Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling

In Culture Making Andy Crouch challenges Christians to step back from harsh critiques and condemnations of popular culture and instead calls them to lead in becoming culture makers. Often known for hasty attempts in "taking back" popular culture, Christians have too often formed an insufficient view of our culture at large. In turn, Crouch unpacks the complex inner workings of culture and gives believers tools for cultivating and creating culture by helping them to make sense of the world around us. With keen insight and the use of biblical exposition, Crouch demonstrates that creating culture is central to the Scriptural narrative, as well as to the ministry of Jesus and the call of the church. This groundbreaking book is sure to be a rallying cry for a new generation of culturally creative Christians.

Crouch, editorial director of the Christian Vision Project at Christianity Today International and a member of the editorial board for Books & Culture, gives readers a sweeping new theology of culture. Crouch blends academic research on the nature of culture with extensive theological study and years of experience as a cultural critic; his conclusions will be fresh and challenging for Christian readers. For Crouch, culture is a good and intentional part of God's creation. It encompasses not simply the arts but everything we do—from making meals to balancing work with life. Traditional Christian responses to culture—condemnation, critique and copying—are not enough to change it (although all at times are valid); instead, culture must be both cultivated (the good must be preserved) and created. Crouch argues that it is impossible for any of us to change the world, but that each of us can create culture within our own sphere of influence, and while that may feel small, God specializes in using small and seemingly unimportant things. Those who have struggled with the sacred-secular dichotomy will find this book life-giving; every Christian interested in changing culture should read it. (Aug.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

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Reviewed by Patti (Batavia, NY), September 06, 2008

Culture Making is the best I've read on culture and Christian responsibility. He is a gentle but forceful critic of the church's current and past failures. This is a must-read book for those of us who are tired of talking and ready for action. Crouch works through the story of humans as presented in the Bible to show God's work in developing human culture, whether it be words, omelets, art, government, or relationships. The author sets the scene and tells the story of culture, then rapidly sweeps the reader into this story, finishing with a heart-stopping, imagination-grabbing, challenge to go and make something of the world.

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