Gifts Glittering and Poisoned: Spectacle, Empire, and Metaphysics
Spectacles designed to capture our attention surround us. Marketing, movies, shopping malls, concerts, and virtual realities capture our imaginations and cultivate our desires. We live in a "society of the spectacle." However, is the power and prevalence of spectacle unique to the modern era? In the pages of Gifts Glittering and Poisoned, early Christian voices echo across the centuries to show that the society of the spectacle is not new. Our era resembles a time when the spectacular entertainments of ancient Rome had a profound effect on every aspect of social life. By drawing on the rich theology and witness of early Christianity, Gifts Glittering and Poisoned asks what it means for us to live in a new era of empire and spectacle. Through Augustine's description of the demonic, it shows how consumerism constructs a sophisticated symbolic order, a "society of the spectacle," that corrupts our deepest longings for God.
"Gifts Glittering and Poisoned is an astonishing read--and an
interdisciplinary tour de force that establishes Chanon Ross as one
of the most exciting practical theologians of his generation. Dense
and delicious as chocolate lava cake, this book begs to be savored,
line by unexpected line, as Ross reveals his unflinching gift for
seeing our contemporary reflection in the ancient Roman culture of
spectacle. Gifts Glittering and Poisoned is a dizzying and
exhilarating ride through pagan metaphysics, Augustinian views on
the demonic, Abercrombie and Fitch, ecstasy, vampires, Coldplay,
exorcism, American politics, and the Eucharist's power to turn
human consumption on its ear. These pages left me breathless,
convicted, and hopeful. Prepare to be amazed."
--Kenda Creasy Dean, Princeton Theological Seminary
"Gifts Glittering and Poisoned offers spot-on theology for
the contemporary church, a church disenchanted with disenchantment
but so often unaware of the idols by which we are bound. Ross takes
us on a journey of the spectacular from Augustine to Bono, and he
has the theological and spiritual insight to provide us with a sure
guide along the way."
--Beth Felker Jones, Wheaton College
"Chanon Ross sees connections the rest of us cannot--between
spectacle, then and now, between metaphysics and youth culture,
between postmodern theology and demons (of all things!). But once
he shows us, we cannot not see them. This book shows the mind of a
theologian and the heart of a pastor."
--Jason Byassee, Duke Divinity School
"Gifts Glittering and Poisoned is an astonishing read--and an
interdisciplinary tour de force that establishes Chanon Ross as one
of the most exciting practical theologians of his generation. Dense
and delicious as chocolate lava cake, this book begs to be savored,
line by unexpected line, as Ross reveals his unflinching gift for
seeing our contemporary reflection in the ancient Roman culture of
spectacle. Gifts Glittering and Poisoned is a dizzying and
exhilarating ride through pagan metaphysics, Augustinian views on
the demonic, Abercrombie and Fitch, ecstasy, vampires, Coldplay,
exorcism, American politics, and the Eucharist's power to turn
human consumption on its ear. These pages left me breathless,
convicted, and hopeful. Prepare to be amazed."
--Kenda Creasy Dean, Princeton Theological Seminary
"Gifts Glittering and Poisoned offers spot-on theology for
the contemporary church, a church disenchanted with disenchantment
but so often unaware of the idols by which we are bound. Ross takes
us on a journey of the spectacular from Augustine to Bono, and he
has the theological and spiritual insight to provide us with a sure
guide along the way."
--Beth Felker Jones, Wheaton College
"Chanon Ross sees connections the rest of us cannot--between
spectacle, then and now, between metaphysics and youth culture,
between postmodern theology and demons (of all things!). But once
he shows us, we cannot not see them. This book shows the mind of a
theologian and the heart of a pastor."
--Jason Byassee, Duke Divinity School
Product Details
- Title : Gifts Glittering and Poisoned: Spectacle, Empire, and Metaphysics
- Author: Ross, Chanon
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Publication Date: 2014
- ISBN: 9781630876692
Chanon Ross, PhD, is Director of the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary.