Scan barcode
tangerineteeth's review against another edition
Read in November 2020: https://hollograms.blogspot.com/2020/12/read-in-november-2020.html
toniapeckover's review against another edition
4.0
A re-read. Written in the late 70's, early 80's, Longacre asks us to look at every aspect of our lifestyle and consider if it is just and equitable. The treasure of this collection of essays, testimonies and advice is that much of it comes from people living in other countries - often impoverished countries. This brings a tremendous perspective shift that is necessary for the North American reader. It's amazingly timely and pointed advice, even though it was written forty years earlier.
ejdecoster's review against another edition
3.0
A bit dated in the specifics, but the overall advice is solid and thoughtful.
wrongvswrite's review against another edition
5.0
In addition to being a really interesting example of an updated edition of a book, this is a helpful resource. The original book has been updated and added to by multiple contributors and it features ideas submitted by many others. It is a book on the theology and praxis of simple living as more than a fad, from a Mennonite perspective.
robinlm's review
3.0
I found this book at ten thousand villages while perusing the usual exciting knick knacks. I bought it not realizing that it was a Christian-themed environmentalism book, so I was a little perplexed by the introduction. Once I'd realized the target audience, I wasn't so confused.
I think this book has a lot of nuggets of thought-provoking wisdom (even for non-Christians). I especially like the idea of 'nonconformity' in that it challenges the standard american ideals of excessive consumerism and trying to impress people you don't even know with your possessions; instead, you are encouraged to try to make changes that may seem extreme to others, and to seek a "less is more" support group so that you don't feel so crazy.
This book is not really a "how-to" book, rather it is a thought-provoking book. How can we think about the choices we make every day? Is it better to take the time to do more laborious tasks if it connects us with our community in a new way? Can we use our free time differently? Like biking to work instead of driving? I think America made a big mistake it the shift towards convenience, and we are left isolated from each other, grumpy, and spiritually hungry.
There are a few examples in the book of people trying to make a wise choice, but maybe not being successful, which I think is important. Environmentalism is not about perfection or "I'm greener than you!" it's about trying to change your life in manageable ways to have less impact on the environment.
I think this book has a lot of nuggets of thought-provoking wisdom (even for non-Christians). I especially like the idea of 'nonconformity' in that it challenges the standard american ideals of excessive consumerism and trying to impress people you don't even know with your possessions; instead, you are encouraged to try to make changes that may seem extreme to others, and to seek a "less is more" support group so that you don't feel so crazy.
This book is not really a "how-to" book, rather it is a thought-provoking book. How can we think about the choices we make every day? Is it better to take the time to do more laborious tasks if it connects us with our community in a new way? Can we use our free time differently? Like biking to work instead of driving? I think America made a big mistake it the shift towards convenience, and we are left isolated from each other, grumpy, and spiritually hungry.
There are a few examples in the book of people trying to make a wise choice, but maybe not being successful, which I think is important. Environmentalism is not about perfection or "I'm greener than you!" it's about trying to change your life in manageable ways to have less impact on the environment.
More...