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Reviews
Addicted to Mediocrity: 20th Century Christians and the Arts by Kurt Mitchell, Franky Schaeffer
kybeaty's review against another edition
2.0
It's very much an opinion piece, which isn't a problem necessarily as I have seen and been frustrated with many of the same things he talks about over the years. The problem I have with this book is it essentially complains and lists everything wrong with christianity and the arts, but offers NO examples of solution or ideas on how we can change these things that frustrate. Opinion is presented as fact. I suppose looking at when it was written also dates some of the ideas in the book as creativity and arts within the church world has shifted quite a bit in the past several years. This is a short book but it started to feel like it dragged on.
lapingveno's review against another edition
5.0
This man comes after EVERYTHING! I have often found myself irritated at the vapidity of much of Christian literature/film/music/etc. (certainly not to say all; we do have our gems!), and it was refreshing to see that I am not alone in these opinions. It is hard to believe this book is as old as it is because it sounds as though it could have been written a week ago.
On a purely side note, I laughed aloud probably eight or nine times while reading this (impressive given its small page count); these pages practically ooze with satire. This guy is like the Christian Douglas Adams with some of his turns of phrase.
My only complaint about this book is that it is too short!
On a purely side note, I laughed aloud probably eight or nine times while reading this (impressive given its small page count); these pages practically ooze with satire. This guy is like the Christian Douglas Adams with some of his turns of phrase.
My only complaint about this book is that it is too short!
nickjonesreadsbooks's review against another edition
2.0
I agree with a lot of Franky Schaeffer’s points in this book. Christian movies, by and large, are terrible. Christian novels are often poorly written, riddled with stock characters, and are peppered with forced moral/biblical(?) messages. Etc. etc.
However, I found myself increasingly frustrated by the fact that Mr. Schaeffer wasn’t giving concrete examples. He spoke in broad generalizations and made blanket statements about what Christians should and shouldn’t do. He also talked a lot about Christian art being inferior without giving readers any kind of rubric to judge artistic value. Many people will say that Christian music today is crap… OK, but why is it crap? This is what Mr. Schaeffer didn’t do very well.
In the last half of his book he does offer some helpful answers to certain questions. One of those questions involves where to learn more about the subject, in which he recommends about 10 books. I guess you could say this book Is a treatise that points readers towards deeper territory.
However, I found myself increasingly frustrated by the fact that Mr. Schaeffer wasn’t giving concrete examples. He spoke in broad generalizations and made blanket statements about what Christians should and shouldn’t do. He also talked a lot about Christian art being inferior without giving readers any kind of rubric to judge artistic value. Many people will say that Christian music today is crap… OK, but why is it crap? This is what Mr. Schaeffer didn’t do very well.
In the last half of his book he does offer some helpful answers to certain questions. One of those questions involves where to learn more about the subject, in which he recommends about 10 books. I guess you could say this book Is a treatise that points readers towards deeper territory.
jerefi's review against another edition
2.0
I agree with some of what he is saying and I do appreciate the occasional slip into biting comments, but despite these things that made me literally giggle in agreement, I found the book rather unsatisfying. Do I agree with some points he made? Yes, but he doesn't back them up really. It feels more like a opinionated pamphlet than an actual debate. There were a few times where I felt some liberties were taken that I did not agree with. I also feel that it could have been improved greatly by the use of a thesaurus. Overall, I found it rather disappointing. Oh Kat: I cannot WAIT for you to read this so we can chat. Some of the giggles while reading were in anticipation of some of your reactions. Don't worry. It's short :0)
gitonga's review
5.0
Lots of gems in this short book. Plus a rich listing of resources and examples of great art.
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