Addicted to Mediocrity

20th Century Christians and the Arts

By: Franky Schaeffer

Narrated by: Nick Bernard

In this provocative book, Franky Schaeffer shows how Christians today have sacrificed the artistic prominence they enjoyed for centuries and settled instead for mediocrity. The evidence for this sad state of affairs abounds. We are flooded with "Christian" doodads, trinkets, tee shirts, bumper stickers, etc., that use God's name as an advertising slogan: "Things Go Better with Jesus", putting the Creator of the universe on the same level as soda pop!

Moreover, Schaeffer writes, "Whenever Christians, and evangelicals in particular, have attempted to 'reach the world' through the media, TV, film, publishing and so on, the thinking public gets the firm idea that, like soup in a bad restaurant, Christians' brains are best left unstirred."

©1981 Franky Schaeffer (P)1992 Blackstone Audiobooks

Mediocre at best

Frankly I found this book quite mediocre and kind of mean spirited and arrogant. I agree with the basic premise but the read was not edifying.

Arts Must Be Quality

I like that Franky doesn't just bash Christians' lack of quality in the arts, but really draws a line in the sand about quality in general. A few gems stuck with me, like his take on non-believers being called TO something. What is it? Is it sheep to call other sheep, or is it enjoyment in the life and creativity we are given? He sometimes goes a bit extreme with how much he downplays the importance of preaching and the church, but I like the concept of work and creativity being just as valid as missions and ministry.

Interesting points made

This book highlights the problem of compartmentalization in the Christian life. Indeed, for the authentic Christian disciple, there is no separation between life in all its complexity and faith. The Christian faith enlightens all the elements and expressions of everything that is human, yes, including the arts.

The induction to attend less Church services, I found troublesome. I still think that being part of a Christian community is a foundational biblical value that should be cherished.

Truth or Dare

Enjoyed the book a great deal, Why ? Because of the way in which Franky describes what Christians are willing to give up to lose their freedom in Christ in exchange for slavery to this worlds way of thinking.

Excellent Points, Lacks Delivery

Would you listen to Addicted to Mediocrity again? Why?

Frank Schaeffer is the son of Francis Schaeffer ("The God Who Is There", "How Shall We Then Live").While eloquently identifying the mediocrity of American evangelical Christianity in the realm of the arts, the Q&A section betrays a bellicose pomposity and self-aggrandizement that could have been omitted.I would consider Part 1 worth the price of admission and should be a worthwhile starting point for those who (like me) have been extremely troubled by the crass, artless and polarizing culture of American Evangelical Christianity.

What other book might you compare Addicted to Mediocrity to and why?

Schaeffer has made his point far better in other works like "Crazy for God" and "Patience With God".

Which character – as performed by Nick Bernard – was your favorite?

Bernard happens to favor Schaeffer vocally.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Part 1, early in the volume . . . I have had many of the same thoughts and felt quite alone and without ability to express them. The mediocre pablum that is Christian music is enough to fill a heart with despair.

Any additional comments?

Buy the book, skip Part II (Q&A).

Don't buy

Frankly Schaffer is not at all like his Father.
This book is a waste of time and money.
Frankly should tell people that is riding on his dad's coatails to make money.
Audible should not even have this book its titles.
I wasted my money on a lousy book.

Mediocre

Although the author makes some good arguments about Christianity, the arts, and how Christians have lost its influence in this realm, this book does a mediocre job, at best, in inspiring or motivating. On the other hand, what it does well is present a cynical and somewhat holier-than-thou criticism against the evangelical movement in America. The author loses the most credibility in his Q&A section of the book. First, when replying to a question about what the author thought was exemplary of good movie directors, he mentions movie producers like Kubrick, Coppola, and Woody Allen? C'mon, they do have good stuff, but what does this have to do with mediocre Christian arts? Lastly, I just about had it when he talked about how he raises his children in beauty by playing music, reading books to them, going to museums...oh and also bringing them along to picket abortion clinics?! The topic is compelling, I just wish the author make a better case and keep the politics out of the arts.