Assumptions That Affect Our Lives [Paperback]

Christian Overman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 27, 1996

The visible actions of people are first shaped by invisible thoughts, deep in the unseen world of the human mind and heart. What factors influence those invisible ideas? For people who live in the Western world, the answers can be found by examining the two major roots of Western thought--the ancient Greeks and the ancient Hebrews. Assumptions That Affect Our Lives takes the reader back to the roots of the modern conflict between Christianity and secular humanism through a comparison of ancient Greek and Hebrew culture. What the reader will discover is, the current tension between evangelical Christians and the non-biblical ideas with which they are surrounded is an age old conflict. By viewing the current situation in the context of the ancient Greeks and Hebrews, contemporary Christians can be better equipped to deal with the challenges of living in a predominately Greek-based culture today.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christian Overman was born in 1949, in Seattle, Washington, where he lives with his wife Kathy. They have four grown children, and one grandchild. Mr. Overman holds the Masters of Education degree from Seattle Pacific University, and he served as a teacher and principal for fourteen years in private education. He is an associate pastor at North Seattle Christian Fellowship.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The bride and groom stand before the altar as the minister asks, "What token do you give as a symbol of your love?" "This ring," comes the reply. On cue, the ring bearer steps forward to present the golden band. The groom reaches over, takes the ring with one hand, holds the left hand of his bride with the other, and ever so gently slips the eternal circle over her delicate third finger. It is easy to understand why people wear wedding rings. Besides being a reminder of one's vows, and a symbol of one's love, the presence of the wedding band also tells others a man or a woman is spoken for. But why is the ring worn on the left hand? And why the third finger?

If you research the matter, you will discover the custom goes back to the Romans. They believed a small artery, called vena amoris, or the "vein of love," ran from the third finger to the heart. It was felt wearing a ring on this finger joined the hearts of the couple in their destiny. The left hand was selected because it was closer to the heart.

Cultural habits don't just come out of nowhere. Even if the people who practice them have forgotten why they do it, you can be sure their customs had a starting point in history. Although cultural habits often change over time, they do have original roots. For those of us who live in what is know as the "Western" world, our cultural roots go back primarily to two historic starting points: the ancient Greeks and the ancient Hebrews. This is not to say we couldn't go back further. But for the purposes of this discussion, we will focus primarily on the Hebrews and the Greeks because they have so strongly impacted our Western ways of thinking, right up to the present hour.

Product Details

• Paperback: 273 pages
• Publisher: Micah 6:8; 1 edition (November 27, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883035503
• ISBN-13: 978-1883035501
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,217,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening and valuable, April 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Assumptions That Affect Our Lives (Paperback)

This book was excellent for perspective on Greek and Hebrew thought and it's outworking in Western Society. The author has managed to communicate in a very clear and simple way. Enlightening and challenging.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing, July 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Assumptions That Affect Our Lives (Paperback)

This book can change your life. It explores the way people think and why people believe the way they believe. Hebrew vs Greek philosophy, etc. I realize now that I had been reading scripture from the wrong mindset...and now that I can relate a little better to a Hebrew mindset, many truths are being revealed to me. I highly recommend that any Christian who is ready to make a breakthrough spiritually read this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Assumptions That Affect Our Lives, January 2, 2009

By 

Jeanne M. Herko (Friday Harbor, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Assumptions that Affect Our Lives (Paperback)

My husband and I as well as 22 people from our church all read this book and study workbook that accompanied this title. We had a 10 week workshop and discussion session examining the content thoroughly. Everyone enjoyed these workshops immmensly. We all found that the book contained important facts that helped us understand our own world view and how others world views are shaped. I would highly recommend all of these materials, the book, workbook and study as would all of those who shared this workshop. We have purchased several copies for friends and family members and it has helped generate great discussions and sharing. Christian Overman is a gifted presenter of the facts surrounding this topic and we hope to enjoy more of what he writes on world views and a Christian world view in particular. We look forward to "Gods Pleasure at Work," coming in March 2009.