Book Review: Competing Spectacles (Tony Reinke)

Review by Thomas Eglinton

Competing Spectacles is a new book by Tony Reinke (author of 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You and Newton on the Christian Life). In this book, Tony seeks to help us see how we are being pulled to and fro, chasing experiences in the hope of finding something that will satisfy us. He shows how people love spectacles (something that grabs your attention for a time). It's a part of how we are made.

But as long as we chase spectacles that the world presents to us - movies, shows, politics etc - we will never be satisfied. Instead, God has already given us a spectacle that will truly satisfy - the spectacle of His Son.

This book challenged me to consider what I seek after, even unconsciously - scrolling my phone or flicking channels. Tony calls us to a high standard - not necessarily a monastic life, but a considered life. A life of deliberate, diligent consideration of our saviour as he has been 'publicly portrayed as crucified' before our very eyes (Gal 3:1). Let us glory in Him that we may be like Him.

Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age

by Tony Reinke