Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Culture Making. I went into this book with some hesitation, feeling a bit worn down by the evangelical focus on "culture," but Andy Crouch's thoughtful approach did stand out. His broad definition of culture as "what we make of the world" sets up a compelling vision for Christians to create meaningful cultural contributions, with practical reflections that are centered on faith. However, despite his insightful arguments, the book felt more theoretical than actionable, lacking concrete steps for readers who want to apply these ideas in everyday life. Additionally, Crouch's background as a Northeastern evangelical with some mainline influences may not resonate with all readers, and some of his cultural language felt disconnected from diverse Christian experiences. While Culture Making presents valuable perspectives, it ultimately didn’t leave a lasting impact for me.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC for an honest review.

Culture Making is a book on culture and creating from a Christian perspective. Crouch answers the questions of "what is culture? What does it mean for Christians to influence culture? What does the bible say about culture?"

The bases of his book is this: God has called Christians to create meaningful culture.

This book is thought provoking, thorough, and well researched and is great for any creative christian (or any christian in general!) Culture feels messy and Crouch gives insight into how we relate to culture as believers

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review. Book was released 9/12/23

Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch is an examination of how Christians impact culture. Christians understand that we are all made in God’s image, so this should lead us to be leaders of creative change in our community. It is a true responsibility to carry God’s image. I’ve read other books on this topic and they were very similar to this one. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Wow. Great book. As always, Andy Crouch brings it. His thoughts on culture and Christianity are thought provoking and hard hitting. His writing is deep and dense so it takes time to sit and process what he is saying and how it applies to me, but I always find myself walking away better for it, whether I agree with him or not. I did not read the earlier version so I'm not sure what has changed but this was an excellent read. I also appreciated the thoughts of Tish Warren in the interview at the end. Thank you for an advance copy for my review!

Andy Crouch's "Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling" emerges as an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the role of creativity within the Christian ethos and its broader application in shaping society. This expanded edition deepens the dialogue with new reflections and a substantive afterword, extending the conversation beyond its original parameters. With its eloquent prose and accessible approach, Crouch's work beckons readers from all walks of life to consider how they can actively participate in the creation and transformation of culture.

From the outset, Crouch democratizes the concept of culture, challenging the misconception that it is reserved for a select few. He argues with conviction that everyone has a stake in the creation of the cultural milieu. The book's structure carefully leads readers through a journey from theoretical frameworks to practical applications, underlining the potency of culture as a canvas for human expression and a conduit for divine purpose. For those pondering the impact of their own creative endeavors, Crouch offers a compelling case for the personal responsibility in cultural innovation.

The third section of the book is particularly resonant, addressing the complexities of engaging with culture through a realistic yet hopeful lens. Crouch does not shy away from the challenges, but his optimism is infectious, encouraging readers to aspire to influence their cultural contexts, however daunting the task may seem. The book's call to action is clear: cultural creation is not just a privilege but a collective responsibility that can lead to meaningful change.

The inclusion of the conversation with Tish Harrison Warren in the afterword adds a layer of depth to this edition, providing a space for reflection and ongoing discussion. "Culture Making" is more than just a book; it's a mobilizing force for those inspired to shape the future of their communities and the wider world. Highly recommended for its insightful analysis and the compelling call to cultural stewardship, this book is a must-read for anyone ready to take up the mantle of creative engagement and leave a lasting imprint on the world around them.

Thank you IVP and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Though I struggled through the writing style, I appreciated the concept, the research, and particularly the middle portion of the book -- which dives into how culture plays a role in Scripture (the Gospels, Acts, Revelation, etc). The conversation with Tish Harrison Warren does attempt to give a (much-needed) update on a variety of pieces within Crouch's argument that have drastically changed since the book's publication, like social media and influencer culture.

I didn't realize this was a re-issue of a book from 2008 made with revisions. As such, it was a bit old sounding, but the principles are relevant to any time and place. It was very dry so it was not an easy read. If you are really interested in the topic, then you will probably be willing to give it a go and you would find a lot to think about and apply.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. #sponsored

I am a Christian philosopher at heart, so this book was right up my alley, and it's an area I actually do a lot of reading in. That said, it was also a very lengthy book for its category, so it took a bit to slog through, even though it is of great interest to me. (I say this to warn others who might not read so frequently in this category that it is definitely a read you will have to invest in.)

