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16th out of 18 books
—
15 voters
Addicted to Mediocrity: Contemporary Christians and the Arts
In this provocative book, Franky Schaeffer shows how Christians today have sacrificed the artistic prominence they enjoyed for centuries and settled instead for mediocrity. The evidence for this sad state of affairs abounds. We are flooded with "Christian" doodads, trinkets, t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc., that use God's name as an advertising slogan--"Things Go Better wi...more
Paperback, 128 pages
Published
February 1st 1981
by Crossway Books
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First, I LOVE Francis Schaeffer's books and worldview. I have yet to read anything I don't like by him. This has been on my to read list since college and I'm glad I finally read it.
I think it will be a book I read and re-read. There is much wisdom in this tiny little book.
Some of my favorite quotes were:
1. Art needs no justification.
2. Christians should add to integrity and quality in all areas of art.
3. Christ redeems our work (art).
4. (paraphrased) There is no need for slogans, propoganda, o...more
I think it will be a book I read and re-read. There is much wisdom in this tiny little book.
Some of my favorite quotes were:
1. Art needs no justification.
2. Christians should add to integrity and quality in all areas of art.
3. Christ redeems our work (art).
4. (paraphrased) There is no need for slogans, propoganda, o...more
Aug 02, 2008
Jaeyde
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Christians who don't understand why everyone thinks Thomas Kincaid is lame
Recommended to Jaeyde by:
Daddy
Shelves:
art,
mass-media
An important message packed into a beautifully short package, however, this only gets 3 stars for a few reasons:
1) important message, but DUH. maybe it's not so obvious to some people, but for me the whole thing was a "no duh" experience.
2) i didn't feel like there were many solutions offered, and those that were put forth were pretty vague.
1) important message, but DUH. maybe it's not so obvious to some people, but for me the whole thing was a "no duh" experience.
2) i didn't feel like there were many solutions offered, and those that were put forth were pretty vague.
While I agree with the premise of this book, I personally found it to be an overlong read, despite its already short (127 pages) length. Once you reach agreement with the book's basic propositions, the rest seems somewhat repetitive.
Gave me some stuff to think about. Enjoyed it. Too bad he has pretty much abandoned the faith.
"Today, Christian endeavor in the arts is typified by the contents of your local Christian bookstore-accessories-paraphernalia shop. For the coffee table we have a set of praying hands made out of some sort of pressed muck. Christian posters are ready to adorn your walls with suitable Christian graffiti to sanctify them and make them a justifiable expense. Perhaps a little plastic cube with a mustard seed entombed within to boost your understanding of faith. And as if this were not enough, a too...more
Frank, or "Franky" Schaeffer is quite the interesting fellow. His very first book, Addicted to Mediocrity: Contemporary Christians and the Arts, explores and attacks the currently low view with which most, who hold to Christianity, still look upon the Arts. Written back in 1980, Schaeffer's criticisms of modern Christianity's interaction with the Arts are still legitimate today. Even some of the cartoons Kurt Mitchell illustrated for the book have proved weirdly prophetic (like one of a "Holy La...more
Really liked this one. A great critique on the sad state of Evangelical Christianity and the Arts in our day. Fortunately there are strong movements out there to counteract this trend, but it can still be seen today. Just visit your local Christian bookstore sometime.
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...more
Dec 26, 2010
Jamie Gosney
added it
Everyone involved in the Christian music industry or anyone who happens to be a Christian and who is an artist of any nature, and has been frustrated by the utter mediocrity that Church puts forward as art or creativity, should read this book.
Reccomend to anyone. Christian or skeptic, artist or athlete this book is wonderful. Gave me confidence again to pursue what the Creater designed me to create....still working on the whole confidence thing though ;)
May 02, 2012
Kendra Beth
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kendra Beth by:
no one. Now I know why.
Shelves:
religion,
social-world-political
gag. I just can't do it. I'm sorry. Frank Schaeffer has some really good points, but it's thoroughly embedded in some extreme cynicism. Not very edifying.
P.S. I did not finish the book.
P.S. I did not finish the book.
It was an okay book. Few interesting ideas about the correlation between the arts and the church. Brings attention to the lack of focus in Christian culture on this issue.
If I remember, this book was written decades ago. Agreed with some of the points made in it. Sadly, some of his cultural commentary still aplies, decades later.
Back when Franky still believed the Bible and what it stood for.
The book is good in a general kind of way. However, it is not earth shattering stuff.
The book is good in a general kind of way. However, it is not earth shattering stuff.
Pretty good book, though I can't say much good for the guy now, as he is trashing his parents without cause...
Apr 30, 2009
Richard Gray
added it
The first book I read which influenced my worldview.
I really struggled about what to rate this book. On the one hand, I agree with a portion of the author's premise. Christain "art" is terrible, full stop. OTOH, the author is an arrogant sonuvabitch. I literally gasped and laughed out loud in a crowded theatre at intermission, causing everyone around me to think I was a loony. But then, they already thought that because I was singing along when invited to do so, but I digres...
I'm going to send this book to my mother. That should give us somethin...more
I'm going to send this book to my mother. That should give us somethin...more
I only got a few pages in. This book wasn't what I was expecting it to be.
I grasp this mindset!
Slightly repetitive but an important message. Is there an updated edition? This needs rewriting with more modern examples.
Dated. Things have moved on, you need not read this book.
Decent content...but 'old news' by now. This thinking has been pretty established in churches now, but I think we see new problems, which this couldn't forsee, arising.
a stinging indictment on the state of Christianity and the Arts. The artistic vision of Schaeffer is lacking however. Great critique, though
I mostly read this as a prelude to his memoir Crazy for God but it does offer some insight into the triteness of Christian culture.
A good book, several strong statements that weren't as obvious at the time of writing.
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