American Idols: The Worship of the American Dream

If you've ever looked at our culture and wondered why in the world it got this way, Bob Hostetler's book, American Idols The Worship of the American Dream, addresses the cultural and personal values that created it. Well-written, thoughtful, and easy to read, the book addresses the things we really think are important: how we look, what we have, comfort, instant gratification, choice, financial success...our modern American idols. As a mass media professor for the last 25 years, the book `rang true' in the fact that most of those `idols' are based on short-term satisfaction, what we can understand at the moment, and what "works" for us, because I teach about how those `idols' are consistently represented in modern media. Bob brings the discussion down to everyday experience and shows us very clearly how we may be accepting and creating idols without recognizing what we're doing. A few years ago I placed The New Tolerance (by Bob Hostetler and Josh McDowell) on my recommended reading list for two of my undergraduate media courses, and like that book, this one is an easy read but with lots `meat' to really get a reader thinking about important issues. The students who chose to read it thoroughly enjoyed it and obviously learned a great deal from it. I expect the student reaction will be just as enthusiastic when I place American Idols on that recommended list this fall. While this book is written from a Christian perspective and would be perfect for study groups and Christian discipleship classes, it has strong cultural applications for every American. It has a lot to say about who we are as a people and a culture, and it challenges us to face the fact that we all should probably examine why we are the way we are. American Idols The Worship of the American Dream is one of those special books on my shelf that will soon be well-worn and filled with multi-colored hi-lighting because I will refer to it again and again. It can be read, understood and have practical impact on the lives of teenagers, young adults, and those of us who are a little older than that. It is well-written, substantive, and grounded in the Word of God. Bob Hostetler shares new perspective and real truth about the idols of our culture in a down-to-earth, engaging way that motivates serious consideration about what we really think is important and why. This book is a valuable investment in time, money and contemplation. I strongly recommend it to students, teachers, parents and anyone interested how we determine our personal and cultural priorities.

This book is clear, concise, and very direct. The author has a way of placing truth in a context that is easy to understand and even better, easy to digest. I believe this book to be completely God inspired and I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge in every chapter.I absolutely loved it-so much so I have decided to start a study with some people from work. The author has group studies available on his website at www.bobhostetler.com. I can't wait to see how much more God reveals to me through them.

I had always known people tend toward idolatry. This easy-to-read (because well written) book brought the issue sharply into focus for me. It is worse than I care to admit. Thankfully he doesn't stop there. He knows how to make things right. I want to use it in Sunday school as soon as possible.