You Are What You Love Analysis

In class, we talked about what discipleship means from a Christian standpoint and what it can often look like from the world’s perspective (NASCAR Preacher/Victoria Osteen). We discussed how this confusion can be caused by the “tangled stories,” "disordered loves," and "counter-narratives" that face us in our culture. With reference to course materials and class discussions, explain TWO of these concepts and how they can complicate our understanding of discipleship. Then explain how a well-developed cultural toolkit (Dean) or intentional embrace of formative liturgies (Smith) can help to resist or reverse these distortions. The concept of discipleship is vastly contrasted with the disordered loves and counter narratives that are confronted in culture. The confusion that these ideas cause can be quite prevalent, and often demonstrate the world’s perspective. The idea of disordered loves is partially indicated by James K. A. Smith, in his book “You Are What You Love”. Counter-narratives are indicated to be a problem primarily by Walter Brueggemann, in his book “The Bible Makes Sense”. Excerpts of both books found in our reader will be used to discuss …show more content…
Yes, through a well-developed cultural toolkit, as described by Kenda Dean in her book “Almost Christian”. This cultural toolkit is similar to a checklist of things that assist the Christian in prevent the distortions that the disordered loves or counter-narratives produce (p. 48). These items, such as devotions, community worship, and prayer assist the Christian in redirecting themselves to Christ. If a disordered love causes issues, interacting with the community can contribute in redirecting that. If a counter-narrative surfaces, both prayer and devotion support in repulsing the narrative. In this, the cultural toolkit is crucial to ensuring the discipleship of Christ, being able to repulse both counter-narratives and the disordered loves of the human