Household Gods

by Ted Kluck, Kristin Kluck

In the midst of a Christian subculture that idolizes families, an evangelical history of overcelebrating families, and a secular culture that overprograms families, one American family identifies the danger they’re in the midst of and embarks on a radical adventure. Household Gods offers an examination of the culture that spawned family idolatry and the steps we can take to flee this idolatry and escape to the Cross.

Genres: Theology, Parenting, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2014

About the author

Ted Kluck writes on topics ranging from Mike Tyson to the Emergent Church. Ted has played professional indoor football, coached high school football, trained as a professional wrestler, served as a missionary, and taught writing courses at the college level.

Reviews

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simplicity! That was the word that ran through my mind as I read through this book by Ted Kluck and his bride, Kristin. The word "Simplicity" is not meant to mean fluffy, without any value, etc., but more so, a reference to how easy this book was to read and the simplicity of the application throughout the pages. In typical Kluck fashion (if you've read his books on the Emergent Church and Why We Love the Church, you'll understand), Ted provides a mixture of self-deprecating humor, as well as humorous points about culture and the church. The humor is excellent because it seems to accomplish the art of getting the reader to smile or chuckle and in the next breath think, "Ouch!", that's me, or "Wow, the church is not doing well and needs to change." Although this book would not rank in the top 120 favorite books I've read, I thought that the content could indeed provide a challenge to people who worship family, their reputation, pleasure, etc. In a way, I thought this book went well with two other books that I've read this summer. I thought that it would make a great Trilogy of sorts, starting off with Household Gods, followed up by Glory Hunger, and ending with Embracing Obscurity. If you are looking for an easy to read book, Household Gods might be a good starting point. It'll get you to think about your gods of choice and how to leave those gods to delight in the true and living God.

[Wesley and Fernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure quite what to expect from this book, but I figured I would find it interesting considering Ted Kluck is the author. I am quite pleased with what I've read.

The Klucks spend most of the book describing various ways we turn our families and family lifestyle into idols, such as with kids events, careers, etc. This is particularly poignant to me considering this past year has been filled with changes in family, career, and location. I need to be cautious that I don't turn these accomplishments into what truly fulfills me, but rather find my fulfillment in Christ and thank Him for these blessings in my life.

[Lori Wann · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are not a sports centered family, or even have much interest in viewing them, so I had a difficult time identifying with some of this book, though I understood the points being made. Ted’s writing style was easy to read and humorous. I appreciated his honesty and humility, and found myself enjoying the second half of the book better than the first. There were many good reminders/truths to be found: our value is not in our spouses, children, careers, image, finances etc but in who Christ is.

[Paul Herriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for all young families and couples. Ted Kluck uses himself as the poor example of all the pitfalls that await the "American Dream Family". The possibilities for idolatry are many for parents in today's culture. We can put so many good things above the great calling of God. This book is simple, it doesn't get dogged down in deep philosophical arguments or rule making, it is personal story with Biblical story as well.

[David Batten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and encouraging. I don't relate to a lot of his life situations, but just hearing the heart of another a man struggling to be a good husband, father, and follower of Christ was really encouraging. And Klucks word craft is always fun to read.

[Andy Huette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ted Kluck is funny. That, and he likes sports and enjoys poking fun at Christian subculture while remaining theologically legit, makes me enjoy his writing.

This book was a helpful reminder about some of the “acceptable sins” within the church and my own heart.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and honest

[Roger Leonhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to gravitate toward unusual books. Today, best sellers are usually "10 steps to this" or "three steps to that". Those kind books are about as deep as a thimble of water. They are soooo boring. Give me something I can sink my teeth into. When I saw this book, it really peaked my interest - How can family become an idol?

I think what drew me to listen to this book is the fact that in today’s society the family is derided so much. From the idiot dads, to the single parent households, the nuclear family is all but extinct. So how can it be placed as an idol when no one cares about it anymore?

If an idol is something we replace God with and the family is considered "out of date", how can it become an idol?

When starting this book, I felt I would be disappointed - Ho Hum, another Hipster Postmodern Neo-Calvinists whipping himself in public to show everyone how humble he is.

I WAS WRONG. What I saw here was a man who seemed to have it all, but was miserable because he placed his dream of a perfect family in the place of God’s will. In places, you can see the pain that both he and his wife have faced.

This idol of the family was created because of our culture’s desire to destroy the family. In many cases, the Christian pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction. We have placed family as such a priority, that all else pales in comparison.

How do we get our priorities right? Place God back on the throne! When we place Him first, all other things will fall into place.

All in all, this was a very good book. The narration was very well done and the sound was crisp and clear. They have Adam Verner (male) as narrator for Ted’s part and Amy Rubinate (female) for Kristin's. Both do a great job.

I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it, especially for those Hipster Postmodern Neo-Calvinists, of which I am a part of - minus the postmodern.


I highly recommend this audiobook and give it a 5 out of 5 star.

I enjoyed this book courtesy of the Christian Audio review program at http://christianaudio.com and received the audio book, free of charge, from ChristianAudio.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of Kluck's that I've read. Enjoyed it. Humorous and weighty at the same time. Risky business coming after one of the cherished idols of American Evangelicals, but handled well, I thought.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Well written and personable.
I really appreciate the author's effort here to take sin's of the heart seriously and to call out areas of potential idolatry in his own heart.

I struggle with how often anything that is a significant desire can be and so often is painted with a broad 'sin' & 'idolatry' brush in many recent Reformed writings. As an artist who has struggled with the issue of whether my artistic desires are idolatry or not I am afraid there is no adequate theological counterweight to the "lets call any sufficiently strong desire sin" tendency. I see no adequate reason BASED ON THE THEOLOGY not to treat any area of sufficiently strong desire as sin, simply as a protective measure, regardless of if is or not. I do believe this is inadequate theology. It may not exactly wrong but perhaps dangerously out-of-balance.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I doubt anyone could read this book without being challenged. I appreciated Kluck's candid writing about his own struggles. This book will expose common idols Christian families struggle with. A recommended read!

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most convicting books I've read in a while. Even though I am in the weird college-age stage between being a part of a family and having my own family, the Klucks expose my heart by being transparent with their own story.

[Susan Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rambling somewhat at the beginning, this book finally found its groove and did a good job of challenging the reader to consider idols in his/her life. I thought the final chapter the best..."A Chance to Lose Your Life". Serving, loving, forgiving, and confessing are so hard...and so worth it.