or because I've done more extensive reading on many of the topics covered individually, or perhaps because I'm already familiar with Wax's writing. I'd definitely still recommend it to new Christians who are unsure how to live "in the world but not of it".
October 22, 2017
Fantastic read. Wax has his finger on the pulse of Western Evangelicalism, and those of us who find themselves there would do well to consider his work. This book is a must-read for believers who wish to better exegete the culture around them. Myths are all around us, and Wax tactfully reveals how Christians fall off either side of the proverbial horse, usually offering a via media that leans into the biblical longing of our hearts while also confronting the lie that contaminates it. The chapters on smartphones, national identity, and sex were well worth the book. Wax is a gifted writer, which makes the hard truths of the book land accurately and effectively. I would highly recommend this, especially to parents of children and teenagers.
November 16, 2020
This book is a very relevant read for Christians today navigating a world chalked full of myths. Although Wax could probably write a book for each chapter of the eight myths he tackles, he spends helpful time identifying the problem, as well as moving the reader to solutions for our world today marked by faithfulness. I appreciate how he identifies “longings” underneath each myth and helps shine the light of the gospel to expose what is true. But he doesn’t just stop with truth claims - Wax makes a concerted effort to show why Christianity is better. “Evangelism is not just convincing people the gospel is true but also that is is better.”
That is the task Wax is trying to accomplish and that is handed to us as well. May we walk in faithfulness!
That is the task Wax is trying to accomplish and that is handed to us as well. May we walk in faithfulness!
August 2, 2018
Trevin did an excellent job of clearly exposing the myths in our everyday culture alongside the truths of the gospel in a thought provoking and engaging writing style. He dedicated this book to his father-in-law, Florian Trifan (now deceased) and the relevant stories from his father-in-law's life were especially applicable and poignant for me. Though helpful for every generation, this may be the book I send to all my millennial family and friends this Christmas :)
November 11, 2017
One objective for a catechism is to be a response to the challenges of the day. This book acts like a catechism in that way. It gives a thoughtful counter to the many facets of he narrative of secularism that whirls around us...this water that we swim in.
March 30, 2018
An excellent, timely, well-written book on myths that are deeply ingrained in our American culture. He does a great job of pointing out the longings, lies, and hope if the Gospel related each myth. I highly recommend it to all.
October 20, 2023
Super interesting and thought-provoking book on "our time". Really insightful, and helpful to get a good perspective and knowledge about a lot of the issues that are prominent in today's society e.g. materialism, sex culture etc.
July 22, 2017
Excellent
April 24, 2019
For anyone who wants to think wisely about the culture and how best to engage those influenced by it.
March 11, 2017
Great gospel saturated book. Wax examines crucial myths that Christians believe that are not biblical and are not in keeping with the gospel. His writing is crisp, thoughtful, deeply researched and very needed in our church today. Highest recommendation
July 18, 2018
This is a timely book for our generation, and Trevin Wax does a great job of analyzing, critiquing and offering practical solutions to the great challenges we face today as Christians (particularly in the Western world). Wax targets the myths that our modern Western culture has propagated to us via various avenues of culture - social media, internet, movies, etc - and helps the reader to see the sometimes unconscious influence these forces have on our worldview and life then he offers helpful practical ways we can be living in a counter-cultural way that reflects the truth of the Gospel in our lives.
The book moves seamlessly through several topics - the first being how our phones are shaping our lives. This chapter reads a lot like the book "12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You" and readers of that book may feel like Wax's book is more of the same. However, the subsequent chapters offer many more insightful comments on how we're significantly shaped by the culture and times we live in. His book is a great application of the concept of worldviews and over-arching narratives which guide our lives. He helps the reader to become aware of how we've bought into the myths of our times and our own worldviews or cultural lenses are shaped by the things we observe, read, experience and look at for entertainment and just how deeply these things affect us in our desires and outlook.
I think this would be a great book for most Christians to read - especially if you've grown up in the modern Western world and have not read much on topics such as worldviews and cultural changes.
