Cat and Dog Theology: Rethinking Our Relationship with Our Master [Paperback]

Bob Sjogren (Author), Gerald Robison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2003

The God given traits of cats ("You exist to serve me") and dogs ("I exist to serve You") are often similar to certain theological attitudes held by many Christians in their view of God and their relationship to Him. Using the differences between cats and dogs in a light-handed manner, the authors challenge this thinking in deep and profound ways. This life-changing book will provide a new perspective and vision for God as we delight in the God who delights in us.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison have put together a parable, which is not only humerous, but profound. It helps redefine who we are in relationship to Christ in a way that is prophetic, yet easy to accept."
- Tony Campolo, Professor Emeritus at Eastern University and author of It's Friday But Sunday's Commin'

"Cat & Dog Theology will help you reevaluate your relationship with the Master. This kind of obedience training is what the church needs, especially in 21st century America!"
- John Ankerburg, Ankerburg Theological Institute

"Many Christians today have lost sight of the fact that the ultimate purpose of man is to glorify God. In their marvelous book, Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison show very clearly how our theology has deteriorated, and how we can be restored to a correct and dynamic belief and trust in our great God and Savior."
- Bill Bright, Founder, Campus Crusade for Christ

“Topics such as feel-good theology, suffering, fairness, “winner’s circle gospel,” wrong priorities, and Christian humanism are dealt with in a fresh way that causes even the most seasoned theologian or missionary to ponder if he or she has not unwittingly been affected with this self-centered mindset. . . . At first the book’s title made me skeptical about its contents. But once I began reading it, it was one book I could not put down. Its message is so important I now require all my missions students to read it, and recommend missionaries and mission committees to do so as well.”
- Marvin J. Newell, professor, Moody Graduate School, as reviewed in EMQ Magazine

From the Publisher

Dr. Gerald Robison and Bob Sjogren teach seminars on 'Cat and Dog Theology' worldwide.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 207 pages
• Publisher: Authentic (2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884543170
• ISBN-13: 978-1884543173
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good direction, but took a wrong turn, May 15, 2005

By 

J. D Jones (Roubaix France) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cat and Dog Theology: Rethinking Our Relationship with Our Master (Paperback)

Being as a missionary sent out from the same church which the author attends, I have the privilege of knowing this outstanding family and their commitment to the Lord. They are kind sincere people who know and walk with God. I also have no doubt that this book was birthed, at least in part, from God's personal dealing with Bob's own spiritual life as to what motivated him in missions. His desire to put God's glory at the center of missions is commendable and in this desire I whole heartedly agree with him. I have both the book and the DVDs which are meant to accompany them, so in a way my critique will be directed towards the message found in both.

The greatest weakness, however, seems to be one of theological immaturity. Though he says that cat theology "is not incorrect but rather incomplete", one gets the impression that "cat theology" is flat out wrong. For example, Jeremiah 29.11 is quoted in which God promises blessing. It is acknowledged that this is a good verse but then we are asked how many of us like a certain verse by Paul which speaks of suffering for Christ. We are left with the impression that "immature and self-centered" Christians quote Jer. 29.11 while more spiritually minded Christians quote verses on suffering.

There is a sense in which the authors seem to be pitting one group of Bible verses against another. John 3.16 and other verses which describe God sending Jesus to die out of love for the world are somehow "immature or humanistic" or at least of less importance than John 12.28 and other verses which depict Jesus as dying to glorify God. At one point the question is asked "What did God the Father get out of Jesus' death?" The answer of "people" is given as an answer and immediately mocked. It seems that this would be a humanistic answer as opposed to the more mature response of "God got glory out of it". (The idea of God receiving glory through the people he gets, and thus both answers being correct, isn't brought up).

While I agree with the author that God's glory often takes a back seat in the church, he seems to try and restore it by belittling God's great love for humanity. Admittedly there is something of a paradox here but instead of helping us to see a more holistic picture of how God's love for humanity and his zeal for his glory are ultimately two sides of the same coin, we are forced to pick between the two. Confusion and condemnation for selfishly focusing on God's love for "me" (something we are commanded to do in scripture) can be a result of such an "either/or" teaching. I recommend John Piper's book "Let the Nations be Glad" as a book which seeks to communicate the same but in a more balanced way which won't leave you feeling like you have to choose between Bible verses.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read, Though A Bit Whimsical and Fundamentalist, June 22, 2004

By 

Texaspresbyterian (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Cat and Dog Theology: Rethinking Our Relationship with Our Master (Paperback)

Meant to give it 3 stars, not 4.

I first experienced Bob's material when I took the "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" class at my church several years ago. Bob used this material to teach the second class.

"Cat and Dog Theology" parallels Bonhoeffer's "Cheap Grace" concept but is much more illustrative and easier to comprehend (and very entertaining). And it hits the nail on the head every bit as much as DieBon did. "Cat and Dog" asks us : Is God our cosmic servant (cat theology), or are we God's earthly servants(dog theology)? It also gives very clear examples so your can determine how much of a canine or feline you are (I still have to admit to a few "meows" myself).

An important read for everyone, even us overly intellectual Presbyterians. (And certainly better than "The Purpose Driven Life", though just about anything is....)

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars John Piper, Jr?, June 25, 2005

By 

aboulet (Princeton, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cat and Dog Theology: Rethinking Our Relationship with Our Master (Paperback)

Mr. Sjogren came to speak at my school two years in a row to do his powerpoint presentation, which is actually this book pressed into three 50 minute sessions. I immediately realized that what he was saying (and what he wrote in this book) is simply rehashing what Jonathan Edwards and John Piper (among others) have been saying. This book reads much like 'Desiring God' by Piper, only it lacks the theological depth and practical application that Dr. Piper presents in his book. Not only that, but Mr. Sjogren does not cite Dr. Piper or Jonathan Edwards in his presentation, when he uses some of the exact phrases and concepts that both have used before. Intellectual honesty = giving credit to whom credit is due.

Do yourself a favor and do not purchase this book. Purchase 'Desiring God' by John Piper or 'Religious Affections' by Jonathan Edwards. They are both more original and VERY much more theologically minded.