Book Review - StrangeGods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life


By Elizabeth Scalia, released May 2013, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana, 168 pages, Paperback and Kindle. Available from Ave Maria Press, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, Major books stores and Catholic and Christian book stores.

 Reviewed by JEAN M. HEIMANN, M.A. in Theology, freelance writer, retired psychologist, and oblate with the Community of St. John.

As captivating and as provocative as her blog posts, Elizabeth Scalia’s StangeGods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life, is an eye-opening account of how we, as believers, who think of idolatry as ancient practice, have made idols out of many things in our lives – technology, coolness and sex, and even our plans. Although it was a little shocking to discover these idols exist, at times, even in my own life, I was also comforted by the fact that there are ways to eliminate them.

Scalia writes in a clear, comprehensible manner, explaining lofty theological concepts in easy to understand terms. She draws the reader in with relevant and fascinating personal examples to illustrate her ideas, which heightens the reader’s interest. Although StrangeGods is a quick, easy read, it leaves the reader with some big ideas to reflect on and some helpful recommendations to assist us in detaching from these idols.

I enjoyed reading StrangeGods – it was relevant, informative, enlightening, provocative, and entertaining. It is a little gem of information that will help all adults find peace and joy by turning away from their false idol(s) to the love of the one true God. Highly recommended.
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