Wax is a great writer and easy to read and understand. He challenges his readers to not just learn about these things, but to do something - hence the title of his book. I think these words from the author sum it up well:
"No. This is the time to savor the strain, to revel in the toil, and to see the barriers as benchmarks. The glory of running the race is that it’s hard, not easy. The darker the moment the more glorious the piercing of light!
Several people have asked me why I’ve titled my next book This Is Our Time. First, because it paints a picture of the myths and worldviews that animate our society these days. Each chapter provides a snapshot of one aspect of culture. This is our time.
Second, because we need to realize that this is our time. It’s not another generation’s time; it’s ours.
Ten years ago, older millennials were all singing John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change.” Well, it did. Now, we’re up. It’s our turn."
The book moves seamlessly through several topics - the first being how our phones are shaping our lives. This chapter reads a lot like the book "12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You" and readers of that book may feel like Wax's book is more of the same. However, the subsequent chapters offer many more insightful comments on how we're significantly shaped by the culture and times we live in. His book is a great application of the concept of worldviews and over-arching narratives which guide our lives. He helps the reader to become aware of how we've bought into the myths of our times and our own worldviews or cultural lenses are shaped by the things we observe, read, experience and look at for entertainment and just how deeply these things affect us in our desires and outlook.
I think this would be a great book for most Christians to read - especially if you've grown up in the modern Western world and have not read much on topics such as worldviews and cultural changes.
Wax is a great writer and easy to read and understand. He challenges his readers to not just learn about these things, but to do something - hence the title of his book. I think these words from the author sum it up well:
"No. This is the time to savor the strain, to revel in the toil, and to see the barriers as benchmarks. The glory of running the race is that it’s hard, not easy. The darker the moment the more glorious the piercing of light!
Several people have asked me why I’ve titled my next book This Is Our Time. First, because it paints a picture of the myths and worldviews that animate our society these days. Each chapter provides a snapshot of one aspect of culture. This is our time.
Second, because we need to realize that this is our time. It’s not another generation’s time; it’s ours.
Ten years ago, older millennials were all singing John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change.” Well, it did. Now, we’re up. It’s our turn."
February 20, 2019
The author examines a number of unspoken but widely-held myths/beliefs and demonstrates how they are contrary to the Gospel. He goes on to point out how Christians can resist the messages provided by contemporary society to live more faithfully for Jesus. I found the book thoughtful and well-written; the author is particularly adept at finding concrete examples to demonstrate the points he is making.
August 11, 2020
Big 'meh.'
March 8, 2017
Here's why experiencing God's love matters for the fortifying of Christian faith and witness in our day. If you fail to get this truth deep down into your heart, if you fail to recognize God's unfailing, unchanging love for you no matter your circumstances, you will not be able to represent Him well in exile. The only way you will ever be able to withstand the hatred of the world is if you are immersed in the love of God. The only way you will ever be able to live without the approval of others is if you are assured of God's approval of you IN Christ. "Lord you have been our refuge in every generation. Psalm 90
What an encouraging word from Trevin Wax. With clarity, he displays a better way. Encourages his readers to display a better way of the gospel.
Eight chapters where the myths of this generation can either find you wishing for the past or fearing for the future.
The Phone Is A Myth-Teller-What our cell phones say about us and about our culture. Looking at teenagers and I would have to say adults as well, our phone becomes a literal life line. Or so we would like to believe. There is a better way.
Hollywood is After Your Heart - How do we become faithful in the world of entertainment? How Hollywood is political and uses the telling of a story to capture our longings for what is false. Stories shape the world and the culture and how we have become desensitization to what is evil. That we scorn what is of God and celebrate what is evil. The question becomes what is the better way when it comes to our desires? How Christians can tell a better a story.
The North Pole and the Pursuit of Happiness-This profound quote What am I anymore if I'm not this? If you are successful, what happens when you fail? If you are beautiful, what happens when your beauty fades? If you are influential, what happens when you are scorned? What does faithfulness look like in our pursuit of happiness? What does it look like compared to others. What is your following? There is a better way. A better pursuit. I loved this quote "See your life as a journey in which you were rescued from your falleness, not affirmed in it. See your life as a journey in which are being remade in the image of God so that the ever deepening discovery of His grace and goodness is the defining marker in your life, not your own self-discovery. And as you lean forward, straining toward the North Pole, you know you aren't meant to be satisfied and happy with yourself as you are now; you're embracing the vision of who God is making you to be!"
