The Divine Commodity

Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity

By: Skye Jethani

Narrated by: Tom Casaletto

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

The human imagination is the key battleground in the conflict between the kingdom of God and the consumer culture.

Drawing from the vivid imaginations of Impressionist painters, particularly Vincent van Gogh, each chapter of The Divine Commodity uses personal narrative, biblical exposition, and cultural observation to show how consumerism has shaped our faith, and then challenges the listener to use their sanctified imagination to envision an alternative way of expressing the Christian life in our culture.

©2009 Skye Jethani (P)2009 Zondervan

Good topic

I'm not sure why sky didn't narrate this himself. If you like this listen to him on the Phil Vischer podcasts.

Wow, this was good!

This book was sobering, challenging, insightful, and hopeful. It’s what I needed to hear as a 20 something believer in this contemporary time of 2023. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS. It’s length means just about everyone can and should read it, Christians and non-Christians alike. For believers it will hopefully challenge you the same way it did me. For people who would not call themselves “Christian” or have even been hurt by the church, it reveals a deep seeded corruption at work within American Christianity.

What Every Christian in America needs to know...about him/herself

I had read Jethani's "With" and loved it- I had started reading "Futureville,"his latest--why has it taken me so long to read his first book?! I also have purchased the paperback so I can actually use it, along with the Bible to grow out of my consumer worldview. A must-read!

Something of Substance Throughout

Jethani seems to me to be an excellent thinker and writer and many of his observations and thoughts seem very Holy Spirit led. So often, when reading a non-fiction book, one reads the first 3 or 4 chapters and it seems that the rest of the book is devoted to a basic repetition of the same thoughts given in those first few chapters. Not true here. There is something to chew on in the beginning, middle, and to the very end. This is an important critique that we should all take to heart. Jethani widely counsels us to look first to how consumerism has twisted our own view of God and the church.

Thought Provoking

The Divine Commodity is made me question what is being served up as faith in most US churches. As a skeptic that is reconsidering and exploring my Christian faith, I found The Divine Commodity insightful, inspirational and thought provoking. I thought the narration was well done, but after hearing the author Skye Jethani in podcasts, I would prefer that Skye narrates the books he authors.

Outstanding Reading!

Would you listen to The Divine Commodity again? Why?

I would read it again, I actually like it so much that I listen to every chapter twice!

What other book might you compare The Divine Commodity to and why?

I wouldn't compare with another book cause I have never a really good book about this subject before so for me this book is unique and a exceptional work.

What does Tom Casaletto bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Tom has a calm and comforting voice that really helps me focus and relax while I listen to the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Vincent Van Gogh love for people and true commitment to the mission of preaching the Gospel with genuine love.

Any additional comments?

Read this book, you might enjoy the stars or a sunset more than you used to do before.