Randy Harris just came out with a new book called “Life Work: Confessions of an Everyday Disciple” and, as Randy states in the introduction, “this is a book about ethics…aren’t you excited?” Well, I wasn’t when I first read that but it only took me about three pages to get over it because this is a fascinating book. Before I say why I found it fascinating I want to say that I don’t compliments books that aren’t worth complimenting and where I find problems in a book, I usually point them out. I want you to know what you are getting, should you choose to buy this book and I do think you should buy this book. While you are at it, go ahead and pick up a copy for every elder and minister you know because they will benefit greatly from reading it.
Here is what made this book so good. Randy starts off by helping us understand how we make decisions and why we choose to live the way we live. He does this through a series of conflicting ethical dilemmas that leaves you feeling at odds with yourself but, in the process, enables you to take a good look at what lies beneath the surface in the lives we choose to live that are, in turn, a sum of the decision we choose to make. If you improve the way you make decisions and the values that underlie that process then you are more able to live the life you are called to live. The reason I believe this is helpful to elderships and ministers is because we are often called to make very difficult decisions and I can’t say that we always make them well or for the right reasons. This book is extremely helpful in teasing all of that apart.
Randy doesn’t just leave you questioning your decision making process. He spends the better part of the book telling stories to illustrate better ways to live. This is the heart and soul of the book. I don’t want to give away too much but you can be sure that Randy pulls a lot of his examples from dead people and a couple from people who are still living. Underneath those stories is a deep regard for Jesus, the early church and the scriptures they left us that can help today’s church and church leadership chart a course ahead that reflects biblical values in culturally relevant (while still Christ-like) ways.
I am deeply appreciative of this book and am appreciative of the decades of study and teaching that led to Randy writing it. I am also appreciative of all the ACU and Lipscomb students who were test-subjects in the experiments that led up to the writing of this book…did any of them sign a release form? 😉
Giveaway: Comment on this post and I will pick someone to win a free copy of this by Wednesday. If we get more than 15 commenters I will give away 2 copies.
21 Responses
Sounds interesting! I wouldn’t mind getting a copy 🙂
I am interested in this book after reading your thoughts on it. I like the way Randy challenges us to re-think our ways and reasons for living the way we do. This sounds like a challenge! Yay!
Cheryl, you won! Email me your address and I will mail it. Or, if you like I can hand it to you in person next time you are in town 🙂
matthewdabbs@hotmail.com
Woohoo! I love it! We are headed your way the end of next week so I will get it from you when we are there. Happy happy happy!
Sounds good. Thanks for the review.
My wife had Ethics with Randy. Tough class, but very interesting, she said.
Randy always has something good to say. Looking forward to reading this book.
Ethics! A good book on ethics is worth its weight in gold (not that I’d consider paying that much, but it’d be worth it). Does that show ethical choices? Maybe I’m one who really needs it!
Jerry, you won! Email me your address and I will get it in the mail.
Almost half way to another free book 🙂
I’m almost finished with THE FEAST! I’ll definitely be looking for another book to sink my teeth into!
I’ve always enjoyed Randy’s talks. Though I never had the pleasure of being one of his students, I know some who were — and it was challenging. This book seems like one I could really sink my teeth into.
Sounds like a thought provoking book that would be well worth the read! Thanks for your review!!
Thanks Matt – this sounds good!
I met Randy at Lipscomb last century. Always thought provoking discussions. I think your suggestions to give to our ministers and elders is good.
Randy was still at Lipscomb when I was a student there, and as I’ve come to hear him speak more, I’ve regretted not taking any of his classes while I was there. I would love to have this book.
I’m so interested that I have already ordered this book. I am considered a “senior citizen” and at this stage of life, I reflect about decisions I have made or are making. I’m anxious to see what
Mr Harris has to say about this process, ie. how to improve my decision-making to insure I am pleasing to God.
Ethics is certainly something that we desperately need to discuss in the Church, but rarely do. Matt, the part about “He spends the better part of the book telling stories to illustrate better ways to live. This is the heart and soul of the book.” particularly interests me. I turned 65 today, and this is something that I am still trying to do–to live better and in the image of Jesus.
I first heard Randy at Gulf Coast Getaway. He always makes me think. I would love a copy.
We hit our 15 commenters! That means 2 books to give away. Winners are…
Cheryl Rich
Jerry Starling
email me your addresses and I will get them in the mail!
Thanks for the recommendation for this Book! I want to win a copy for my husband.