Shopping for Happiness-A look of what you throw away tells us about where our heart is. Consumerism is about you. How do you find a better way? By serving as Jesus served. The focus should be in the church of what Jesus has done and not about comfort and entertainment.
Never At Home in the City of Man-Politics has become the new religion. Where ideals become the driving force for change. There is a better way. We cannot become obsessed about what Government can do to the church but we need to concerned about compromise and complacency in the body of believers. Are we concerned about our own hearts? We know the laws don't change the heart but receiving the grace of God and looking to Him softens the heart to do what is right and to life by faith.
Marriage Matters/ Sexual Rebel The sexual revolution. We now can say we have seen it all. Why does marriage matter? - Because it shows a better way. When the world embraces and glorifies same sex attraction and gender identity but scorns biblical application, what can Christians do? Be faithful to what marriage really is. Not to get but to give. Marriage is not consumerism. I loved this quote Marriage is not just a relationship but also a responsibility. Marriage involves our expression of love but it also includes your contribution to the world to create a haven where your family is stable, where your children know both their mother and father, where trust is granted and love is displayed. Where two broken people are redeemed by the gift of marriage just as we are redeemed by the gift of the gospel.
As the World Wobbles-The world is always in a crisis. We can fear the future or wish for the past but each does not grasp the gospel. It is being faithful who God is and his promises. It is looking at eternity and not the now.
Each of these chapters remind us of a better way. A focus of the main thing. And that it still matters. Trevin has a unique background of faith serving in Romania and it is serving there, he brings perspective to the time we are living. It is during the oppression of God's people, that God moved the hearts of men and I believe that He is moving our hearts as well.
A Special Thank You to B & H Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
.
What an encouraging word from Trevin Wax. With clarity, he displays a better way. Encourages his readers to display a better way of the gospel.
Eight chapters where the myths of this generation can either find you wishing for the past or fearing for the future.
The Phone Is A Myth-Teller-What our cell phones say about us and about our culture. Looking at teenagers and I would have to say adults as well, our phone becomes a literal life line. Or so we would like to believe. There is a better way.
Hollywood is After Your Heart - How do we become faithful in the world of entertainment? How Hollywood is political and uses the telling of a story to capture our longings for what is false. Stories shape the world and the culture and how we have become desensitization to what is evil. That we scorn what is of God and celebrate what is evil. The question becomes what is the better way when it comes to our desires? How Christians can tell a better a story.
The North Pole and the Pursuit of Happiness-This profound quote What am I anymore if I'm not this? If you are successful, what happens when you fail? If you are beautiful, what happens when your beauty fades? If you are influential, what happens when you are scorned? What does faithfulness look like in our pursuit of happiness? What does it look like compared to others. What is your following? There is a better way. A better pursuit. I loved this quote "See your life as a journey in which you were rescued from your falleness, not affirmed in it. See your life as a journey in which are being remade in the image of God so that the ever deepening discovery of His grace and goodness is the defining marker in your life, not your own self-discovery. And as you lean forward, straining toward the North Pole, you know you aren't meant to be satisfied and happy with yourself as you are now; you're embracing the vision of who God is making you to be!"
Shopping for Happiness-A look of what you throw away tells us about where our heart is. Consumerism is about you. How do you find a better way? By serving as Jesus served. The focus should be in the church of what Jesus has done and not about comfort and entertainment.
Never At Home in the City of Man-Politics has become the new religion. Where ideals become the driving force for change. There is a better way. We cannot become obsessed about what Government can do to the church but we need to concerned about compromise and complacency in the body of believers. Are we concerned about our own hearts? We know the laws don't change the heart but receiving the grace of God and looking to Him softens the heart to do what is right and to life by faith.
