swimming upstream by christine roush
What is it that makes us truly happy? In what way do see our culture at odds with what God has to say? Do Christians live their material lives any differently from non-Christians?
These are just some of the thought-provoking questions author Christine Roush asks in Swimming Upstream: Reflections on Consumerism and Culture.
As a committed Christian, Roush found herself wondering how she had become trapped in the vicious cycle of materialism that abounds in our culture today. After sitting down and seriously considering this question, she realized that what made her truly happy was spending time with her friends and family, not shopping or acquiring material goods. This is probably true for most people, so why are we so obsessed with having more?
In Swimming Upstream, each chapter introduces a concept about how Christians can begin to live counter-culturally. There are “Questions for further reflection” and also an “Action plan” where readers can complete simple follow-up exercises. At the end of each chapter there is a suggested reading list for those who want to explore the subject more deeply. Roush uses her own experiences as well as stories from friends and acquaintances. Whether discussing the stress that worrying about finances put on her marriage or reflecting on the absurdity of dragging her young children across town in search of the right Beanie Baby happy meal, Roush’s candid recognition of her own weaknesses are comforting.
Christians are supposed to live as Christ lived, with time for children, time for friends, and a life focused on God. Christine Roush is the last person to pass judgment on others, but in Swimming Upstream, she humbly reaches out to us and asks that we put down our credit cards and swim alongside her.
For further information visit the author's website at: www.SwimmingUpstream.net.
Swimming Upstream
Christine Roush
$15.00 paperback
ISBN: 978-159858-020-
116 pages
Dog Ear Publishing
Available at Ingram, Baker&Taylor, Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, Borders and fine bookstores everywhere
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
