Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down [Paperback]

Kirk Byron Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

Author Kirk Byron Jones has written a much-needed resource that debunks the "need for speed" mentality that so many people have embraced as a part of their everyday lives. This book goes beyond social and psychological analysis to include spiritual perspectives on the dangers of letting hurry become a chronic condition. Jones presents a well developed three-pronged response to the problem of addiction to hurry. Included in each chapter are helpful questions that allow readers to identify their current pace of life and assist them in cultivating their own sacred, savoring pace. Addicted to Hurry is ideal for anyone desiring to lead a more calm and satisfying life and a great gift for those who seem to be burning out from the frantic pace at work or at home.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Jones's main points are made clear through well-chosen Bible passages and personal stories...An excellent audiobook for Christian mothers, fathers, church workers, or anyone who lives a fast-paced life. --Congregational Libraries Today, 2009 --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

About the Author

A pastor for more than twenty years, Kirk Byron Jones, DMin, PhD, is professor of ethics and preaching at Andover Newton Theological School in Boston. He also serves as guest preacher and teacher at churches, schools, and conferences throughout the United States. His writings have been published in various journals, including The Christian Century, Leadership, Gospel Today, Pulpit Digest, and The African American Pulpit, a quarterly preaching journal he co-founded in 1997.

Dr. Jones is the author of several best-selling resources, including the Judson Press book Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers (2001). His most recent title is Holy Play: The Joyful Adventure of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose (Jossey-Bass, 2007). --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Judson Press (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817014454
• ISBN-13: 978-0817014452
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #522,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Kirk Byron Jones is the son of the late Ora Mae Jones and Frederick Jesse Jones. He is married to Mary Brown-Jones of Boston, and they are the parents of Jasmine, Jared, Joya, and Jovonna Jones.

Rev. Jones is a graduate of Loyola University and Andover Newton Theological School, and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Drew University.

A pastor for over twenty years, Rev. Jones was the founding minister of Beacon Light Baptist Church in New Orleans, and Senior Minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Chester, PA; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Boston, MA; and First Baptist Church, Randolph, MA.

Currently a professor of ethics and preaching at Andover Newton Theological School and Boston University School of theology, Dr. Jones serves as guest preacher and teacher at churches, schools and conferences throughout the United States and abroad. His writings have been published in various journals, including The Christian Century, Leadership, Gospel Today, Pulpit Digest, and The African American Pulpit, a quarterly preaching journal he co-founded in 1997.

Dr. Jones is the author of several best-selling books,including:

Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers

Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down

The Jazz of Preaching: How to Preach With Great Freedom and Joy

Morning B.R.E.W.: A Divine Power Drink For Your Soul

The Morning B.R.E.W. Journal

and

Holy Play: The Joyful Adventure of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose

His new book is entitled, Say Yes to Grace: How to Burn Bright Without Burning Out. For more information about Dr. Jones, visit www.kirkbjones.com. You are also invited to visit Say Yes to Grace on Facebook.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Slow Down and Live, August 10, 2003

By 

Andrew Shults (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down (Paperback)

Part serious social commentary, part self-help, Addicted to Hurry examines how constant hurrying diminishes people's lives, and it offers advice on slowing down.

The first half of the book examines our cultural addiction to hurry in general terms, examines reasons why people run, and what they are running from. I especially liked two things in this part of the book: first, that Jones labeled chronic speed as a form of idolatry, and that he showed examples of what people are missing in their rush. Although Jones takes a strong stance against so much hurrying, he does display a good deal of understanding (rather than condemnation) for people who are caught up in the rush.

The second half of the book describes a "savoring pace alternative" and offers numerous suggestions to help people slow down. While many self-help books fall into shallow platitudes and slogans, Jones resists this tendancy. Instead, he provides spritual food for the journey to a slower, saner life.

Kirk Byron Jones is a professor of social ethics and pastoral ministry at Andover Newton Theological School, and also has twenty years of experience as a pastor. He offers a significant number of Biblical examples, so confirmed atheists may not like this book. Anyone with a healthy respect for Christianity (whether they are Christian or not) should find it helpful.

The idea for this book grew out of Jones's writing of Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy. I ordered Addicted to Hurry because I loved Rest in the Storm. I thought Rest in the Storm was a bit better, and I would recommend clergy start there. However, Addicted to Hurry is still a very good book for both clergy and general audiences.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For every Christian, March 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down (Paperback)

I am not a theologian or pastor. I am an ordinary Christian, housewife and homeschooling mom. But I read a lot to help me live closer to Jesus. This is by far the best and most helpful book I've read in years. Dr. Jones has many helpful examples and life applications for slowing down and living a more deliberate life. If you've bought or read The Purpose Driven Life, you need this book to be the other side, the balance to your purpose. I fully intend to read it again, to savor it with slowness and apply it more deeply to my daily living.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jim Royston Reviews, January 27, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down (Paperback)

The hectic pace of life in the twenty-first century creates a fertile garden for this empowering book. Pastor and professor Kirk Byron Jones confronts his audience with the cultural expectation for speed and hurry in our lifestyles. Jones explores issues from technology and the explosive amount of information it brings, to our hidden fears as reasons for our addiction to hurry. The questions raised for our addiction to hurry are very revealing.

The first half of the book explores various factors that create an addiction to hurry including running away from God, running away from our fears, and running away from ourselves.

In the second half of the book, Jones introduces a method he calls "Living life at a savoring pace." The discussions around The Savoring Pace Alternative focus on "seeing more clearly," "listening more carefully" and "thinking more deeply." Jones gives us a wonderful road map for the discipline to manage life at a savoring pace.
Jones combines a scholarly mind with a profound imagery of language to challenge his readers to "relish" rather than "rush" through life. The use of poetry, scripture, famous quotes and anecdotal experiences from the author's personal pilgrimage make this work jump off the page and into the reader's frenzied lifestyle. One gets the impression that Jones has lived every one of his illustrations to the fullest.

This book is a provocative and challenging exploration of our compulsion to hurry. The author prepares us with his profound insight and equips us with chapter-by-chapter learning exercises. Learning exercises at the end of each chapter are important to fully comprehend the value of the author's presentation.
Jones uses a quote from an unknown author to illustrate one of his savoring pace alternatives, the art of listening more clearly. "The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work."

Anyone who needs to take a long, deep breath during his or her busy day will benefit from this easy but life-changing manuscript. Published by Judson Press, the manuscript is one hundred twenty pages in length.

This review was completed by Dr. Jim Royston, Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of NC.