Marriage Matters/ Sexual Rebel The sexual revolution. We now can say we have seen it all. Why does marriage matter? - Because it shows a better way. When the world embraces and glorifies same sex attraction and gender identity but scorns biblical application, what can Christians do? Be faithful to what marriage really is. Not to get but to give. Marriage is not consumerism. I loved this quote Marriage is not just a relationship but also a responsibility. Marriage involves our expression of love but it also includes your contribution to the world to create a haven where your family is stable, where your children know both their mother and father, where trust is granted and love is displayed. Where two broken people are redeemed by the gift of marriage just as we are redeemed by the gift of the gospel.
As the World Wobbles-The world is always in a crisis. We can fear the future or wish for the past but each does not grasp the gospel. It is being faithful who God is and his promises. It is looking at eternity and not the now.
Each of these chapters remind us of a better way. A focus of the main thing. And that it still matters. Trevin has a unique background of faith serving in Romania and it is serving there, he brings perspective to the time we are living. It is during the oppression of God's people, that God moved the hearts of men and I believe that He is moving our hearts as well.
A Special Thank You to B & H Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
.
August 30, 2018
Phenomenal book exposes the world’s lies that try to distract our devotion to the Lord
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) says “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Colossians 3:2 (KJV) says to “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
In his new book, “This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel,” Trevin Wax cuts through the myths, which are the lies, the superficiality and the noise of our culture.
Broken down into eight chapters, Wax’s book exposes the world’s lies (myths) that try to distract us from our devotion to the Lord. Wax shows us that living by the Word of God is the better way to live and engage in our culture that keeps us from passively letting technology and the false mindsets of the secular world control us.
Published by B&H Publishing, Wax’s 240-page book explains how the world system constantly and consistently beckons our time and attention, always trying to sidetrack us from doing the will of God – and living out the Word of God.
Until we are transformed by the renewing of our minds to His Word, other voices will fight to win our attention and affections (even something as simple as our apparent dependence on our cell phones, what we watch on TV or in movies, or how we interact on Facebook or Twitter).
One example of a myth Wax illustrates so poignantly is when he shares the story of his father in-law, Florin Trifan, a victim of Communist Romania (Introduction). The people at that time were force-fed iron-fisted propaganda to the point where they actually started to believe its lies.
However, after Communism’s eventual fall, the mask fell off and the people realized the life-threatening Pravda of Communism was all a sham meant to control their minds and hearts. They realized the Communists were working overtime to persuade them to accept their myth and dissuade them from thinking anything else was true other than the Big Lie.
The same is true of our present day. Talking on the phone to an actual person has been replaced with text messages and e-mails. Personal interaction with a live person standing or sitting right in front of us has been replaced with Facebook and Twitter. For instance, our constant need to respond with comments and making sure we “like” something someone said can make us feel important – so much so that friends and family don’t have to see who we really are.
If we hide behind these facades we put out there than we don’t have to face who we really are, either. As a result, if we aren’t watchful of these myths that easily and passively creep into lives, our hunger and thirst for God and His Word can often be easily replaced with our longing to be relevant and significant to others. But to counter these lies emanating from the secular world (those on the Left), Wax said we need to be soaked in Scripture (page 22).
Yet another example Wax gives of a myth we may buy into is the accumulation of things (page 95) – even though Jesus said life doesn’t consist of its abundance. Along these same lines, Wax said we should never feel at home here (page 115) or have unbelievers think our faith is private – especially since it goes against the grain of those who have sought for decades to squelch it.
Overall, Wax tells us to look past the longings behind these myths because the Gospel exposes them, and challenges and reshapes those longings (page 11). Wax’s book is well-written, insightful, timely and greatly needed because “this truly is our time.” I highly recommend it.
I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2018 by Doug S., M.A.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) says “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Colossians 3:2 (KJV) says to “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
In his new book, “This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel,” Trevin Wax cuts through the myths, which are the lies, the superficiality and the noise of our culture.
Broken down into eight chapters, Wax’s book exposes the world’s lies (myths) that try to distract us from our devotion to the Lord. Wax shows us that living by the Word of God is the better way to live and engage in our culture that keeps us from passively letting technology and the false mindsets of the secular world control us.
Published by B&H Publishing, Wax’s 240-page book explains how the world system constantly and consistently beckons our time and attention, always trying to sidetrack us from doing the will of God – and living out the Word of God.
