REVIEW: "Scrolling Ourselves to Death" by Brett McCracken
About the Book:
✦ Title: Scrolling Ourselves to Death
✦ Author: Brett McCracken
✦ Genre: Christian nonfiction
✦ Series: A standalone book
✦ Recommend for: 14+
My Personal Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 Synopsis
The rapid advance of digital technology is reshaping our world and warping our minds. The onslaught of social media and smartphones has brought an appetite for distraction, an epidemic of loneliness, and increased rates of mental unhealth. For Christians, the digital revolution has profound implications for spiritual formation and mission. How should believers respond to the theological and discipleship challenges of scrolling life?
On the 40th anniversary of Neil Postman's prophetic book Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985), Scrolling Ourselves to Death gathers today's most incisive writers to think critically about the shaping power of contemporary technology. This book explores Postman's insights, connects them to the challenges facing Christians today, and turns difficult challenges into life-giving opportunities for the church. Stepping back from their screens, listeners will be equipped to live faithfully, and grow spiritually, in a "scrolling ourselves to death" world.
💭 My thoughts
This was an overall excellent look at the digital revolution, how society is being affected, and what we as Christians can do to honor God in this area of our lives.
This book is a compilation of chapters written by many different contributors, which was a pro and a con. At times, it didn't flow all that smoothly, but at the same time I appreciated all the different insights from various writers. In addition, the introduction makes it clear that this book is heavily inspired by Postman's Amusing Ourselves to Death, and the many references to Postman's work made me want to read the older book as soon as possible.
I really liked how Scrolling Ourselves to Death forced me to rethink how I'm spending my time and the effect modern technology has had on me and the world at large. There were so many parts that gave me such deep food for thought and a desire to change!
An incredibly thought-provoking, educational, much-needed work for today. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has ever caught themselves scrolling online!
*I received this book for free from the publisher (Crossway) in exchange for this honest review.
Bookishly yours,
Lottie M
