The Suburban Christian: Finding Spiritual Vitality in the Land of Plenty

by Albert Y. Hsu

Suburbia: Paradise or Wasteland? Suburbia is a place of spiritual yearnings. People come to suburbia looking for a fresh start, the second chance, a new life. It embodies the hopes and longings of its residents, dreams for the future, safety and security for their children, and the search for meaningful community and relationships. Yet much in our suburban world militates against such aspirations, and people find themselves isolated and alienated, trapped by consumerism and materialism. Is there hope for a Christian vision for the suburbs? Al Hsu unpacks the spiritual significance of suburbia and explores how suburban culture shapes how we live and practice our faith. With broad historical background and sociological analysis, Hsu offers practical insights for living Christianly in a suburban context. Probing such dynamics as commuting and consuming, he offers Christian alternatives for authentic spirituality, genuine community and relevant ministry. And he challenges suburban Christians to look beyond suburbia and marshal their resources toward urban and global justice. Suburbia may be one of the most significant mission fields of the twenty-first century. Here is guidance and hope for all who would seek the welfare of the suburbs.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Spirituality, Nonfiction

220 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2006

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My expectation was very low for this book because I really struggle with suburban Christianity, but the author challenged me to have a much more positive view of suburban Christians. We are all pursuing the same mission that Jesus declared, but will live it out according to the context in which we live. Hsu challenges all Christians to be intentional in their community and live out their faith publicly and not be pulled into the consumer culture of suburbs, but seek to use our resources to bless those around us. Overall a great book on the topic!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some of the book was a bit academic and dry, this was still a wonderful read. Albert Hsu is vulnerable and honest. His suggestions seem to come from personal experience. He writes as a suburbanite seeking spiritual vitality for himself and his family. This also challenged me to evaluate my life of plenty and to see God as to how He wants me to steward His blessings.

[Rob Markley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read that asks questions more than it answers them. Reflections from a working in Christian publishing living in suburbia and wondering

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found some of the history of suburbia old hat (its author admits to not being a sociologist), I still enjoyed reading a book that sets out to explain a culture and its effects on the people who live within it. I am grateful that the author set out to neither vilify nor glorify suburbia, but rather chose to present it as a neutral moral environment.

It had helpful and refreshing bits of advice on how a Christian can choose to live and think in suburbia. It also had a surprising chapter on the role of different churches -- the carious denominations need to pit themselves against one another for members or moral ground. Rather, each church, like each person, must limit itself to what it feels called to do in and for a community, without trying to do and be everything for everyone.

I generally found this book encouraging and thoughtful.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things of interest:

pg. 102 - American Academy of Pediatrics on deceptive advertising and its impact on children under 8.
pg. 105 - how to make a chronically dissatisfied adult...
pg. 106 - identity formed by the sports team
pg. 120 - TV time vs. family time (30 seconds a day talking to children)
pg. 141 - faith and prosperity
pg. 145 - suburbs and wilderness (center of attention)
pg. 169 - tailoring the Gospel to the culture...
pg. 172 - the pace of suburban life and the contemplative spiritual experience

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good information not only about being a Christian while living in the suburbs, but also how American suburban culture has evolved. I feel much better about my desire to live in the suburbs rather than the city. God has a place for me here.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my sanity during am nursing with Baby B! A fascinating sociological look at how suburbia came to be and its subtle influence on our lives. Could not put it down (except when needed to change his diapers :-).

[Joel Daniel Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like most of his conclusions about things that people living in the suburbs should think about in how they structure their lives. I don't agree, though, that the suburbs are quite as good of a thing as he tends to indicate.

[Chris Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

really practical, and i was amazed at how hsu has thought through some of the more difficult questions of our consumer, commuter age.

[Tasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't actuall say I read this. I stopped only several chapters in as it is the age old discussion on classism w/a Christian twist so it really didn't brin anything new to the table for me.