Until we are transformed by the renewing of our minds to His Word, other voices will fight to win our attention and affections (even something as simple as our apparent dependence on our cell phones, what we watch on TV or in movies, or how we interact on Facebook or Twitter).
One example of a myth Wax illustrates so poignantly is when he shares the story of his father in-law, Florin Trifan, a victim of Communist Romania (Introduction). The people at that time were force-fed iron-fisted propaganda to the point where they actually started to believe its lies.
However, after Communism’s eventual fall, the mask fell off and the people realized the life-threatening Pravda of Communism was all a sham meant to control their minds and hearts. They realized the Communists were working overtime to persuade them to accept their myth and dissuade them from thinking anything else was true other than the Big Lie.
The same is true of our present day. Talking on the phone to an actual person has been replaced with text messages and e-mails. Personal interaction with a live person standing or sitting right in front of us has been replaced with Facebook and Twitter. For instance, our constant need to respond with comments and making sure we “like” something someone said can make us feel important – so much so that friends and family don’t have to see who we really are.
If we hide behind these facades we put out there than we don’t have to face who we really are, either. As a result, if we aren’t watchful of these myths that easily and passively creep into lives, our hunger and thirst for God and His Word can often be easily replaced with our longing to be relevant and significant to others. But to counter these lies emanating from the secular world (those on the Left), Wax said we need to be soaked in Scripture (page 22).
Yet another example Wax gives of a myth we may buy into is the accumulation of things (page 95) – even though Jesus said life doesn’t consist of its abundance. Along these same lines, Wax said we should never feel at home here (page 115) or have unbelievers think our faith is private – especially since it goes against the grain of those who have sought for decades to squelch it.
Overall, Wax tells us to look past the longings behind these myths because the Gospel exposes them, and challenges and reshapes those longings (page 11). Wax’s book is well-written, insightful, timely and greatly needed because “this truly is our time.” I highly recommend it.
I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2018 by Doug S., M.A.
January 31, 2019
“We are in the midst of a moral revolution, and the world is changing around us.” (page 10) The statement is not new nor earth-shattering. Trevin Wax forces us to challenge that revolution by considering the myths that it propagates.
Myths distort the truth by the longings they create and by the lies they tell. The Gospel shines a light on man’s real longings and tells the truth about man’s real needs. With that premise, Wax exposes several of the myths that control America.
Being a list kind of guy, I would have liked each myth to be stated as Myth Number 1, 2, 3, etc. Nevertheless, I got the points.
“Confusing ‘knowledge about’ and ‘knowledge of’ is one of the most common mistakes we make in a connected world.” (p 21) This confusion is perpetuated many times each day by our smartphone which mythologizes that ‘you are the center of the universe.’ The phone tells us we have the knowledge we need and that we are right. This was by far the most important chapter in the book, in my opinion. Because of the commonality of all sorts of social media, it has the broadest application. The book is worth reading for this section alone.
Hollywood is after your heart. Because of its visual and audio force, we need to equip ourselves to recognize the longings and lies of entertainment by cultivating a new imagination. A Scripture-soaked mind will enable the creation of better stories.
The author says the enjoyment of life as one’s greatest purpose is the biggest myth exposed. Believers greatest desire must be to meet our greatest Delight.
‘More stuff makes you happy’ is another myth dispelled. Wax does a good job of showing how advertising uses the myth that ‘salvation comes through accumulation.’ (p. 95) It is hard to be “The Church” in a consumer society.
Christianity is private follows in the myth-busting process. Many have chosen to save America as the best way to save Christianity and keep it public. But the “Church is God’s shining city on the hill, not the United States.” (p. 122) There follows a most biblical approach to how believers should respond to society.
Great care and gracious words are used in dispelling the marriage myths that redound in America. There are three powerful suggestions for the church if it is to reclaim the ‘ancient vision of marriage.’
Finally, the church must be careful to recognize the “prevailing myth(s) in our society about where the world is going.” Is it declining or progressing?
The illustrations in the book are engaging and apropos. Especially the Lesslie Newbiggin story in the final chapter.
“This Is Our Time doesn’t offer the cheap grace of putting politics first. Instead, it recognizes that public policy is downstream from culture and culture is downstream from religion.” Marvin Olasky (from the Foreword.)
