Treasuring Christ in the Media Age

I have had this book in my library at ChristianAudio.com since it first came out, and I’ve listened to it twice already. I’m actually due for a re-read (it’s not that long—maybe 3.5 hours on my device), as it serves as an excellent recalibration for any Christian finding themselves overusing the phone and other media.

Tony Reinke, affiliated with John Piper and Desiring God, years ago wrote my absolute favorite book on reading, Lit!, a book I have referenced countless times on this blog for its keen insights and game-changing ideas for being a smarter reader. As the most well-thought-out book on the art and pleasures of reading, it ought to be a staple for every bibliophile or literature professor/teacher.

But enough of about that book.

Competing Spectacles was an easy pick for me, simply because of the author, yet I was struck especially by his first 16 sections and the powerful way he breaks down the impact of visual media. He writes at one point that, “To be human is to have an insatiable desire for the glory of spectacles.” To the point of addiction, we humans in this technological age (both Christians and non-) have succumbed to this insatiable desire and now barely know where the off-switch is.

These first sections are not written just for Christians but are applicable to all people everywhere, delineating what spectacles are and how addictive/damaging they can be. Especially helpful in this portion of the book was his illustration of President Trump as the epitome of “a walking, talking spectacle,” an example that helped clarify for me his definition of the word.

Sections 17 and onward are written more for the church, engaging the spiritual truths which undergird the issue. In Section 18, for example, Reinke describes the cross as a spectacle for the Galatians (and for us today) even though it was a thing no longer visible. Instead it’s moved from the realm of vision to become a spectacle of the ear. Romans 10:13-17 describes this truth, and what a powerful reminder it is for the church to get back into the habit of preaching the cross instead of trying to attract the lost with spectacles of our own creation. Section 19 provides a wonderful overview on the book of Colossians with this in mind.

I know that all of my “margin time” is spent either on my phone or with my nose stuck in books, not in the Bible or in prayer or with my mind on things above. I have needed this reminder not to get sucked in by the spectacles of this world, and I am certain that I will need it again.

As far as re-readable books go, I don’t have many, but Tony Reinke has written two now that make my list. This would be an excellent book for that 20- or 30-something child on your Christmas list who’s convinced that Tik-Tok is a valid source for devotional insights. Or that time spent on the phone is just research and preparation for that job they’ll apply for next month.

Our world is in dire straights. We’ve become too comfortable with our “competing spectacles,” not fully realizing that “the competition” for most people isn’t the world, but Christ Himself.

©2021 E.T.

Read More from Tony Rienke:

• Lit! (2011)
• Competing Spectacles (2019)