See: Community Building Reading List, List of books by Peter Block and List of Books by John McKnight
Notes about An other kingdom: Departing Consumer Culture (via ChatGPT):
Certainly! I apologize for the oversight. “An Other Kingdom: Departing the Consumer Culture” is a collaborative work by Peter Block, Walter Brueggeman, and John McKnight. Together, these three authors challenge the prevailing consumer culture and present an alternative vision for a more meaningful and sustainable way of life.
In their book, Block, Brueggeman, and McKnight critique the modern society driven by consumerism, where material possessions and the pursuit of wealth dominate. They argue that this consumer culture not only perpetuates inequality but also erodes human connection, spirituality, and overall well-being.
The authors introduce the concept of “An Other Kingdom” as an alternative paradigm to the consumer culture. This kingdom represents a departure from the prevailing mindset and emphasizes values such as community, interconnectedness, and spiritual depth. They advocate for individuals to shift away from the relentless pursuit of material wealth and instead prioritize building relationships, nurturing local communities, and embracing shared responsibility.
Block, Brueggeman, and McKnight delve into various aspects of life, including economics, work, education, and politics, through the lens of An Other Kingdom. They propose local economies that emphasize community involvement in the production and consumption of goods. They advocate for redefining work to focus on purpose and human fulfillment rather than solely on financial gain.
The authors discuss the importance of transformative education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and empathy, enabling individuals to actively participate in shaping their communities. They also highlight the need for politics that prioritize the common good, foster democratic engagement, and challenge the influence of corporate interests.
In summary, “An Other Kingdom: Departing the Consumer Culture” is a collaborative effort by Peter Block, Walter Brueggeman, and John McKnight. Their collective insights and perspectives provide a comprehensive exploration of the flaws of the consumer culture and present a compelling vision for a more just and sustainable way of living. The book calls for a shift in consciousness and action, promoting human relationships, community building, and a deeper sense of purpose beyond materialism.
[Author’s Note: The above text was AI-generated and may not be accurate. The overarching intent behind this blog post is to provide a starting point for discussions among aspiring community builders. Just as startup founders can benefit from startup oriented content (such as those provided by accelerators and incubators), community builders can benefit from community building oriented content. If you are an aspiring community builder, please contribute to the discussion by commenting on this post]