January 22, 2025
I've enjoyed Trevin Wax's posts on The Gospel Coalition website, so I was looking forward to this book. I was not at all disappointed. The book is excellent: very approachable, irenic yet incisive, well researched, a clarion call for Christians to interact wisely with their culture.
The introduction sets forth a three-part rubric with which to evaluate and engage culture. First, recognize that there is a longing, a desire to be satisfied, something that people want to believe, in the stories that they tell and in which they invest. Second, be able to search out and challenge the lie that informs false beliefs and practices. Third, learn how to bring the light of the gospel into your conversations and interactions.
Wax first shows us how our phones, our ubiquitous smart phones, are telling us myths, myths that will eventually harm us. Next he demonstrates how the world of entertainment is after our hearts and minds. In the third chapter he shows how people are searching for happiness and significance, but are using the wrong maps (this chapter alone is worth the price of the book). Then he shows us how "The American Dream is about shopping for happiness." In the next chapter Wax suggests that Christians have become far too much at home in the world, and how we need to be more of a conscience for and witness to society.
The next two chapters, on why marriage matters and the Christian attitude toward sexual practices (he counters both the view that sex means nothing and the view that sex means everything), are also well worth the price of the book. I highly recommend these chapters to everyone: married, single, thinking about being married or being single again. In his last chapter Wax challenges both the myth of inevitable decline of society and the myth of inevitable progress in society.
For every Christian concerned about cultural engagement (which really should be all of us, since we cannot nor should not escape culture), I highly recommend this book.
The introduction sets forth a three-part rubric with which to evaluate and engage culture. First, recognize that there is a longing, a desire to be satisfied, something that people want to believe, in the stories that they tell and in which they invest. Second, be able to search out and challenge the lie that informs false beliefs and practices. Third, learn how to bring the light of the gospel into your conversations and interactions.
Wax first shows us how our phones, our ubiquitous smart phones, are telling us myths, myths that will eventually harm us. Next he demonstrates how the world of entertainment is after our hearts and minds. In the third chapter he shows how people are searching for happiness and significance, but are using the wrong maps (this chapter alone is worth the price of the book). Then he shows us how "The American Dream is about shopping for happiness." In the next chapter Wax suggests that Christians have become far too much at home in the world, and how we need to be more of a conscience for and witness to society.
The next two chapters, on why marriage matters and the Christian attitude toward sexual practices (he counters both the view that sex means nothing and the view that sex means everything), are also well worth the price of the book. I highly recommend these chapters to everyone: married, single, thinking about being married or being single again. In his last chapter Wax challenges both the myth of inevitable decline of society and the myth of inevitable progress in society.
For every Christian concerned about cultural engagement (which really should be all of us, since we cannot nor should not escape culture), I highly recommend this book.
August 29, 2017
I requested to review this book after I heard the author speak on the radio about it. I was so impressed with the logic and applicability of the book, I wanted a chance to read it and make it more known.
Just like the book of Hebrews points out that this tradition or that tradition in Judaism was designed to fulfill a certain need or desire but that Jesus is so very much superior to all the traditions, the author of this book sets the book up much the same way. The author lays out the premise that all humans have certain longings in common, but that our cultures tend to lie to us about how to fulfill those longings. He then details the specific myths and lies offered in our current American culture and how the Gospel actually addresses these longings in vastly superior ways. Using engaging anecdotal stories, the author first engages the reader’s heart and then supports his suppositions with the Truth of God’s Word.
This isn’t just a book I’ll read myself. Rather, I plan on having my teen daughters read it, as well as recommending it to several of my friends. I wish I could make it assigned reading for just about every American. It really helps clarify what is on display in the marketplace of life and why what they’re selling won’t meet the reader’s needs. Time and again, only the Gospel will truly satisfy.
I gratefully received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Just like the book of Hebrews points out that this tradition or that tradition in Judaism was designed to fulfill a certain need or desire but that Jesus is so very much superior to all the traditions, the author of this book sets the book up much the same way. The author lays out the premise that all humans have certain longings in common, but that our cultures tend to lie to us about how to fulfill those longings. He then details the specific myths and lies offered in our current American culture and how the Gospel actually addresses these longings in vastly superior ways. Using engaging anecdotal stories, the author first engages the reader’s heart and then supports his suppositions with the Truth of God’s Word.
