Could living the American dream be killing you? Constantly treating chronic illnesses that seemed linked to the earth's increasingly diseased environment, physician Sleeth made a dramatic decision. Discover how his family gave away more than half their possessions, adopted a simpler lifestyle---and gained richer relationships, healthier bodies, and a deeper faith in Christ.
J. Matthew Sleeth was living the American dream as a medical chief of staff—until the increasing number of chronic illnesses he was witnessing gave him a new environmental awareness. In this book, Sleeth shares his family’s journey to simplicity, stronger relationships, and richer spiritual lives, and relates a prescription for sustainable living.
"…a great read on how individual Christians and their families can respond to God’s call for environmental stewardship." — Acton Institute
"…remarkable: elegantly written, theologically and scientifically acute, and not least, beautifully typeset and bound…. Serve God, Save the Planet is about much more than environmental activism…. [W]hat I took away from Sleeth’s book had less to do with the specifics of energy use and recycling than the hope that there is a better way to live as families: that it is possible to detoxify our technologized and hypermediated homes, and that our children will thank us for it…. Sleeth…is the perfect missionary for the environmental cause;….he recognizes, in time-honored evangelical style, that the most important battleground for any social change is the human heart…." — Books & Culture
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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1 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by L. Kelly (Stillwater, OK), October 28, 2008
This book has very few references for all the claims this author makes. Some of the points were relevant, but much of it seemed to be his own negative rhetoric. He doesn't realistically address the modern world and the bible verses used didn't seem to fit. If one has the patience to sift through it, some interesting points are made. This probably should have been an article -- not a book.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jan Stockton (Cincinnati, OH), July 23, 2008
Not everyone is ready to give up the dishwasher and the clothes dryer to reduce their impact on the environment. But the author makes it clear there are many ways Christians can do their part, especially here in the US where the abundance of so many things is taken for granted. Even if you're not ready to embrace popular theories about global warming, each of us has a God-given responsibility for prudent stewardship of all the resources at our disposal. The book includes formulas for home energy audits and discussion questions for study groups. Definitely worth reading.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by CJ Truesdale (Wheaton, IL), May 23, 2008
I loved Serve God, Save the Planet. It is about spiritual awakening, about living a simpler life, about making wiser lifestyle choices, about making conscientious decisions. Even if you aren't a religious person or an environmentalist it is enlightening and inspirational as well as educational. My son loved it so much he gave it to all his cousins for Christmas, we passed our copy around to all our neighbors and everyone who read it agreed it was inspirational.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Chelsea Werner (South Florida), April 29, 2008
I met Dr. Sleeth a few months ago when he came to South Florida. I just finished this book and I cannot fully communicate the appreciation I have for the truths he communicates. Everyone (especially Christians who aren't sure about the whole green/environmental thing) should read this. In the back of the book I have marked the things that I will be implementing into my life and have even made my own list of other ideas. I am encouraged and inspired; not in an in-the-moment emotional kind of way, but in Biblical, theologically sound way that is rooted in the heart of God and His heart for the earth. A great read for small groups, families, singles. Phenomenal book!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christy Lindsay (Jamestown, Pennsylvania), April 25, 2008
Dr. Sleeth's ideas changed my life. I used to think my grandma was crazy for line-drying her clothes and hand-washing her dishes. But I really enjoy watching my kids play outside while I hang clothes on the line, and my kids love to splash in the dishwater while I wash dishes. It's relaxing, and it saves money. We saved $30 on our electric bill the first month we stopped using our dryer and dishwasher. Plus, I switched to cloth diapers, and I'll save $600 this year by making this change.
Bottom line: these changes will make life a little more fun and relaxing, and you'll be honoring God's creation while you do your chores. Can't beat that!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Robin Miller Curras (Sparta, NJ), April 04, 2008
Serve God, Save the Planet is a call to Christians to act proactively and not reactively to crises in the way that we treat our planet. It's written in a manner that is personal, approachable, practical, and, praise the Lord, not preachy. Very well done!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Megan Farhall (Canada), March 29, 2008
I Couldn't put the book down. I have always been filled with hope for God's creation and Good overcoming, but lately I had begun to lose hope, and sight of God's promise. This book came into my life at the perfect time. It is not only an incredible read to return our hearts to the calling of stewardship, but also a humble, and inspiring way to live and raise our children in a world gone crazy. We can return to our roots, and honor God and the creation by simply living. And this book inspires us to do so. Highly recommend reading this book. Enjoy
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Liz Poston (Memphis, Tn), March 21, 2008
This book is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! I would have considered myself a bit of a "tree hugger" before reading this book, but after I read it, I realized I was not being the best tree hugger I could be, Especially as a Christian. We should be the ones setting an example for the rest of the world first and foremost! Dr. Sleeth's words have challenged and inspired me to change my life and live as a Christian example of what it is to care for the planet, God's planet as well as our fellow humans. Thank you Dr. Sleeth!
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