The Myth of the American Dream

Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety and Power

By: D.L. Mayfield

Narrated by: Nan McNamara

Affluence, autonomy, safety, and power. These are the central values of the American dream. But are they actually compatible with Jesus' command to love our neighbor as ourselves?

In essays grouped around these four values, D. L. Mayfield asks us to pay attention to the ways they shape our own choices, and the ways those choices affect our neighbors. Where did these values come from? How have they failed those on the edges of our society? And how can we disentangle ourselves from our culture's headlong pursuit of these values and live faithful lives of service to God and our neighbors?

©2020 Danielle Mayfield (P)2020 eChristian

Sooooo good. Powerful

I cannot say enough good about this book. It’s extremely timely right now with the Afghanistan crisis, Haitian earthquake, and ongoing racial and pandemic trauma.
DL’s insight into the immigrant and refugee experiences was powerful. I loved the portion about Jer 29:11. I loved the portion about schools and the harm it’s doing as white Christians homeschool and use private schools.
Her message reminds me of something I’ve found myself saying lately, “we belong to each other.” This is community.
Ps. Excellent writing!

Slow start but good read

My husband bought me this book and when I first began reading it, I had a difficult time understanding where the book was going. What direction was the author going to take. Overall it was a good book, a bit condemning and judgmental, but maybe that’s a bit of the point based on the topic. To be a child of God means to love your neighbor as yourself. This means regardless of color or creed, whether they wear a burka, speak other languages, or worship other Gods, love is love. She made many excellent points about this country and what is supposedly stands for, and as a black woman reading her book, I could relate to her many messages and appreciate the message she was putting out there.