Synopsis "Age of Kings: Pursuing God's Heart in a Social Media World"
We are living in a unique time in history. Social media and information technology have given everyone access to power, knowledge, and a platform-things that once belonged only to kings and queens.Journeying through the life of David (a king after God's heart), Age of Kings addresses the issues of our social media age: personal propaganda, #hashtivism, acquaintance-friendships, trolls, selfies, desire, cognification, and fake news. Like a guidebook for the newly crowned kings and queens of this age, Age of Kings equips the reader to discover their true worth and identity, to conquer giants, to experience true friendship, to share their life authentically, to give all glory to God, to walk in sexual wholeness, to embrace humility, and to seek truth in community. What Others Are SayingThis book is not just informative, provocative, delightful. It is life-saving for churches and pastors who must navigate a world where the demonic and the divine have both been democratized to the point where any one person has the power of royalty to release good or evil on the rest of us. #ChoiceAndConsequences ----Leonard Sweet, best-selling author, professor, founder of preaching website preachthestory.comThis book explores, richly, beautifully, compelling, an intriguing idea: that the explosive growth of social media has put into all of our hands, literally, the kind of power and knowledge that once only royalty had. We can destroy a life with one Facebook post. We can disrupt massive institutions with a single tweet. We can reach audiences around the world by just pressing send on Instagram. Bryce Ashlin-Mayo isn't denouncing any of this. But he is calling for wisdom. But even better - he's providing such wisdom. This book, urgently needed, is so clear and helpful that anyone who reads it will learn how to use their regal power to do good, and not to harm. ---Mark Buchanan, award-winning author, professor at Ambrose UniversityIn Age of Kings, Bryce gives us a fresh take on the life of King David that meets the needs of today's social media culture. Sharing compelling stories and rich insights, Bryce reminds us that we can find answers to the questions of our present and future by diving deep into the biblical stories and metaphors of our past. A valuable read to navigate our current culture well! ----Beth Stovell, Old Testament professor at Ambrose University; National Catalyst for Vineyard Canada and author of Minor Prophets I and II This book is nothing short of brilliant in its analysis of how the world of social media can, paradoxically, both control its users, and yet give them a sense of empowerment at the same time. Thankfully, it is equally brilliant in its use of the biblical narrative of King David to articulate how the user of social media may wisely, safely, and righteously live in that world. The author's heart and concern for his readers come through clearly. It is delightfully written, and I have learned a great deal from it. I recommend this book highly. ----Jerry Shepherd, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Taylor SeminaryWhat does it mean to follow Christ in our social media age of Facebook and Twitter? In Age of Kings, Bryce Ashlin-Mayo offers us a wonderful answer with biblically grounded reflections on the life of David enriched by the wisdom of Solomon. An indispensable resource!----Randal Rauser, Professor of Historical Theology at Taylor SeminaryAbout the AuthorDr. Bryce Ashlin-Mayo serves as Lead Pastor at Westlife Church in Calgary, Alberta, and teaches sessionally at Ambrose University. Bryce is passionate about seeing people equipped to use technology and social media to advance God's mission.Connect with Bryce online at bryceashlinmayo.com
