Christian Minimalism: Simple Steps for Abundant Living

by Becca Ehrlich

"Ehrlich’s insightful self-help guide will resonate with Christians wishing to streamline an overstuffed life." ― Publishers Weekly Logically, we all know our purpose in life is not wrapped up in accumulating possessions, wealth, power, and prestige―Jesus is very clear about that―but society tells us otherwise. Christian Minimalism attempts to cut through our assumptions and society’s lies about what life should look like and invites readers into a life that Jesus calls us to one lived intentionally, free of physical, spiritual, and emotional clutter. Written by a woman who simplified her own life and practices these principles daily, this book gives readers a fresh perspective on how to live out God’s grace for us in new and exciting ways and live out our faith in a way that is deeply satisfying.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2021

About the author

BECCA EHRLICH is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and holds a doctorate in Christian Spirituality. A Christian minimalist in a consumer society, she got rid of 60 percent of her personal possessions in six months, took part in a year-long shopping fast, and moved into a smaller home. Ehrlich regularly blogs about Christian Minimalism at www.christianminimalism.com. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Will.

Reviews

[Traci Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't automatically associate discipleship with minimalism, but that's the word that kept coming to mind as I read this book.

A how-to on loving God with all our soul, mind and strength. Emphasis on how, as it's a rare book that's full of practical advice on topics like fellowship, self-care and spiritual growth.

Minimalism is a hot topic already, by why should a Christian do this? How is it different for us? This book addresses these questions as well.

Form a small group and walk through this one slowly. It's FULL.

[Meagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I’ve been on my own minimalism journey for many years. It sounded interesting, so I had high hopes for gaining new insights when I picked this up on the New shelf at the library a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

First, the writing itself is not great. I initially chalked this up to the fact that I was reading it on the heels of an NT Wright book, who’s writing is very compelling.

Three chapters in, I observed that this reads more like a general catechism about Christianity, its basic beliefs, and how to live a Christian Life, with a splash of Christian minimalism thrown in. Each chapter is a mix of an exposition of church doctrine on the topic, with a related anecdote and LOTS of quoted Bible verses, and a strained connection to Christian minimalism. Full disclosure: so much of each chapter was devoted to what felt like “self-help but make it Jesus,” that by chapter 4, I gave up reading and skimmed the rest of the book.

This book feels like it was written for white, middle class spaces. This was most apparent in the chapter on vocation. The writer slams American culture for being a slave to our work, noting that “Americans live to work, while Europeans work to live.” While this is certainly true for a small subset of the American middle and upper classes, it’s completely tone deaf to the plight of the working class and those living in poverty. For this substantial sector of the population, work dominates their lives thanks to the starvation wages they earn. Many work 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. They don’t get paid time off, sick leave, medical leave, or get to go on vacations. Americans are by and large more entrenched in work because we don’t have the same social safety nets than those living in Europe do. Capitalism is killing us slowly. I’m sure Jesus has something to say about that. No mention here, rather just an unfair comparison that borders on victim blaming.

This book was published in 2021, which suggests it was likely written in 2020. There is literally no mention of the Coronavirus pandemic and the ways in which it has turned life upside down for millions of people. Until chapter 8 (about Service!), when the author goes on a literal, almost 4 page rant about hoarders in the early days of the pandemic and how that’s wrong. With all the ways our collective reality has been altered during the ongoing pandemic, I would have thought Jesus and Christian Minimalism would have something to say about that besides “hoarding toilet paper is bad.”

This was a missed opportunity several times over with entire chapters devoted to fellowship, self-care, stewardship, vocation, service, etc. The author’s working definition of Christian minimalism is, “A focus on the aspects of life that matter most and intentionally removing everything else.” What matters most to me has changed dramatically over the past 18 months. I would think that would also be the case for anyone ascribing to Christian Minimalism, so much so that they decided to write a book about it. Nothing beyond a tacit acknowledgement in the form of a criticism of other people’s behavior seems very strange to me, particularly given the premise and context in which it was written and published.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca Ehrlich helped me think about the "why" behind decluttering. It's not just a trendy thing to do, but it is theologically rooted in emptying ourselves. The author is also clear that we can idolize both greed and asceticism. Like Richard Foster, Jocelyn Green, Doris Longacre Janzen, and other authors, Ehrlich reminds us to focus on what is important and stop worrying about the rest.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not the book I thought it would be. I read it as an ebook on my phone. Becca Ehrlich wrote this book after blogging about Christian minimalism for a time and this book read like a series of blog posts to me. There is a certain casualness about it and it dealt much more with various Christian concepts and practices (forgiveness, accountability, Bible reading practices) than with minimalism. She does address minimalism but the focus is very much on what she sees as the Christian underpinnings with many scripture references throughout. I have nothing against scripture but sometimes the references felt a bit forced and not entirely applicable or taking into consideration the vast cultural differences between 10th century bce or 1st century ce Palestine and 21st century America. She also repeated herself a few times which bothered me because it seemed to be done unconsciously.

