Platforms to Pillars by Mark Sayers Book Review

About the Book:

A biblical response to living in a platform society.

Platform: A mentality, a way of approaching life, which promises to reinforce our uniqueness, deliver on our desires, and offer validation and visibility.

A platform society emphasizes individualism and performance. It's rooted in the belief that self and personal desires are preeminent. In Platforms to Pillars, cultural expert Mark Sayers explores how platform mentality is misshaping our contemporary world and contrasts this to the biblical call of Christians to live as pillars.

By looking at the ancient world—a world remarkably similar to our own—Sayers explores the flaws of a platform society. Sayers takes a deep dive into the influence and allure of digital platforms on individuals and society, and he invites readers to envision a legacy that lives beyond themselves. Like columns in buildings, human pillars provide support and strength. They work together to create space for others, partnering with God as He advances His kingdom in the world. Human pillars fortify and protect community through virtue and character and pass these values to others.

Sayers shows us how to delight in God's presence, enjoying the freedom that flows from belonging to Him. A much-needed corrective, Platforms to Pillars models a biblical and better way for Christians to live.

 

My Review:

Sayers explores a change in culture that I had not really thought much about. We are in an era where one can have influence by having a digital platform. I do that myself as I have a blog where I review books and then post links to those reviews on various social media sites. Having previously owned a Christian bookstore, I used to recommend books in person, over the sales counter. Now I desire the same influence through a digital platform.

Media platforms have become the way individuals can be important, such as being an “influencer.” It is now possible for almost anyone to be important when it used to be only those who were pillars in society. Sayers reminds us, “Our worth is in Jesus. We don't need to platform ourselves to prove ourselves.” (166)

This is a thought provoking book. We do live in a digital age. How do we be pillars within that context without falling into the platform trap? Sayers' writing is a bit academic and may be best appreciated by ministry professionals or those in Christian education arenas dealing with cultural changes.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

MARK SAYERS is the Lead Pastor of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about spiritual renewal and the future of the church. Mark is the author of several books including A Non-Anxious Presence and Reappearing Church. Mark lives in Melbourne with his wife, Trudi, his daughter, Grace, and twin boys, Hudson and Billy.

Moody Publishers, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)