There are many spiritual seekers lost in the seemingly unreal world of the suburbs. Instead of attending meditation retreats or studying religious doctrine, they find themselves driving carpools and coaching soccer.
David L. Goetz, a former pastor, shows that the suburbs are a real world, but a spiritually corrosive one. Suburbanites need to understand how their environment affects them and what is necessary for faith to survive and thrive. Goetz identifies eight toxins in the suburban life, including hyper-competition and the "transactional" friendship, and suggests eight corresponding disciplines to keep spiritual life authentic. In Death by Suburb, Goetz weaves together the wisdom of the spiritual masters, sociological studies, his own experiences, and a little humor to create the perfect guide to help suburbanites find God amidst yard sales, strip-malls, and cul-de-sacs.
David L. Goetz is a former editor with Leadership Journal, the leading periodical for pastors. He speaks at retreats and workshops and writes regularly for magazines such as Christianity Today and Christian History. He was also the general editor for the Pastor's Soul series, which was nominated for the Gold Medallion Award, as well as Leadership Devotions and Leadership Meditations. He is the president of CZ Marketing, an internet-based branding agency.
"It's hard to argue with the antidote he proposes: a return to the classic spiritual practices, such as prayer, solitude, silence and the keeping of the Sabbath. Mr. Goetz envisions a 'thicker life, ' looking beyond the comfort and predictability of suburban rhythms for a sense of mystery and deeper experience."
- Dallas Morning News--Columbus Dispatch