This isn’t just a book I’ll read myself. Rather, I plan on having my teen daughters read it, as well as recommending it to several of my friends. I wish I could make it assigned reading for just about every American. It really helps clarify what is on display in the marketplace of life and why what they’re selling won’t meet the reader’s needs. Time and again, only the Gospel will truly satisfy.
I gratefully received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
December 16, 2021
This was a light, enjoyable read that more or less reaffirmed thoughts and beliefs I already held. While there was absolutely nothing wrong with the content of the book, it felt like milk to me when I craved solid food. I also felt it to be lacking of any scripture, which should be our source for truth and edification. While his explanations were biblically founded, I like when authors point back to the scriptures.
The most timely thing I took away from this book, came from the final chapter's discussion of the myths of decline and progress. Wax wrote, "pessimism can lead you to adopt a 'hunker down with the faithful' approach to the world, that is largely driven by fear, not faith. The truth is every generation believes that things are getting worse than the past... Every generation of Christians believes that they are in the last days of this world. And every generation, so far, has been wrong." We face so much turmoil in our world, be it the current pandemic, the changing climate, or our current politics. It is easy to get lost in nostalgia for a bygone era, or fear that we are nearing the end, but Wax later states that "fear and nostalgia will not inspire us to be faithful in our time." The Christian finds confidence in God. He will restore creation and make everything right again. That in itself makes this book worth reading.
The most timely thing I took away from this book, came from the final chapter's discussion of the myths of decline and progress. Wax wrote, "pessimism can lead you to adopt a 'hunker down with the faithful' approach to the world, that is largely driven by fear, not faith. The truth is every generation believes that things are getting worse than the past... Every generation of Christians believes that they are in the last days of this world. And every generation, so far, has been wrong." We face so much turmoil in our world, be it the current pandemic, the changing climate, or our current politics. It is easy to get lost in nostalgia for a bygone era, or fear that we are nearing the end, but Wax later states that "fear and nostalgia will not inspire us to be faithful in our time." The Christian finds confidence in God. He will restore creation and make everything right again. That in itself makes this book worth reading.
August 12, 2019
This book helps Christian readers better understand the culture in which we live. It may be helpful for those who are not Christians as well.
Some strong points:
- The book helps us understand certain aspects of our current culture. Because we live in culture like a fish lives in water, we sometimes cannot even see our culture. And because our culture is pluralistic and fragmented, our culture(s) can be very difficult to understand. This book does a great job of identifying aspects to which we, as imbedded cultural participants, cannot see.
- The book is helpful for Christians who want to see how the culture and the Christian way of life intersect, showing both the ways in which certain aspects of our culture undermine humanity and God's design for humanity, and ways in which certain aspects of our culture may actually encourage human flourishing.
- This book is easy to understand.
- The tone is conciliatory. The author invites you into consideration of things. It only "preaches," when preaching is necessary.
Some weaknesses:
- It is overly simplistic... but how could it NOT be?
- It is written for a younger crowd. But it is not so juvenile that your grandma couldn't read it.
Some strong points:
- The book helps us understand certain aspects of our current culture. Because we live in culture like a fish lives in water, we sometimes cannot even see our culture. And because our culture is pluralistic and fragmented, our culture(s) can be very difficult to understand. This book does a great job of identifying aspects to which we, as imbedded cultural participants, cannot see.
- The book is helpful for Christians who want to see how the culture and the Christian way of life intersect, showing both the ways in which certain aspects of our culture undermine humanity and God's design for humanity, and ways in which certain aspects of our culture may actually encourage human flourishing.
- This book is easy to understand.
- The tone is conciliatory. The author invites you into consideration of things. It only "preaches," when preaching is necessary.
Some weaknesses:
- It is overly simplistic... but how could it NOT be?
- It is written for a younger crowd. But it is not so juvenile that your grandma couldn't read it.
March 26, 2023
Overview from the internet:
Uncertain. Confused. Overwhelmed.