What's challenging about writing a book about culture is that culture is always changing. Always. The author even acknowledges this. And so what happens is that as you write about culture, and use reflections on culture to illustrate your intellectualizing about culture, you are already sort of dating yourself before you even hit the shelf. It is 2023 as I read and write, and this book makes examples of Tip O'Neill and MySpace, and it's hard to hold onto the principles of culture making (which are timeless) when we know already how those cultural artifacts panned out. So there is this constant tear between what we know is past, what we might be able to dream of as future, and what is truly present. Culture, for this reason, is just incredibly difficult to capture in pages.

Yet, I appreciated this book. It brought out a couple of things that are unique in the field, that other books don't hit on as much or as eloquently, and that really adds a depth to the conversation and to the thinking that I enjoy doing about the topic. I appreciate how God's story and God's interest in culture-making is woven throughout, making this not just a Christian philosophy on a worldly reality, but a thoroughly Christian conversation about something that God knew even before we did - something that is part of His plan for us as humans and not something we're at odds against because it's so "worldly" or whatever justifications we have used to try to back away from culture.

This is a good read and one I will recommend to others, particularly to my fellow Christian philosophers.

Fifteen years on, with some refurbishments, Andy Crouch's book continues to be a great look at how to make culture in a redemptive way, without getting stuck in culture war dichotomies or seeing culture purely as an evangelism tool. Time will tell if it's remembered on the same lists as Francis Schaeffer or H.R. Rookmaaker's work, but I think it's safe to say it gave a new generation the guide it needed in new terminology.

"Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling" by Andy Crouch is an expanded edition of a well-received book, with the same title, published in 2008. The rhetoric of "changing the world" and "transforming culture" is profuse in Christian churches and institutions. Mostly, the rhetoric is just that - inspirational words and slogans with little understanding of what it means, whether it is in fact possible and what it may take to transform culture. Crouch's book is an honest and detailed examination of these questions. Crouch delves into the meaning of culture, the intricate mechanics of cultural dynamics, and the processes of cultural evolution. A quote that I found particularly useful was "Christian cultural critic Ken Myers, distills what culture is and why it matters: Culture is what we make of the world. Culture is, first of all, the name for our relentless, restless human effort to take the world as it’s given to us and make something else." The author argues that our role extends beyond criticism and condemnation; it demands creation.

Crouch asserts that we must reclaim our cultural mandate and embrace our inherent role as creative cultivators, as intended by God. Culture, he reminds us, is a product of our shaping—both in crafting cultural expressions and in our understanding of the world around us.

Crouch demonstrates that the act of creating culture is not merely incidental but is woven into the very fabric of the story of scripture, the ministry of Jesus, and the divine call to the church. In particular, he emphasises the Exodus and the Ressurection as pivotal points in the scriptural narrative and models of how God changes culture. The author states that in the Exodus and the Ressurection, "God working with the poor and the rich, the powerless and the powerful—serves as a kind of template for seeking out what God might be doing now in our human cultures."

"Culture Making" is not an easy read but it is an intelligent and humbling book that should be read by every Christian who seeks to lead and make a difference in the world. Pastors, church leaders, businesspeople, missionaries and political leaders will all benefit immensely from reading this book. I did not find the discussion of omlettes particularly enlightening but I was rewared for perserving and found Part 2 and Part 3 of the book to be extremely helpful and encouraging.

Andy Crouch's "Culture Making" is a paradigm shifter in the world of Christian thought and cultural engagement. In a time when many Christians seem stuck in either consuming or condemning culture, Crouch presents a refreshing perspective: we are called to create culture.

This book challenges the narrow view of culture that has led to unproductive "culture wars" and calls us to a higher and more biblically rooted purpose – to be culture makers. Crouch argues persuasively that culture is not something to be passively accepted or rejected but something we are called to actively participate in shaping.

Crouch's exploration of the biblical narrative is illuminating and profound. He shows how culture making is at the heart of God's redemptive plan, from creation to new creation. By understanding culture as part of God's design for humanity, we gain a new perspective on our role in the world.

