Breaking the Rules: Trading Performance for Intimacy with God [Hardcover]

Fil Anderson (Author), Brennan Manning (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 9, 2010

After years of living with a set of religious demands that he could never live up to, Fil Anderson found himself spiritually bankrupt and emotionally drained. Following a crash-and-burn in professional ministry, he experienced relief in learning to be with God rather than doing for God. Instead of desperation, he found healing, and a rich new life with God. In Breaking the Rules, Fil invites us to explore what happens when good religion turns bad. At such times we are weighed down with expectations of what it takes to be "right with God"--whether it is the expectations of others, holding up under pressure, fixing what's wrong or accomplishing big things for God. When we set aside this false agenda, we find the courage to confess our fears and insecurities. We taste the depths of God's love for us. Here is an opportunity to quit trusting in your own ability to live for God, and simply trust in God instead.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Breaking the Rules captures the essence of what makes Christianity impossible--and how a wild, unpredictable but authentic relationship with Jesus is the only cure for what ails us. Bracingly honest, these pages will haunt you in the best way possible. I recommend you read them slowly . . . and savor." (Paula Rinehart, author of Strong Women, Soft Hearts )

"Breaking the Rules will be like a defibrillator on many hearts which are more dead than alive and restorative to many souls that are lost in the maze of religion rather than in a life-giving relationship with a loving God. Fil Anderson has extended an invitation to live outside the box of religion. I hope you will accept it. If you are more 'churched' than transformed, then this book is for you!" (Stephen W. Smith, author of The Lazarus Life and The Transformation of a Man's Heart )

"With precision, patience and vulnerability Fil beckons us to let go of the life-crushing burdens of religion in exchange for the freedom of God's reckless love." (Nathan Foster, author of Wisdom Chaser )

"Finally, relief for tired and weary souls. Fil leads leaders to an intimacy with Jesus that does not require unbending rule-keeping. Written with honesty and compassion, readers can identify with Fil's own struggles and have reason to hope they too can plunge into the depths of God's love for us. If you are ready to experience intimacy, freedom and grace, this is the book for you."                                                    (Tom Wilson, president and CEO, OneHundredX, Leadership Network and Halftime )

"Few words are as misused today as intimacy. Break it down and to most people it means 'into me I see.' Fil Anderson shows us not only how the word really breaks down--'you're invited into a relational encounter with God'--he also shows us how to embrace the one thing our hearts desire most." (Leonard Sweet, author of So Beautiful: Divine Designs for Life and the Church )

"By unveiling the authentic Jesus--One more true to the biblical witness than the religious rule-abiding killjoy whom too many of our churches have inadvertently endorsed--Fil Anderson opens readers' eyes to the unbridled goodness of the God who knows us and loves us exactly as we are. Anderson's message is irresistible!" (Margot Starbuck, author of The Girl in the Orange Dress )

"Breaking the Rules heralds the shattering truth that the transcendent God who became visible in Jesus Christ furiously longs for intimacy with us. It assures worn out and weary religious strivers that their life can be recovered. . . . If you plan on reading just one book this year on Jesus, this is the book that you must read." (From the foreword by Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (February 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830835377
• ISBN-13: 978-0830835379
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Fil Anderson is a spiritual director, conference speaker, writer and retreat leader. He is the founder of Journey Resources and author of Running on Empty: Contemplative Spirituality for Overachievers (WaterBrook) and Breaking the Rules: Trading Performance for Intimacy with God (IVP). Educated at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington and Fuller Theological Seminary, Fil served on the staff of Young Life for twenty-five years. Fil and his wife, Lucie, live in Greensboro. They are the parents of three adult children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LIfe changer....game changer, March 12, 2010

By 

Ruth C. Bresson "LifeQuest" (Burlington, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breaking the Rules: Trading Performance for Intimacy with God (Hardcover)

Every once in a great while you are privileged to be party to a life changing, game changing conversation...such is the case in my reading of Fil Anderson's Breaking the Rules...pretty much the entire book is highlighted. If you have ever wrestled with the heaviness of required rules and regulations and believed that you always came up short...this is the conversation to help set you free. If you have struggled with dogma that seems at odds with your own heart and head, this is the book for you. Fil Anderson reveals his own personal story with brilliance, respect, and profound love captivating the reader with both challenge and celebration. It is a story not to be missed. It is a message resonating within anyone who has grappled with working so very hard to "be more, to be better, to be worthy." If in any way, you might relate...buy the book. Read the story. And if you are lucky enough....young enough...to not yet relate to such weight....read the book as a pro-active measure against ever being entrapped by well-meaning, but sadly misdirected doctrine. Fil's book is an insightful voice that both compels the rebel and embraces that worthy of rebellion....As I said...buy the book..read the story...it is a life changer...a game changer..it is money and time very well spent.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, March 13, 2010

By 

Joanne G. Stollings - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Breaking the Rules: Trading Performance for Intimacy with God (Hardcover)

Breaking the Rules is a must read. The transparency in which Fil Anderson writes is amazing. He had me from the first page. This book is a must for anyone who is seeking a closer, more intimate relationship with God. Read it, savor it, talk with God about it. Breaking the Rules is life changing and I'm sure I will read it many times.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic and revealing!, March 15, 2010

By 

Nigel D. Alston (Winston-Salem, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breaking the Rules: Trading Performance for Intimacy with God (Hardcover)

I like Fil Anderson. His voice is authentic. He is vulnerable. He opens himself up willingly for all to understand the impact of following rules, pleasing others, and not living intimately with God. Getting caught up in following the rules can lead one to live up to others expectations and not those of God.

Fil shares honestly from deep within and in the process reveals insights that challenge you to evaluate your relationship with God and the freedom that intimacy leads to.

Reading the book is like sitting down with a trusted friend, having a real conversation about life. It is practical, full of examples one can identify with and a voice worth listening to.