Many Christians feel bombarded by the messages they hear and the trends they see in our rapidly changing world.
How can we resist being conformed to the pattern of this world? What will faithfulness to Christ look like in these tumultuous times? How can we be true to the gospel in a world where myths and false visions of the world so often prevail?
In This is Our Time, Trevin Wax provides snapshots of 21st-century American life in order to help Christians understand the times. By analyzing our common beliefs and practices (smartphone habits, entertainment intake, our view of shopping, sex, marriage, politics, and life’s purpose), Trevin helps us see through the myths of society to the hope of the gospel.
As faithful witnesses to Christ, Trevin writes, we must
- IDENTIFY THE LONGING behind society’s most cherished myths (what is good, true, beautiful),
- EXPOSE THE LIE at the heart of these myths (what is false and damaging), and
- SHOW HOW THE GOSPEL TELLS A BETTER STORY – one that exposes the lie but satisfies the deeper longing.
Uncertain. Confused. Overwhelmed.
Many Christians feel bombarded by the messages they hear and the trends they see in our rapidly changing world.
How can we resist being conformed to the pattern of this world? What will faithfulness to Christ look like in these tumultuous times? How can we be true to the gospel in a world where myths and false visions of the world so often prevail?
In This is Our Time, Trevin Wax provides snapshots of 21st-century American life in order to help Christians understand the times. By analyzing our common beliefs and practices (smartphone habits, entertainment intake, our view of shopping, sex, marriage, politics, and life’s purpose), Trevin helps us see through the myths of society to the hope of the gospel.
As faithful witnesses to Christ, Trevin writes, we must
- IDENTIFY THE LONGING behind society’s most cherished myths (what is good, true, beautiful),
- EXPOSE THE LIE at the heart of these myths (what is false and damaging), and
- SHOW HOW THE GOSPEL TELLS A BETTER STORY – one that exposes the lie but satisfies the deeper longing.
June 18, 2019
This is a superb analysis of 21st century life as seen from a Christian perspective. It is not a heavy or 'scholarly' book, but Trevin Wax is a razor sharp and moving writer, whose ability to see through the unquestioned assumptions by which many people live enables him to present an alternative Christian worldview in a compellingly attractive way. His chapters on social media, sex and marriage are particularly striking; for example, he is far too perceptive to run aground on the rocks of conflicting opinions about same-sex attraction. The book's only real weakness as I see it is his failure to discuss in detail anything to do with the environment; the little he does say leads me to conclude that this is one vital area to which he has not devoted any serious thought. Only an American could fail to take climate change seriously! But I didn't let this one oversight deter me from giving the book 5 stars. What it does say is so telling that it would be churlish to penalize it for what it doesn't.
October 20, 2020
Have you ever read a book and you were thinking “This guy is saying what I have been trying to say!”? I really enjoyed this book.
As Christians, we need to be aware of how the Gospel is not simply a decision we make one time, but it is a story that effects our thoughts and way of life. This book shows some of the ways that the Gospel should guide Christians to be counter-cultural. Wax examines myths that our culture holds on to and shows how the Gospel exposes those myths. But a word of warning. A lot of these myths are believed by Christians. It may be a challenging book, because you may have listened to sermons that perpetuate these myths.
Loved the first chapter on how social media has made us creatures of affirmation over information. I am glad he clearly wrote another chapter on how Christians should not get comfortable in the “City of Man.” And the final chapter on the “World that wobbles” infects many believers and he addresses it with tact. Five stars
As Christians, we need to be aware of how the Gospel is not simply a decision we make one time, but it is a story that effects our thoughts and way of life. This book shows some of the ways that the Gospel should guide Christians to be counter-cultural. Wax examines myths that our culture holds on to and shows how the Gospel exposes those myths. But a word of warning. A lot of these myths are believed by Christians. It may be a challenging book, because you may have listened to sermons that perpetuate these myths.
Loved the first chapter on how social media has made us creatures of affirmation over information. I am glad he clearly wrote another chapter on how Christians should not get comfortable in the “City of Man.” And the final chapter on the “World that wobbles” infects many believers and he addresses it with tact. Five stars
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