But Crouch doesn't stop at theory. He provides practical insights and tools for cultural cultivation. He explores the complexities of cultural change and offers guidance on how to engage with culture in a way that is faithful and transformative.

The expanded edition of "Culture Making" includes a conversation between Crouch and Tish Harrison Warren, which adds a contemporary layer to the book's insights. This addition addresses the current cultural landscape and provides a way forward for culture making.

As I read this book, I found myself challenged and inspired. It's not just a book for theologians or scholars; it's a book for anyone who wants to understand their role in shaping the culture around them. With guided questions for reflection and discussion, it's an excellent resource for groups to study together and conversation.

In a world that desperately needs Christians to be culture makers, "Culture Making" is a timely and essential read. It's a call to action, an invitation to participate in God's ongoing work of creation and redemption. If you're ready to move beyond mere critique and consumption and step into the creative calling God has for you, this book is your guide. Don't miss it.

"In 'Culture Making,' Andy Crouch beautifully reimagines our role in shaping the world, offering a profound invitation to create rather than merely critique. This book is transformative for anyone seeking a faithful, creative engagement with culture."

"A groundbreaking work that transcends the tired 'culture wars.' 'Culture Making' by Andy Crouch is an inspiring call to cultivate and create culture, reminding us that we are co-creators with God in the ongoing story of redemption."

"Andy Crouch's 'Culture Making' isn't just a book; it's a cultural manifesto. With deep biblical insights and practical wisdom, he charts a transformative path for Christians to engage and impact culture. A must-read for our time."

"'Culture Making' provides a profound theological framework for understanding our place in the world. Andy Crouch's work is a masterpiece, challenging us to shift from cultural consumers to cultural cultivators."

"Andy Crouch's 'Culture Making' is a brilliant exploration of our divine call to be culture makers. This book is not just informative; it's a call to action for anyone who seeks to be a positive force in shaping the world."

"'Culture Making' is a clarion call for Christians to move beyond cultural critique to cultural creation. Andy Crouch's profound insights provide a roadmap for reshaping our world through love, creativity, and grace."

"This expanded edition of 'Culture Making' is a timely gift. Andy Crouch's wisdom and vision for cultural engagement are more relevant than ever. A must-read for anyone longing to make a difference in our complex world."

"In 'Culture Making,' Andy Crouch brilliantly navigates the intersection of faith and culture. His book equips readers to not only understand culture but to actively shape it for the common good."

"Andy Crouch's 'Culture Making' is a masterpiece that dismantles the culture war mentality. With deep theological reflection and practical guidance, he empowers us to be agents of transformation in a broken world."

"Few books have the potential to reshape your perspective on culture and faith like 'Culture Making' by Andy Crouch. It's an empowering call to embrace our role as creators and cultivators in God's ongoing story."

I’ve followed this author for some time and was excited to read this book. I wanted to like it, I really did, but I struggled to get through it. The premise was interesting, and the author is an excellent writer, but this read too much like a textbook for me. It started off strong, but the first section was simply too long and drawn out to keep me interested. I found myself skimming several chapters.

Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for this advance digital review copy.

Culture wars are nothing new. Whether outside or inside, there are different cultures that exist in many places. Organizations too possess a mixture of different cultures within themselves. In many Christian circles, one of the key catchphrases to depict our Christian witness was "cultural engagement." This is a strategy of bringing the gospel to the places where ordinary people are found. What actually is "cultural engagement?" The two extremes of cultural assimilation and cultural rejection are non-starters. Many might think that the solution lies somewhere between the two. Author Andy Crouch gives us a paradigm-shifting perspective to argue for creative culture-making. This necessitates the introduction of "new vocabulary, a new story, and a new set of questions." Part One is an attempt to understand cultural vocabulary from a sociological perspective. This is essential because culture often means different things to different people. Crouch takes us through a historical survey of how culture changes with a particular focus on the interactions between Christianity and culture. One of the most intriguing discussions happened to be the way he interacts with the various methods of dealing with culture. He makes a distinction between "gestures and postures," the former a mere somewhat passive acknowledgment of the method compared to the latter which is a more active, default, or conscientious attitude.

