Death by Suburb - Annotated by Dave L Goetz (Paperback)

About the Book

From the Back Cover

A great number of seekers find themselves in the seemingly unreal world of the suburbs. They read spirituality books but find themselves in carpools and coaching soccer, not in monasteries. Dave Goetz, a former pastor, shows that the suburbs are a real world, but a spiritually corrosive one. The land of SUVs and soccer leagues can truly be toxic to the soul. Suburbanites need to understand how the environment affects them and what spiritual disciplines are needed for their faith to survive and thrive. Goetz identifies eight toxins in the suburban life, such as hyper-competition and the "transactional" friendship, and suggests eight corresponding disciplines to keep the spiritual life authentic. Goetz weaves sociology studies, his own experiences, current events, wisdom of the spiritual masters, and a little humor to equip spiritual suburbanites for how to relate to God amidst Starbucks, strip-malls, and perfect lawns.

Review Quotes

"Death by Suburb addresses and overcomes the split in our religion, our lifestyles, and even our consciousness." - Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., author of Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer

"Goetz lets the shadows of the suburbs show and evokes a thicker sense of our social and religious worlds." - Leigh Schmidt, Princeton University, author of Restless Souls: The Making of American Spirituality

"God has given Goetz a gift for seeing ... the parched lives beneath the suburban bliss. - William H. Willimon, author of Sinning Like a Christian

"Goetz points out...that suburbanites like to be in control...and true spirituality is the opposite of control." - Charleston Post and Courier

"Goetz advocates serious examination of motives and actions in everyday life and offers hope and...answers." - Calgary Herald

"Refreshingly, Goetz's influences are varied, and not strictly Christian; he advocates serious examination of motives and actions in everyday life and offers hope and some answers that are sure to provoke thought in the most cynical of thinkers." - Calgary Herald

" Goetz's witty new book deals with [...] the spirit-deadening alienation sometimes found in [...] housing tracts and cul-de-sacs." - Mark Pinsky, ORLANDO SENTINEL

"With bright writing, Goetz transforms familiar ideas into a provocative new package." - Columbus Dispatch

"Goetz envisions a 'thicker life, ' looking beyond the comfort...of suburban rhythms for a...deeper experience." - Dallas Morning News