On Friday I’m reviewing a new book, Consumer Detox by my good friend Mark Powley. As a way of tempting you to pay attention to that, I thought I’d share the endorsements with you today:

“This book is not about guilt.  It’s about life. Many of us think we are alive, but we are really just breathing.  The things we own begin to control us like heroine, or like demons. Our possessions possess us and we find that the more we buy the less we become.  We end up the wealthiest and loneliest people in the world.  In this book, Powley exorcises the demons of consumerism and invites us to detox from our addiction to Mammon.  Mark refuses to accept the lie that happiness must be purchased.  It is a gift to be able to stand up and say with Powley, “I am a recovering consumer.”  And we are reminded in these pages that we are not alone.”

– Shane Claiborne, bestselling author, activist, and recovering sinner

“At the heart of our current environmental, societal, and financial crisis is a spiritual disease: the Western addiction to ‘stuff’.  In such a context ‘Consumer Detox’ is an important and urgent message.  However, Mark Powley is not a prophet of doom – his message is refreshingly practical and hopeful, offering a manifesto for a more celebratory lifestyle.  Count me in!’

Pete Greig, Alpha International / 24-7Prayer.com

“Mark Powley has hit the nail on the head with this book. There are few things more pressing than the need for Christians to wrestle with what it means to follow Jesus in our consumer-driven culture and I’m excited that Mark has found a way to help us to do this: a way that is thought-provoking and uncomfortable at times, but that is also inspiring and practical and that ultimately points us to a better way to live. Read this book, discuss it with others, put some of its suggestions into practice and you won’t regret it.”

– Ruth Valerio, author of L is for Lifestyle: Christian living that doesn’t cost the earth, and manager of A Rocha’s Living Lightly project.

“Mark Powley is a leader in a new generation of reliable guides and more than ever we need reliable guides. Consumer Detox offers twenty first century wisdom. It will make you laugh but its deadly serious – you may need to read it more than you realise.  It refuses the dominant operating system of urban cultures in the west but not in a reactionary or moralistic way.You will not be made to feel guilty or inadequate. No, you will be invited to live your life by a bigger story. You will be offered a grace fuelled vision for a flourishing life free of the deadening opiate of consumer materialism. Your imagination will be fired for deep repentance. At this moment I believe there is no more important book for those urban disciples determined to live a real life in obedience to Christ.”

Simon Downham – Vicar/Senior Pastor, St Paul’s Hammersmith

“I don’t often finish Christian books but I couldn’t put this one down!  It made me laugh out loud and shake my head in disbelief at some of the real life stories. As I finished the Detox, I didn’t feel guilty but challenged and excited – it’s all achievable! Every Christian should read this book.”

– Perry May Ward, contributing author of Simplicity, Love & Justice (Besom / Alpha International)

“A hugely enjoyable read that challenges us to look at how (and why) we live our lives. Consumer Detox is full of grace and wisdom rather than judgement or legalism.”

– Chris Ducker, Mission Partner, Moldova

“Consumer Detox is a great book: accessible, tender, personal and moving. It avoids being ‘preachy’ because Mark honestly explains his own struggles. At the same time, and more importantly, it is also subversive of our materialist values and very challenging because it shows what it means to claim to be a Christian.”

– Dr Alastair Duke, specialist in the European Reformation

“Powley is a physician. Surrender yourself to the messages of this book and you will be healed of a disease which has eaten the hearts of millions.”

– Simon Walker, Leadership Community

“Mark Powley tackles one of the most important challenges facing Christian discipleship in the west today with a deep understanding of both contemporary culture and Christian faith. This book is readable, clever, funny, and is full of simple, practical but radical wisdom. If the church took this agenda seriously, it could make a big difference.”

– Dr Graham Tomlin, Dean, St Mellitus College. London

“Please, please, please read this book. It will help you so much. Mark Powley has noticed what is going on in our culture and offers us a real yet astounding  way to live. Consumer Detox is crackling with life, full of insight, informative and yet non-judgemental. In a world where Lady Gaga is offering to change the world ‘one sequin at a time’ Consumer Detox brilliantly opens up a richer, fuller vision of how to live so we can be alive, generous and free.’”

–  Rev Dr Viv Thomas, Director of Formation and Teaching Pastor at St. Paul’s Hammersmith