Practical Distributism

Are you wondering what you can give this Christmas? I recommend Thomas Storck’s latest book, The Prosperity Gospel published by TAN Books. In it, he lays out the story of its subtitle: “How greed and bad philosophy distorted Christ’s teaching.” While this book mainly addresses this in the United States, it also applies to much of the Western world which has undergone the same philosophical shift.

This marvelous work that lays out the story of how American society shifted from the more traditional view, that the rewards for living according to the Faith would be realized in the next life, to the view that material success in this life is evidence that you must be living a life of Faith. This goes beyond the “name it and claim it” form of preaching that claims you will gain material riches if you have enough faith, especially if you express that faith by donating to the preacher. It is the belief that those with true faith will succeed in business, gain material wealth and social standing as a reward for being faithful.

Those familiar with the Gospel message may be scratching their heads in wonder at how this teaching could be derived from the Faith. Thomas Stork shows how this shift occurred in religion and society, the political and economic orders, education, science, and even art. While some may think this is more of a Protestant issue, he shows that this view has also been widely adopted by Catholics in these societies. He does this with his usual attention to detail and thorough explanations. These false views have become so ingrained in our social order that most people don’t even know the valid criticisms of the basic presumptions of our daily lives. This book is a cure for that.

In the end, this book is not merely a complaint about the errors and woes of society. It is a call to action for individuals of Faith, those who believe in the Gospel message. Both Protestants and Catholics used to hold and teach views completely contrary to the message of the Prosperity Gospel. We all need to examine how we approach our faiths to see where we have gone astray and put ourselves back on that Narrow Way to which we are all called in Christ. So, while you’re visiting TANbooks.com to get copies for friends and family, be sure to get a copy for yourself. If you click on his name in the About section of the Practical Distributism web site, you will find links to more of his books.

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