Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate by John J. Thompson

Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate by John J. Thompson

Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate by John J. Thompson states the thesis of his book with the subtitle: Crafting a hand-made faith in a mass-market world. Thompson tries to show that in order for the Christian faith to be successful, it needs to be personal in nature, not industrial or corporate. He begins by sharing his personal testimony in which he had a difficult childhood (22-25). His faith was informed by Francis Shaeffer, C. S. Lewis, and G. K. Chesterton. He speaks about being a person of Generation X – which informs how he lives his faith (29).

Thompson relates to the postmodern culture which has critiqued the nature of (American) Christianity (37). His major critique is in the fact that Christianity is processed like an industrialist culture (45):

We adopt worldly, corporate definitions of success and live out our faith accordingly. And now, as the tenets of consumerism and capitalism teeter, and creation groans in pain as we wring out every last natural resource in our search for comfort, it should come as no surprise that young people are bailing out. This “product” called Christianity just isn’t working.

Thompson suggests an “artisanal movement” with handcraft techniques in order for Christianity to grow in America (47). He spends the rest of the book illustrating why bread, beer, and chocolate are hand-made illustrations that point to a way in which one can live our the Christian faith. Thompson suggests that the church should abandon the church growth movement (although he never says it.) Instead, he suggests the typical critique of a postmodernist. He gives a brief history of the making of bread and beer (54). He then gives a Biblical rationale for his “artisanal movement” with bread (57-60), chocolate (86-103), and beer (151-169).

Thompson returns to his critique concerning the church adopting an industrialized nature throughout the book. He states correctly that large-scale corporate worship and teaching cannot bring about deep friendships (75). He takes his cue from social networks. He states (77):

Hunger can drive me to seek out a healthy, satisfying meal, or to shove a Twinkie in my face. When I medicate the itch my heart feels for connection with a quick Facebook fix, I may lose out on the real thing my soul craves.

He reinforces the postmodern philosophy that has informed his faith and his critique of the nature of the modern church (107-108). He brings out the classic postmodern critique concerning abstinence from alcohol (165-170). As an example, Thompson wonders why drinking alcohol is stigmatized, but massive overconsumption is not (166-167). He chooses to give a Biblical justification for alcohol consumption (Numbers 28:7, John 2), while stating that one should not cause others to stumble (Luke 17:2) (169-170).

Thompson has been influenced by music (218), Star Wars (228-229), as well as his faith. He believes that the church has traded gospel living for political power. The values of technology, and consumerism shape Christianity more than the words of Jesus – another postmodern critique (240-248). Thompson ends the book by promoting another ministry which he cares about – Compassion International (257).

I agreed with Thompson on many topics related to his criticism of the church. He was big on criticism, but little on solutions to the problem of cultural Christianity. Yet, I would recommend the book for people to read. This critique of the church is growing and the church cannot dismiss it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.