In Feeding Your Appetites, Stephen Arterburn looks at how we so frequently satisfy our healthy, God-given urges with unhealthy things (or in unhealthy ways) that can lead to addiction, depression, and worse. Money, food, power, sex, work, pleasure, possessions- due to our fallen nature, we can allow these areas to take over our lives (and destroy them) if we're not careful. He then puts forwards tips for true satisfaction- feeding our appetites in ways that are healthy and in keeping with God's commandments.
The book is okay. I agree with many of the claims put forward by the author- that our appetites aren't inherently bad, but must be bounded as decreed in Scripture. I disagreed with two primary things:
- some recommendations seemed like they could trade one problem for another. For example, he recommends getting a new hobby or pampering yourself instead of falling into bad habits. While that may help cure a given problem, it could create new ones (like addictions to new hobbies or self-love). It doesn't deal with the root of the matter- just fruit.
- he hints at a 'prosperity gospel' viewpoint that is prevalent among some today (like Joel Osteen)- this idea that "obey and God showers you with good things." It can very easily be twisted, and take away the sacrifice of Christ to become a works-based faith. In addition, it's not always true- in Scripture, plenty of holy, God-fearing people endured terrible situations that were not due to specific elements of disobedience on their part. Some Christians don't get that- God uses all things for our benefit, whether or not we like it (or know it) at the time. So, "obey and all will be well" can be deceptive- and even wrong.
Overall, there was some truth here, but I suspect better works on this topic exist.
Rating: C
No comments:
Post a Comment