The McDonaldization of the Church: Consumer Culture and the Church's Future

"A theology which comes pre-packaged, and in which there are no loose ends, is not true to life nor can it adequately reflect the richness of the Gospel." Why are churches struggling to maintain credibility in a culture in which there are more spiritual seekers than at any time in living memory? John Drane believes that churches have become stereotyped structures, offering uninventive formulaic worship to a dwindling minority. But there are exciting opportunities for growth, he argues, if only churches will rediscover their own creativity and flexibility. If only they will offer something more nourishing for post-modern spiritual appetites than the equivalent of fast food. John Drane is Head of Practical Theology in the Department of Divinity at the University of Aberdeen. He is the author of What is the New Age Still Saying to the Church? and Biblical Faith and Cultural Change