Sam Van Eman

A comparison and contrast between the true Gospel message and the "SimGospel," defined as any message attempting to simulate some form of Biblical truth in modern media and advertising to sell products or ideas.

The author explores this issue by looking at it first in terms of self and identity, then in relation with others, and finally in terms of working together to serve the Lord. One must remember that the author is focusing on the false hopes and expectations produced, consciously or otherwise, through marketing, advertising, and the like, along with how such marketing and advertising convinces people to attempt to satisfy their basic needs with their services and products and to associate those needs with the products even if there is no real satisfaction or corollary.

The author does well at showing how this "SimGospel" cheapens one's view of oneself, confusing needs and wants, misdirecting us in the search for the satisfaction of need, alienating us from our fellow man rather than leading us to serve him, objectifying others, lifting product over person, and so on. He also shows how a re-dedication to the basic Gospel message of God as the Satisfier of true need, to love one's neighbor as oneself, to reflect Christ in all circumstances, and so forth will turn us away from the simulated Gospel and toward true discipleship in Christ.

The author is Evangelical and is addressing the desire for authentic and practical Christianity particularly as it comes into conflict with the firepower marshaled by modern advertising and marketing. Sometimes the message of the book seems to get a bit off-track and it feels incoherent at times; one must remember the limited scope of the book. It is about how advertising and marketing subtly and not-so-subtly changes the way we look at ourselves, our value, others, their value, etc., and has great value toward that end.

Worthy for consideration for everyone who lives in the modern Western world.… (mer)