Product Description

A great number of seekers find themselves in the seemingly unreal world of the suburbs. They read spirituality books but find themselves in carpools and coaching soccer, not in monasteries. Dave Goetz, a former pastor, shows that the suburbs are a real world, but a spiritually corrosive one. The land of SUVs and soccer leagues can truly be toxic to the soul. Suburbanites need to understand how the environment affects them and what spiritual disciplines are needed for their faith to survive and thrive. Goetz identifies eight toxins in the suburban life, such as hyper–competition and the "transactional" friendship, and suggests eight corresponding disciplines to keep the spiritual life authentic. Goetz weaves sociology studies, his own experiences, current events, wisdom of the spiritual masters, and a little humor to equip spiritual suburbanites for how to relate to God amidst Starbucks, strip–malls, and perfect lawns.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #410436 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .42 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
“Death by Suburb addresses and overcomes the split in our religion, our lifestyles, and even our consciousness.” (Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., author of Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer )

“Goetz lets the shadows of the suburbs show and evokes a thicker sense of our social and religious worlds.” (Leigh Schmidt, Princeton University, author of Restless Souls: The Making of American Spirituality )

“God has given Goetz a gift for seeing … the parched lives beneath the suburban bliss. (William H. Willimon, author of Sinning Like a Christian )

“Goetz envisions a ‘thicker life,’ looking beyond the comfort...of suburban rhythms for a...deeper experience.” (Dallas Morning News )

“Goetz points out...that suburbanites like to be in control...and true spirituality is the opposite of control.” (Charleston Post and Courier )

“ Goetz’s witty new book deals with [...] the spirit-deadening alienation sometimes found in [...] housing tracts and cul-de-sacs.” (Mark Pinsky, ORLANDO SENTINEL )

“Goetz advocates serious examination of motives and actions in everyday life and offers hope and...answers.” (Calgary Herald )

“With bright writing, Goetz transforms familiar ideas into a provocative new package.” (Columbus Dispatch )

About the Author

David L. Goetz is a former editor for Leadership Journal, the leading periodical for pastors, and a former pastor. He writes for Christianity Today and was the general editor of The Pastor's Soul series, which was nominated for the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's Gold Medallion Book Award in 2000. He is president of CZ Marketing, a brand and strategy firm serving the nonprofit sector. Goetz lives with his family in Wheaton, Illinois.