The Myth of The American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power
D.L. Mayfield (InterVarsity Press)
In The Myth of The American Dream, D.L. Mayfield says she wants to be a poet more than a prophet. Clearly, she is both, because her book beautifully confronts the major idols of white, middle-class evangelicalism. Mayfield explores whether pursuit of the American Dream (the quest for affluence, autonomy, safety and power) is antithetical to the pursuit of the kingdom of God and the shalom and peace found there.
The book is divided into four parts with 25 essays calling Christians to pay attention to their neighbors, especially the refugees, widows, orphans and minority communities for whom the gospel of the American Dream has not been good news.
The Myth of The American Dream is a book of lament, but it also is a book of hope calling us to keep our eyes on the resurrection and redemption to come. You will disagree, you may even get angry, but maybe it’s because there is some truth and conviction we all need. This book will help you pay attention to the work of God in unlikely places, to see all those made in God’s image as precious, and to seeking first his kingdom.
Zac Harrel, pastor
First Baptist Church
Gustine .
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