Economy of Love video curriculum [review]

This is a book review as part of being an Ooze select blogger. As always, while reviews can be bought, the content is my own honest opinion!

Usually I put together a long review for subjects that I’m passionate about: peace and justice are often those topics. However, the Economy of Love video curriculum is so short that I barely know what to write about.  You can click the link for the outline but the 5-part video series looks at these topics:

• Week 1: Tension – Being the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world
• Week 2: Enough – Christ’s demand to love our neighbor through redistribution
• Week 3: Vulnerable – Living lives that collide with those of the marginalized
• Week 4: Filled – Is the gospel we preach good news for the rich and poor alike?
• Week 5: Practice – Following Jesus with our hands, our feet, and our resources

Basically, the discussion revolves around going against consumer culture which feeds on people and starting a relational tithe [website] that not only gives money but gives of ourselves. That subject is explored in the different aspects above.  The videos, in contrast to Nooma or other video teachings, are less than 4 minutes long and consist of a voice-over by Shane Claborne with depictions of the lesson. Very short, sufficient for an introduction or re-focusing moment in a teaching, not a closer to a lesson.

The best part? The book has an annotated script of the voice-over, complete with scripture references, more questions, and brings depth to the topic.  That makes it easy for personal study to go deeper if you want. There’s also accompanying questions and quotes  in the back.

I guess that from the Economy of Love I was looking for more content rather than questions, more guiding information than guiding questions. I think we get that we are consumeristic and can ask ourselves the questions but at the end if we don’t have examples of stories or life testimonies that can inspire us through a vision of a transformed life, then we are left feeling a bit lost at the end. I missed the testimonies or examples of changed lives that could inspire our own.

So if you are armed with information already about consumerism and our culture and are looking for guiding questions, or if you already have an idea of what response your church wants to give to a community and are looking for inspiring others, Economy of Love is a decent shot at it.

Anyone else seen the series and would like to comment?