Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much

Author: Ashley Hales

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Publication Date: 10-23-18

Format: Paperback

Length: 184 pages

OVERVIEW

We know we can serve God in remote places, which brings many challenges. We know we can serve God in cities, which brings other kinds of challenges. But what about serving God in the suburbs—areas defined by the comfort they bring? Ashley Hales argues that Christians can serve God just as well in a suburban environment as anywhere else, and she unpacks the particular challenges people must overcome to serve God well in that environment.

Hales deals with problems that don’t initially seem like problems at all. What could be wrong with being comfortable? In fact, Hales shows throughout the book that suburbia’s material advantages genuinely create spiritual problems over time. Being busy becomes measuring ones value by what one can accomplish, not about working well for God. Having the money to live well leads to the feeling that one doesn’t need God, as opposed to using that money to serve God. Hales couples her explanation of how these small, unspoken sins create issues with practical insights on how people can face them. The result is a humbling yet empowering book that every suburban dweller should read.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians living in the suburbs, Christians interested in learning to do ministry in middle-class areas.

Christian Impact

This book will convict and instruct middle-class Christians to serve God and pursue mature faith in their surroundings.

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