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(More customer reviews)I may be wrong. I truly HOPE that I am wrong. But, I suspect that some readers will not appreciate this book. It is academic. It includes sociological terminology. The scope of the author's research is to profile only one Californian church. It is definitely not a "how to" book, nor is it a particularly easy read.
Yet -- this is an EXCELLENT book. Here is the key to unlocking this book's value: "Hollywood Faith is not a comprehensive social history of Oasis, and it is not a how-to manual for spiritual revitalization. This book is a sociological interpretation of a church I believe IS SIGNIFICANT FOR UNDERSTANDING VITAL RELIGIOUS TRENDS TODAY" (page 19, emphasis mine).
For example - here's a trend. Throughout 2009, we have been dealing with a global recession. The bubble has burst. A critical question to be answered by Christian leaders today is: "How should our ministry adapt to the needs of our people during an economic time such as this?" Now, read: "Hollywood Faith". Here is a church where economic hardship and broken dreams has been a part of their context for years. These Christians "challenge laborers to reconsider their self-identity and their self-worth" (186). This Church has become a model of building authentic community among those who had huge dreams, but now are coming to terms with life's realities.
Other vital religious trends? Seeking as Christians to make a positive difference in reference to secular morality (e.g. Hollywood), rather than running and hiding from it. Or, developing multi-ethnic ministry that is truly welcoming and fun! Or, relating to 20-30's unchurched singles so that they feel connected to a local family.
Sincerely, thank you Gerardo for using the gifts God has given you. I cannot wait to read your next book!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Hollywood Faith: Holiness, Prosperity, and Ambition in a Los Angeles Church
In Christianity, as with most religions, attaining holiness and a higher spirituality while simultaneously pursuing worldly ideals such as fame and fortune is nearly impossible.So how do people pursuing careers in Hollywood's entertainment industry maintain their religious devotion without sacrificing their career goals?For some, the answer lies just two miles south of the historic center of Hollywood, California, at the Oasis Christian Center.In Hollywood Faith, Gerardo Marti shows how a multiracial evangelical congregation of 2,000 people accommodates itself to the entertainment industry and draws in many striving to succeed in this harsh and irreverent business. Oasis strategically sanctifies ambition and negotiates social change by promoting a new religious identity as "champion of life"-an identity that provides people who face difficult career choices and failed opportunities a sense of empowerment and endurance. The first book to provide an in-depth look at religion among the "creative class," Hollywood Faith will fascinate those interested in the modern evangelical movement and anyone who wants to understand how religion adapts to social change.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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