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davehershey's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly, I did not expect much from this book. I had never heard of the author but I picked it up when I saw a few people recommend it on Twitter...and it was free for a few days. After reading some challenging books this summer, from philosophers who hurt my brain to early church writers who make me feel guilty for being rich (compared to most people in the world) I thought this would be a quick read to squeeze in before summer ended.
As I was reading, I found myself becoming more and more interested. This is not just your typical book on how to live as a Christian by a megachurch evangelical pastor (though I honestly have no idea if this pastor is "evangelical" or if the church he is at is "mega"). There is a lot here about living in the paradoxes, accepting God and the Bible for what it is without trying to iron everything out.
What really got me was when he talked about reading books. I found myself being convicted, even feeling guilty, for how I read. I tend to consume books, at times reading through them too fast so I can log another "read" here on goodreads or at least fit into the identity of people who see me as someone who reads a lot of books. In the past I would read, hoping to find the key that would answer all my questions. If I just read enough, or learned enough, than doubt would be vanquished. There is still a bit of that too, so today I often read to solve everything and to consume. Through this I often do find myself challenged (that last book by David Bentley Hart or those works of the early church fathers...wow, I can't get that stuff out of my head). But I wonder if at times reading books is my idol.
It is ironic then that I wanted to consume this book quickly before summer ended. I work on a college campus, in campus ministry, so around this time of year my time for reading greatly diminishes. Yet in the past I still managed to read a lot, maybe too much. As I read this book I came to a decision that as the school year commences, I am going to intentionally NOT read as much. Of course, I still need to read to prep for teaching (hence that Jeremiah commentary). And I will read for pleasure, because it is fun. But I am going to lay aside the big heavy theological tomes, not because I do not have more to learn (believe me, I do, and there are some books I really want to read) but because I know enough (head-knowledge that is) to minister on campus. When I read it will be for teaching prep, spiritual development (yeah, I can't get away from the church fathers) or for fun (hello biography of Napolean!). I also hope this will lead to more time for journaling, meditation and the like.
So overall, I recommend this book. I can see it being greatly helpful for college students so I will recommend it to them. I could see it being helpful to any Christian. Thanks Ken for a great book.
As I was reading, I found myself becoming more and more interested. This is not just your typical book on how to live as a Christian by a megachurch evangelical pastor (though I honestly have no idea if this pastor is "evangelical" or if the church he is at is "mega"). There is a lot here about living in the paradoxes, accepting God and the Bible for what it is without trying to iron everything out.
What really got me was when he talked about reading books. I found myself being convicted, even feeling guilty, for how I read. I tend to consume books, at times reading through them too fast so I can log another "read" here on goodreads or at least fit into the identity of people who see me as someone who reads a lot of books. In the past I would read, hoping to find the key that would answer all my questions. If I just read enough, or learned enough, than doubt would be vanquished. There is still a bit of that too, so today I often read to solve everything and to consume. Through this I often do find myself challenged (that last book by David Bentley Hart or those works of the early church fathers...wow, I can't get that stuff out of my head). But I wonder if at times reading books is my idol.
It is ironic then that I wanted to consume this book quickly before summer ended. I work on a college campus, in campus ministry, so around this time of year my time for reading greatly diminishes. Yet in the past I still managed to read a lot, maybe too much. As I read this book I came to a decision that as the school year commences, I am going to intentionally NOT read as much. Of course, I still need to read to prep for teaching (hence that Jeremiah commentary). And I will read for pleasure, because it is fun. But I am going to lay aside the big heavy theological tomes, not because I do not have more to learn (believe me, I do, and there are some books I really want to read) but because I know enough (head-knowledge that is) to minister on campus. When I read it will be for teaching prep, spiritual development (yeah, I can't get away from the church fathers) or for fun (hello biography of Napolean!). I also hope this will lead to more time for journaling, meditation and the like.
So overall, I recommend this book. I can see it being greatly helpful for college students so I will recommend it to them. I could see it being helpful to any Christian. Thanks Ken for a great book.
annikajdr's review against another edition
5.0
So very good. My favorite book of the year, in fact. I chose to read this book for Lent on a whim, and I found that Ken Wytsma seemed to speak directly to where I was in life as I was reading. It feels like I highlighted something on every page, and when I started skimming the book at Christmas to remind me of specifics for my review, I ended up just rereading it because it is so good. Wytsma has both great thoughts and great applications for the Christian life, and some of the changes that modern Christians may need to make. Other authors (including ones on this list) have made similar points, and it’s hard for me to put into words exactly what it is about Wytsma that sets him apart from the rest; I just know that it seemed like almost everything he said spoke to me -either convicting, challenging, encouraging, or comforting- and that I feel I can read it over again and keep gaining something new. I’m looking forward to reading his previous book on justice, and his upcoming book on creativity. In the meantime, everyone should just read this one.
andeez's review against another edition
5.0
Every so often a book is so well written and applicable to my life, I wish I could have it committed to memory. The Grand Paradox is full of lessons I needed to learn and re-learn.
The Christian faith means something different to each individual, it seems. We've figured out a way to make everything about God personal - as if He exists for us rather than the other way around. Wytsma challenges me to not ask what God's will is FOR my life, but instead ask God how I can serve Him WITH my life.
Reading The Grand Paradox changed my way of thinking. It lessoned the pressure of always wondering "Am I doing the right thing? The wrong thing? Which way do I go, God?" and instead to walk forward in faith and trust. I am thankful to have this book in my personal library. I'll need it for reference more than once, I'm sure.
The Christian faith means something different to each individual, it seems. We've figured out a way to make everything about God personal - as if He exists for us rather than the other way around. Wytsma challenges me to not ask what God's will is FOR my life, but instead ask God how I can serve Him WITH my life.
Reading The Grand Paradox changed my way of thinking. It lessoned the pressure of always wondering "Am I doing the right thing? The wrong thing? Which way do I go, God?" and instead to walk forward in faith and trust. I am thankful to have this book in my personal library. I'll need it for reference more than once, I'm sure.
neuschb's review against another edition
4.0
As a follower of Jesus and a participant in an American church, I find this one hitting many of the right chords. Also, the author is from Bend, Oregon.
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