PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities

Many times I’ve pointed out the lifestyles of church leaders. Driving luxury cars, flying in private jets, living in mansions, and even expensive sneakers. I feel most people i mention it to try and tell me my thoughts are wrong. It was nice hearing I’m not alone. That said the last few chapters felt like Ben was apologizing for calling out these preachers. I don’t believe there is need for apology’s

I was slightly disappointed by this, expecting it to be about the shortcomings of religion in general and Christianity in particular. But the author is in fact a committed Christian (of the sort that I might be if I were a Christian). And his beef is not with religion as such but with the way it's been perverted in recent years, with celebrity preachers, Republican politics and, especially, the "prosperity gospel." Apparently there's a wide belief that if you give money to some guy on television or in a local megachurch, you'll end up being financially blessed yourself (or rather #blessed, as the meme now goes). Like an investment. Somehow, I don't think this is what Jesus was promoting.The emphasis in the book is not on the small number of big-time scammers with Lear Jets and air-conditioned doghouses, but with the much broader class of preachers who get rich enough for $1000 sneakers and fancy cars (until their adultery scandal comes along).The book is worth reading if only for it's enlightening picture of "sneaker culture." I had no idea that this was a thing! Why would somebody pay $1000 for a sneaker? It's not workmanship or comfort or durability or the ability to jump like Michael Jordan. This is a fashion phenomenon, with cleverly manipulated prices, by both manufacturers and resellers. It's sort of like Beany Babies, or Pokemon cards. Or tulips in 17th century Holland. The author provides us with an entertaining picture of the never-ending parade of human gulllibility.

Ben does an excellent job of bringing issues to light that I have struggled with for years. Having attended several churches over the years with the overtones of theater and spectacle, I now have all kinds of trouble with churches spending wads of money for what appears to me to be nothing more than show.I spent quite a few years in non-denoms that preached the prosperity gospel- give to get, God's blessings come in bigger cars and fancier houses. Where is Jesus in all this? Where is the ministry to those in need? To me, it's all showmanship. Ben brings up loads of excellent points, questioning the motives behind all this conspicuous consumption.It was after watching the documentary Hillsong Exposed on Discovery Plus that I went looking for Ben's book. Glad I did.

Most authors of this ilk write from a viewpoint of conclusions; however, this is not the case with this book. You find yourself sitting with Kirby in the kayak of confusion as the converging whitewater rapids of culture and Christianity collide together. Anyway, that is where I found myself as I read this book, and it was a good place to be because the issues that are brought up in this book have been mostly treated as taboo in the faith community. I have seen them, felt them (I never knew anyone else had a “Harley moment” too! This was comforting), and pushed them to the back of my mind until this book brought them to the forefront. The author makes no secret of the fact that he has not yet achieved full clarity on the matters, but he does a good job of initiating the conversation and wrestling with the ethical and spiritual implications. Written with intelligence, candor, and honesty, this book is a doorway into a subject worthy of reflection.

I’m so sorry all you found was fault.The one who seeks will find.Proverbs 11.27 says: whoever seeks good finds favour, but evil comes to one who searches for it.Maybe you’re not a writer and have no clue how hard it is to be authentic, because I know how easy it is for some will use it against you, but if it touches one soul for the Kingdom, I consider it worth it.

As a non-American and a Christian who is not active in church, I expected a little how a megachurch can be so extravagant. I can't really say much about my country, but I bet the big churches here would be the same. The difference is, we're the minorities here so it might be not as viral as the churches in US. I want to say I am one of those people who somehow has God's grace to have enough money to fulfill my everyday life to the point that I am a slave of materialistic things. This book might as well be a reminder for me and I just wish I can always remember how those were just worldly wealth. I followed preachersneakers before I bought this book and I just like Ben Kirby's attitude to called out those famous pastors that might or may not be on purpose displayed distorted way of portraying themselves as a humble Christian. Of course this could also be a lesson for myself about my own sin.

Whether this book was written for a Gen Z audience or one who likes to read blogs, it went from trying to be funny, trying to be deep (like "bible study" questions at the end of each chapter), to self deprecating humor consistently, and other perhaps comedic references to people I had no idea who they were. If it had stayed light hearted, fine. I expected a consistently deeper read from listening to the author being interviewed. He sounded great and what he had to talk about (basically the internal church marketing/selling machine) was fascinating. But the constant bizarre quips made me feel like someone had approached the author during the heightened Instagram fame and said hey write a book. But make it long and make sure you can sell to your/a Christian audience. I wouldn't recommend it, rather listen to the audio interviews of the author.

Loved this book, particularly the chapter about our social media habits.Kirby manages to ask questions and raise issues that may make you feel uncomfortable, but then goes deeper to find out why and what we can do about it.The book is a mirror that shows you a perspective of yourself and the church that you may not love, but begs for authenticity and encourages us to find and champion the Jesus reflected in all of us.+1 for the writing style - heaps of fun to read!

A hilarious, thoughtful takedown of the prosperity gospel and overconsumption by Christian worship leaders in general. I had been a fan of Ben's Instagram account before but the book adds a dimension that encourages real thought and discussion, even beyond the (well thought out) group discussion questions. There is something for everyone in this book and I have recommended it to multiple people.