So although I did not personally enjoy this book it has a few things going for it: 1. Addressing minimalism and connecting that to Christian faith. 2. Because of the focus in Christian concepts and practices it would make a good focus for a church study group. 3. It got me thinking more about my own desire to minimize and my motivations behind that desire and possible obstacles that are in my way.

[Alexander Dunford | Writer | Artist · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cold water shower we all need. The angst I have felt about consumerism and the American Church’s slip into prosperity preaching is summed up in concise, biblical-based prescriptive nonfiction. This book isn’t so much about how to imitate Jesus,—letting go of worldly ambitions and, of course, clutter—instead, it argues why we should live minimally, and supplies ideas and easy strategies to adopt. No matter how we dress our theology, basic principles of Christ’s teaching apply: do not withhold from the poor, do not seek wealth,—it comes to who it comes to—and do not stitch your faith to an economic system that marginalizes minorities. The author labors to share how consumerism, and it’s cause—ultra capitalism, has eroded and destroyed the soul of the American Church.

A must read for those who can choose God over political loyalty and cheap, snake-handling televangelist’s.

Happy reading,
www.w-alexander.com

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand, this is a helpful antidote to the constant barrage of cultural messages that more stuff equals more happiness. The author writes from a Christian perspective (hence the title) to explore how minimizing the stuff in and demands on our lives can free us to discover the things that really make us flourish. It gets preachy at times with some fairly pedestrian theology and I actually wondered if she was padding the book by adding some of her sermons. But overall the message is helpful and on target.

[Philip Avello]

Excellent Book!!!!!! Title says it all “simple steps for abundant living”. Abundance will be in spiritual growth which is the only important growth needed in our lives. It delivers what it promises. If you really want to change your life, read this book. If you really want to get away from all the negativity like materialism, read this book. You will be a better person for it.

[Lauren Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there are sections of this book that do address minimalism, I think the title is a misnomer - minimalism is not really the main thrust of the book, just pieces of it. This book is more of a "Christian lifestyle" book, providing an overview of Christian principles for living, fellowship, stewardship, vocation, etc.

[Sandi Jessop · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small book full of guidance on living a life focused on what's most important; learning to trust that God provides enough. There are questions in the back - a good way to review each chapter. The author encourages readers to examine how we are living, and take steps to live life according to God's calling.

[Lee]

It's short and quick to read. I read all but one chapter in one sitting. And it feels a bit theologically off at times (especially the verse she used to talk about self care). But the points about minimalism are good, and I appreciate pointing out where it can free us up to live better Christian lives. Basically the topic is good, but the execution is dull.

[Faron Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A call to search within ourselves

A wonderful read that makes so many profound points. You will find yourself examining your life and choices while considering how we are formed by society. A book for a new beginning.

[Barbara Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book's faith-based perspective on minimalism. Part Bible study, part encouragement to make changes to benefit our own lives as well as the planet, the chapters have inspired me to set some goals and minimize stuff as well as focus on spiritual matters.

[Danyel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of new thoughts in this book - I loved it.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for a book club, and one positive thing I can say about this book is that it brought our book club together. While the author had some good points such as if we had acted differently during COVID, we wouldn't have had the lack of resources that we did due to panic buying. However, when it came down to the actual spiritual content of this book, I had a lot of issues with it. This book started to go down the road of "any path will get you to God." Towards the end of the book, it broke down all these ways you could pray (some I agreed with, others I did not). It went as far as to say you can use an idol or an image to help you pray, but from a Christian standpoint (which is what this book is supposed to be), this isn't at all what the bible says. The bible even goes as far as to warn us of this type of thinking.

Yes, this is America, and we have many religions in this country, but when a book has "Christian" in the title, make sure you are using your discernment when it comes to what a book says versus what the bible says. Our book club did find some positives in the book, but these did not outweigh the issues the book brought up when talking about Christianity.