 |
| p/c |
This book was already on my radar as Cho falls among the leagues of extraordinary gentle(wo)men who I've come to identify with as prominent Evangelical Christian voices. With a foreword by Donald Miller (author of Blue Like Jazz) and reviews by Shane Claiborne, Jim Wallis, Rich Stearns, Sarah Bessey and Bethany Hoang (among others), this book was one I knew would be right up my alley.
That being said, with all the excitement I had to read this book, I proceeded with much trepidation. As a self-proclaimed idealist with novel aspirations to save the world, I felt guilt creeping in as the title of the book threatened to convict me and beg the question: Am I doing enough?
Goodreads describes this book:
"Many people today talk about justice but are they living justly? They want to change the world but are they being changed themselves?
Eugene Cho has a confession: 'I like to talk about changing the world but I don't really like to do what it takes.' If this is true of the man who founded the One Day's Wages global antipoverty movement, then what must it take to act on one's ideals? Cho does not doubt the sincerity of those who want to change the world. But he fears that today's wealth of resources and opportunities could be creating 'the most overrated generation in history. We have access to so much but end up doing so little.'
He came to see that he, too, was overrated. As Christians, Cho writes, 'our calling is not simply to change the world but to be changed ourselves.' In Overrated, Cho shows that it is possible to move from talk to action."
This book was exactly what I was expecting, both for good and for bad. Good, in the sense, that Cho spoke with the level of passion, conviction and personal experience that I was looking for. Bad, in the sense, that I knew he was personally calling me out for my apathy and complacency.
The premise of Cho's book is different than many books within the same Christian evangelical vein. He examines his own journey and challenges others to answer God's calling of justice in our world by starting within ourselves. Changing the world is a tall order, and we cannot do so by sending a check to our favorite non-profit once a year. Instead, we must radically change the way that we live and interact with God, our world and each other. It will not be comfortable and it will require sacrifice, but if we truly desire to live by Christ's example, an uncomfortable, selfless and sacrificial life is what is expected of us.
Overall, I give this book five stars! It was exactly the kick in the pants I've been needing to draw closer to God and His word. I'm so thankful that I read this book and would encourage you to!
Goodreads describes this book:
"Many people today talk about justice but are they living justly? They want to change the world but are they being changed themselves?
Eugene Cho has a confession: 'I like to talk about changing the world but I don't really like to do what it takes.' If this is true of the man who founded the One Day's Wages global antipoverty movement, then what must it take to act on one's ideals? Cho does not doubt the sincerity of those who want to change the world. But he fears that today's wealth of resources and opportunities could be creating 'the most overrated generation in history. We have access to so much but end up doing so little.'
He came to see that he, too, was overrated. As Christians, Cho writes, 'our calling is not simply to change the world but to be changed ourselves.' In Overrated, Cho shows that it is possible to move from talk to action."
This book was exactly what I was expecting, both for good and for bad. Good, in the sense, that Cho spoke with the level of passion, conviction and personal experience that I was looking for. Bad, in the sense, that I knew he was personally calling me out for my apathy and complacency.
The premise of Cho's book is different than many books within the same Christian evangelical vein. He examines his own journey and challenges others to answer God's calling of justice in our world by starting within ourselves. Changing the world is a tall order, and we cannot do so by sending a check to our favorite non-profit once a year. Instead, we must radically change the way that we live and interact with God, our world and each other. It will not be comfortable and it will require sacrifice, but if we truly desire to live by Christ's example, an uncomfortable, selfless and sacrificial life is what is expected of us.
Overall, I give this book five stars! It was exactly the kick in the pants I've been needing to draw closer to God and His word. I'm so thankful that I read this book and would encourage you to!
The good news is, YOU CAN! Today, I'm giving away a copy of Overrated for you to read and be challenged by, for yourself! Entries will be accepted until midnight, Tuesday, September 30, so get to it!
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you re not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
I'm changing the world by doing charity to some dog shelters.
ReplyDeleteI've heard some good things about this book! I'm definitely interested . . .
ReplyDelete