[easyazon-image align=”none” asin=”1594713421″ locale=”us” height=”333″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SnUGEoEwL.jpg” width=”216″ alt=”Elizabeth Scalia” ]No one is Unaffected.
A Brief Review of
Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life
Elizabeth Scalia
Paperback: Ave Maria Press, 2013.
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Reviewed by Scott Elliott
There have been several recent books published on the subject of the idolatry, so I did not know what to expect when I began Elizabeth Scalia’s new book Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life. Would she merely echo what others had written? Would she present any new insights on this age old problem? Would this be a book I would recommend knowing there are other great books on the subject? I found Strange Gods to be an enjoyable read that challenged me to look at the idols in my own life.
Strange Gods is different for several reasons. First, it is written from a Catholic perspective. Scalia is a practicing Catholic and often quotes popes, saints, and Chesterton. However, this is not a book just for Catholics. Protestants would be blessed by this book and might appreciate some of the different angles Scalia takes to address certain issues. Second, I found this book to be very personal. Some of the other books on idolatry that I have read approach the subject as a cultural or church-wide problem. Scalia recognizes that some idols are the result of the culture we live in, but she always makes it personal. The chapters in Strange Gods are not sermons compiled in order to sell another book, but they are the personal reflections of a Christian who has lived and struggled with idols her whole life. This approach is helpful for Christians looking for a book to help them discern and overcome the many challenges they face.
At the heart of the book are the Ten Commandments and a saying by Gregory of Nyssa. Scalia continues to return to the ideas that idols are something that stand between us and God, and Gregory of Nyssa was correct in saying, “ideas lead to idols.” The first idea is important in that it establishes that idols do not have to be something that is evil. An idol can be something that is good, but if it stands between us and God then it is a problem. The second idea which Scalia adopts from Gregory of Nyssa is also very helpful. Her book explores how there are certain things that lead to idolatry that we need to watch out for.
Strange Gods also carefully balances living in a modern culture while adhering to an ancient religion. Scalia addresses topics like technology, coolness, and busyness. She understands that these are issues we all face and she does not blindly dismiss them. She embraces her job as a blogger, but also understands she has to be careful with technology and her time on the internet. Throughout the book Scalia comes across as having a good grasp on current trends in culture, while at the same time holding on to the practices and beliefs of an ancient faith.
For me, one of the most beneficial aspects of the book was Scalia’s ability to address certain controversial topics without being able to label her as conservative, liberal, or whatever other kind of label people sometimes give. Scalia points out how labels or ideas can turn into idols and can get in our way of seeing God. I did not agree with everything she writes in the book, but I do believe she was always approaching the subject as a Christian and not as something else. Scalia also gives helpful advice in chapter 9 on dealing with people who want to label others. She calls readers to stand in the truth and be comfortable there.
Strange Gods is not a lengthy read. It is not designed for clergy or academics, although I am sure they would benefit from reading it. It is a book for all Christians concerning the idols that one deals with on a daily basis. Because no one is unaffected by idolatry, Elizabeth Scalia’s Strange Gods is a book that would be beneficial to all.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
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