Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power Hardcover – September 6, 2013

I have been waiting for a book like “Playing God” by Andy Crouch for years now, since I got more serious about reading (and applying what I read). There really is not a lot out there on Christian non-fiction related to the notion of “power”. It’s discussed somewhat in philosophy circles and even some theological circles, but even then it is under the umbrella of discussions around politics, economics, or social justice. All that is well and good, Crouch would say, but where is God in the midst of it and what do normal, everyday Christians, do with any of that? In his book, Crouch offers an excellent portrayal and exposition of key narratives and events in the Bible within the meta-narrative scope of human history and experience. He also reflects deeply, yet with pristine precision of making sure his reading audience “gets it” a thought provoking and powerful (pardon the pun) discussion of power – its misuse and we can get regain or use it once more for good. Each chapter builds on its predecessor, with a common theme going through that of “idolatry and injustice”. This, argues Crouch, is at the core of what is really going on here. Why is it that “institutions” misuse their power? Idolatry and injustice. Why do some instigate violence as a means of power? Idolatry and injustice. Why do some use their privilege (which is not inherently evil) for evil instead of good? Idolatry and injustice. The book talks about relatively “heady” objects of discourse, but in insightful and transparent ways – often times Crouch brings in personal examples in his life, which is always a good way to grab a reader’s interest (words without actions are just words). The climax of the book is toward the end with an exposition of “Sabbath” and its coattails of discussing “gleaning”, “jubilee” and even “sabbatical”. It’s refreshing in a book like this that even while one can get frustrated at “the world” for being the way it is (and not installing an economic system of jubilee for example), it is also encouraging that the Christian can understand all of this in the grand crescendo of eschatology (end times). Satan’s temptation to “be like God” in the beginning will only run its course for so long until we celebrate and worship our benevolent King near the flourishing Tree of Life. My only critique, if you want to call it that even, is that I think more attention could be spent discussing the “principalities and powers” that one finds in other exhortations on power; such as that of Walter Wink’s trilogy of books examining that very subject. “Principalities and powers” are only alluded to briefly by Crouch. Personally, I would have loved to see such a sharp and applicable thinker like Crouch discuss this concept more. Apart from that, this book filled in a lot of gaps in my thinking about this matter. I find it extremely pragmatic for the everyday layman who also seeks to fill in those same gaps. I will be giving away copies of this book to friends for Christmas with a note to say: If you apply elements of this book into your business and ministry life, you will fail in the eyes of the world but succeed for eternity in the eyes of our Lord.

Andy Crouch can write. This book -- like his first book "Creating Culture" -- is far from light reading, but he has the gift -- or is the learned skill? -- or both! -- of making extremely complex issues and arguments understandable. His prose is a pleasure to read even if the content was not particularly significant: but, of course, the content of this book is, indeed, very significant. His illustrations are often personal and always memorable.In "Creating Culture," Crouch argued that Christians should not simply analyze or copy or consume the culture around us, but should, instead, be culture makers, culture creators. In "Playing God," Crouch again challenges the conventional -- and virtually universally accepted (both among Christians and non-Christians) -- belief that, as Lord Acton wrote, "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Instead, Crouch argues that power is on display from the very beginning of the Bible when God says, "Let there be....," and that what God created was good -- even very good (in the case of men and women), and that while power can be abused, it is not, in and of itself, bad -- and it can be very good.Crouch certainly recognizes that power can be abused, and he gives powerful examples of some of the worst abuses of power in the world today: bonded slavery and the human trafficking phenomenon throughout the world. But he argues that the remedy for this is often simply the encouragement of those who have power but, for whatever reason, refuse (often passively) to exercise it on behalf of justice. Crouch highlights, as he did in "Creating Culture", the work of International Justice Mission, but in "Playing God," he applauds that organization's work in prodding local police and other government officials to exercise the power they already have to bring about freedom for those who have been abused as well as bring to justice those who have abused their power.It is not often that I say to myself, as I am reading the book, "I know I will read this book again, and much more slowly the second time," but I said that very thing several times as I read. Rather than give away more of Crouch's arguments, I will simply end by encouraging readers to read this book slowly (unless, like me, you cannot read a book slowly the first time!) and prepare to be moved, encouraged and motivated not to run away from power, but as one made in the image of a loving, good, God, live out that image -- including the exercise of the power the Creator has given each of us -- in ways that will help the entire creation flourish. Highly recommended.

This book gives a fantastic perspective on how to live life to prepare your self for when life changes. Lindsay speaks about how you can practice every day to prepare your self for when life throws a curve ball. I loved this book because I am a college student who is going through a hinge moment and this book is a great reminder to remember that change takes time, and being aware of those steps will help change go smoother. THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!

Well worth the read. It explores not only the dynamics of power, but also the solutions that Christianity offers to counter the damaging effects that power can have on us. It revolutionized my life and I often refer to its content. A must read.

I saw Andy in action giving a talk on Faith, Creation and the economy. And their need for each other. Now I know where his material came from. Read this book!