1) Condemning Culture: "Fundamentalist Withdrawal"
2) Critiquing Culture: "Evangelical Engagement"
3) Copying Culture: with a focus on "Jesus Movement and CCM"
4) Consuming Culture: "Evangelism's Present Tense"

He critiques each of these approaches and warns about the temptation to move from "gestures" to "postures." He understands the separatist condemnation mindset but urges openness toward the beauty and possibilities of culture. He acknowledges the need to critique but reminds us about the advantages of participation and enjoyment. He notes that copying can lead to undesired consequences. On consumption, he points out the importance of discernment. He then introduces us to the postures of cultivation and creation by using the metaphors of artists and gardeners. In Part Two, he weaves in the gospel story as a witness to culture. Going back to the Genesis story, he shows us how culture reflects human beings in the world. In particular, he asserts that humans are made to be creative. Sadly, the entry of sin also results in negative consequences. Surveying the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we are given a bird's eye view of God's calling for humans to be like Jesus, the culture maker. Part Three looks at the Calling for us.

My Thoughts
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Let me give three thoughts about this book. First, the technological impact on culture. As an avid technologist, I applaud Crouch's frequent engagement with technological issues. In particular, his take on technological changes contrasts sharply with artistry longevity. Indeed, he alludes to Stewart Brand's insight about the inverse relationship between "speed of change" and "long-term impact." This reminds me of how technology seems to obsolete itself over time. If cultural changes were to be directly tied to technology, wouldn't society be constantly in the throes of obsolescence? Using the example of the iPhone, Crouch observes that while it has revolutionized society at large, it has taken on a life of its own, totally different from the intent of Steve Jobs's vision.

Second, I like Crouch's positive engagement toward culture in general. When this book was first released in 2008, it was a breath of freshness to help us navigate an increasingly multicultural, pluralistic, and increasingly sophisticated environment. Even after 15 years, this second edition is still fresh and relevant. With the help of Richard Niebuhr's classic typologies in "Christ and Culture," he summarizes the four different ways Christians have dealt with culture and proposes a forward-looking approach. That is a commendable effort indeed. Some might even see Crouch's material as an update to Niebuhr's thinking as the world has since changed. Interestingly, he tries to disarm us from adopting the attitude of trying to change the world but to recognize our helplessness. Just like how the Israelites were powerless against Egypt, how the nations of Israel and Judah were powerless against the Assyrians, Babylonians, the Persians, and how the Early Church was powerless against Roman persecutors, Crouch gently guides us away from using our own wisdom and strength to change the world.

Finally, this book shines hope for us to find and live out our calling. We are not called the change the world, but to be a part of change in creating culture. We are not called to take the powers of the world but to live in a manner that enables the world to see the Power of God. Service and Stewardship ought to be the guiding principles in a world of hierarchy and politics. Together with other reminders about community and grace, we should all take heed of Crouch's exhortation.

In summary, we are not called to change but to be witnesses for God to change the world. We should engage culture in a way that is in line with our calling. Through this lens, all the cultural typologies mentioned by Niebuhr and Crouch should not be dismissed but considered with discerning the way to create a path forward. The gospel story is a powerful alternative to the lenses of world cultures, and Crouch has given us a wonderful book to describe that.

Andy Crouch (MDiv, Boston University School of Theology) is a partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship, and he is the author of The Tech-Wise Family, Strong and Weak, Playing God, and Culture Making. Andy serves on the governing boards of Fuller Theological Seminary, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. For more than ten years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today, including serving as executive editor from 2012 to 2016. He lives with his family in Pennsylvania.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.

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This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Thank you Netgalley and Intervarsity Press for the advanced review copy of an updated and expanded edition of Culture Making by Andy Crouch. The new version includes an afterward with Tish Harrison Warren that is helpful in thinking through how culture making is different today than when the first edition of the book released.

What an excellent overview of the topic of culture. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time.
Though it is a bit academic in tone, it is worth the time and effort. Andy Crouch helps us to consider what culture actually means, how we are meant to interact with it, and how our creating can be done to the glory of God.

I have many takeaways, but just as a brief snapshot, here are a few:
—Most culture making fails. Do it anyway.
—God is the original culture maker.
—As Christians, we are called to more than simply criticizing our surrounding culture.
—We will enjoy fully redeemed culture in the new heaves and the new earth.

The expanded edition releases September 12. All opinions are my own.