2008 Woodie Awards
Sweet brews the truth in The Gospel According to Starbucks
By: Jon Vick
Issue date: 3/21/07 Section: Entertainment & Features
- Page 1 of 1
Jon Vick
Staff Writer
Victor Sweet, Christian author and theologian, is at it again with his 25th book, The Gospel According to Starbucks. Why do people go to Starbucks? Why would anyone stand in line to pay four dollars for a cup of coffee? Sweet tells us, and you may agree, that most people do not stand in line just for a hot (or cold) beverage, but people part with their money for an experience, and not just any experience, a Starbucks experience.
In the beginning chapters the Starbucks experience is laid out. We smell the coffee, we taste complex flavors and we hear music that sets a particular vibe. Even the unique interior design plays a part, giving our eyes something to enjoy. In other words, Starbucks is an immersive experience. Similarly, Sweet suggests that our relationship with God should be a rich experience.
Throughout the rest of the book Sweet uses the acronym EPIC, to illustrate how Christian spirituality ought to be practiced. E is for experiential, or something being derived from experience. The letter P is for participatory, something we can participate in, such as creating your own special blend of coffee. I stands for image rich, because images have a large impact on our mind, more so than words. Take the Starbucks logo, for instance. The green label is synonymous with coffee. Finally, C is for connective. People long to connect with others. Is there any better place for a good conversation than over a cup of coffee? I can only think of a few. Sweet strives to show that it is of great benefit for Christians to live an EPIC life.
The book is for the most part an easy read. Each chapter begins with an applicable quote from a variety of sources. Most chapters are well introduced, often beginning with a Starbucks-related example. Throughout the book are a few boxes with content that serve to support the main body of work. "Brewed for Thought" gives a few related questions. "Grounds of Truth" are not necessarily on topic but do help reinforce the chapter's main points. The third set of boxes are labeled "Bean There" and contains short mini bios on professionals, the way things used to be in "USAmerican" culture or past experiences of the author.
At the end of the book, you will find a set of discussion questions for each chapter, making for a good teaching tool. My only complaint is that the tone of the book is a bit pretentious, not unlike your average coffee snob.
Staff Writer
Victor Sweet, Christian author and theologian, is at it again with his 25th book, The Gospel According to Starbucks. Why do people go to Starbucks? Why would anyone stand in line to pay four dollars for a cup of coffee? Sweet tells us, and you may agree, that most people do not stand in line just for a hot (or cold) beverage, but people part with their money for an experience, and not just any experience, a Starbucks experience.
In the beginning chapters the Starbucks experience is laid out. We smell the coffee, we taste complex flavors and we hear music that sets a particular vibe. Even the unique interior design plays a part, giving our eyes something to enjoy. In other words, Starbucks is an immersive experience. Similarly, Sweet suggests that our relationship with God should be a rich experience.
Throughout the rest of the book Sweet uses the acronym EPIC, to illustrate how Christian spirituality ought to be practiced. E is for experiential, or something being derived from experience. The letter P is for participatory, something we can participate in, such as creating your own special blend of coffee. I stands for image rich, because images have a large impact on our mind, more so than words. Take the Starbucks logo, for instance. The green label is synonymous with coffee. Finally, C is for connective. People long to connect with others. Is there any better place for a good conversation than over a cup of coffee? I can only think of a few. Sweet strives to show that it is of great benefit for Christians to live an EPIC life.
The book is for the most part an easy read. Each chapter begins with an applicable quote from a variety of sources. Most chapters are well introduced, often beginning with a Starbucks-related example. Throughout the book are a few boxes with content that serve to support the main body of work. "Brewed for Thought" gives a few related questions. "Grounds of Truth" are not necessarily on topic but do help reinforce the chapter's main points. The third set of boxes are labeled "Bean There" and contains short mini bios on professionals, the way things used to be in "USAmerican" culture or past experiences of the author.
At the end of the book, you will find a set of discussion questions for each chapter, making for a good teaching tool. My only complaint is that the tone of the book is a bit pretentious, not unlike your average coffee snob.
Be the first to comment on this story