The Greener Grass Conspiracy – A Book Review

In the Greener Grass Conspiracy Stephen Altrogge addresses the issue of contentment. Why we don’t have it, and why what we often think will bring it only offers scant relief before we find ourselves discontented and desiring something else as a means of achieving satisfaction for our desires.
In this brief and engaging book, Altrogge entertainingly illustrates the problem of a (western) society which has never had more, but which at the same time seems insatiable for that which it can obtain next. He seats this desire in a mistaken understanding of God, our ourselves and of the creation in which we find ourselves. That we wrongly find our satisfaction in the creation rather than the Creator.
The answer to this is not to deny ourselves the rightful pleasures of creation, but rather not to invest in these pleasures a sense of satisfaction that we should seek from God alone. They are vehicles, not a destination. And our constant error in that regard points to a deeper problem than materialism.
Importantly, Altrogge develops a theme that the condition of seeking satisfaction in creation is because of a broken relationship with the Creator, and that the God Himself has provided the remedy for humanity’s rebellion. The answer to constant dis-satisfaction is not self-denial, but rather it is faith in the saving and life-transforming work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
From that point we are encouraged to exercise the freedom to be satisfied, firstly in thankfulness for everyday provisions, and, more compellingly, through trust even in seasons of pain, loss and confusion. Sadly, many Christians do not make use of this freedom living lives of desperate, defeated desire.
Altrogge provides helpful references to other works which develop at greater depth the themes which he touches on in his book. Each chapter ends with questions which would prove useful in contexts such as discipling, small group or personal study.
Younger Christians in particular would find The Greener Grass Conspiracy an engaging and accessible read. It would also be very appropriate for those who have not made a Christian commitment, but are interested in understanding the Christian life. As someone who does not qualify as a younger Christian I found it a helpful and well-structured work.