An Other Kingdom Departing The Consumer Culture

Everyday, our lives are bombarded with advertisements. From billboards to commercials, online pop-ups to social media influencers, consumer culture has permeated every aspect of our existence. The messages are clear: buy this, own that, and you will be happy and fulfilled. But what if there was an alternative? What if there was another way to view our relationship with the world and find true purpose and meaning?

Enter "An Other Kingdom," a departure from the consumer culture that dominates our society. Co-authored by Peter Block, Walter Brueggemann, and John McKnight, this thought-provoking book explores the possibility of a different social order, one that is based on belonging, generosity, and community. It challenges the notion that acquiring material possessions is the key to happiness and proposes an alternative path towards fulfillment.

In "An Other Kingdom," the authors argue that consumer culture perpetuates isolation and disconnection, emphasizing individualism over community. They suggest that our current way of living has led to a sense of powerlessness and despair, as we constantly strive for more but find ourselves unsatisfied. The book asks us to question the societal norms we have accepted and encourages us to re-imagine our relationship with each other and the environment.

An Other Kingdom: Departing the Consumer Culture

by Walter Brueggemann(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	636 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	124 pages
Item Weight	:	4.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.27 x 8 inches

FREE

One of the key concepts discussed in "An Other Kingdom" is the idea of belonging. The authors argue that consumer culture creates a false sense of belonging through the acquisition of material possessions, yet it fails to address our fundamental need for connection with others. They propose that true belonging can only be achieved through forming meaningful relationships and building strong communities.

Generosity is another central theme in "An Other Kingdom." The authors emphasize the importance of giving and sharing as a means of creating a more just and equitable society. They challenge the prevailing mindset of scarcity and competition, suggesting that abundance can be found by embracing a spirit of generosity and mutual support.

Furthermore, "An Other Kingdom" offers a critique of the current economic system. The authors argue that capitalism, with its focus on profit and efficiency, has led to the exploitation of people and resources. They propose that a different economic order, based on principles of sustainability and social responsibility, is necessary for a more just and equitable society.

So, how can we depart from the consumer culture and start building "An Other Kingdom"? The book provides practical suggestions for individuals, communities, and organizations to begin the transformation. It encourages us to reclaim our power and agency, to foster belonging and generosity, and to challenge the status quo.

"An Other Kingdom" is a thought-provoking and inspiring read for anyone seeking an alternative to the consumer culture that dominates our society. It challenges us to imagine a different way of living, one that prioritizes relationships, generosity, and community. In a world filled with messages of materialism and self-interest, this book offers a refreshing perspective and a call to action.

Departing the consumer culture is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one. As individuals, we can start by examining our own consumption habits and questioning whether our purchases truly align with our values. We can seek out opportunities for connection and belonging, whether through joining community organizations or participating in local events. By embracing generosity and sharing our resources, we can contribute to a more equitable society.

On a larger scale, we need to challenge the systems and institutions that perpetuate consumer culture. This may involve advocating for policies that support sustainability and social justice, supporting local businesses and initiatives, and engaging in collective action with like-minded individuals.

Ultimately, departing from the consumer culture requires a shift in mindset and values. It requires us to prioritize relationships and community over material possessions. "An Other Kingdom" provides a roadmap for this transformation, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance.

It is time to imagine a world beyond consumer culture, where our worth is not determined by what we own but by how we contribute to the well-being of others. "An Other Kingdom" invites us to embark on this journey and discover a new way of living, one that values connection, generosity, and shared purpose. Are you ready to depart from the consumer culture and join the movement towards "An Other Kingdom"?

An Other Kingdom: Departing the Consumer Culture

by Walter Brueggemann(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	636 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	124 pages
Item Weight	:	4.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.27 x 8 inches

FREE

Our seduction into beliefs in competition, scarcity, and acquisition are producing too many casualties. We need to depart a kingdom that creates isolation, polarized debate, an exhausted planet, and violence that comes with the will to empire. The abbreviation of this empire is called a consumer culture.

We think the free market ideology that surrounds us is true and inevitable and represents progress. We are called to better adapt, be more agile, more lean, more schooled, more, more, more. Give it up. There is no such thing as customer satisfaction.

We need a new narrative, a shift in our thinking and speaking. An Other Kingdom takes us out of a culture of addictive consumption into a place where life is ours to create together.  This satisfying way depends upon a neighborly covenant—an agreement that we together, will better raise our children, be healthy, be connected, be safe, and provide a livelihood. The neighborly covenant has a different language than market-hype. It speaks instead in a sacred tongue.

Authors Peter Block, Walter Brueggemann, and John McKnight invite you on a journey of departure from our consumer market culture, with its constellations of empire and control. Discover an alternative set of beliefs that have the capacity to evoke a culture where poverty, violence, and shrinking well-being are not inevitable—a culture in which the social order produces enough for all. They ask you to consider this other kingdom. To participate in this modern exodus towards a modern community. To awaken its beginnings are all around us. An Other Kingdom outlines this journey to construct a future outside the systems world of solutions.