Customer Reviews

Choices That Change Lives: 15 Ways to Find More Purpose, Meaning, and Joy

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CHOICES THAT CHANGE LIVES is a one sit read. It's that well written and compelling. The author, Hal Urban, a leader in the character education movement, writes about fifteen areas in life where people can make either positive or negative choices. The areas are humility, patience, empathy, giving, forgiveness, thinking, possibilities, renewal, courage, excellence, mission, scripture, prayer, wisdom, and joy. For each subject he writes about the positives which he calls virtues and negatives which he refers to as flaws, and shows ways in which each is integral to life.

I purchased the book as a personal selection to read. It looked interesting. I'd heard of the author but never read any of his books so I figured I'd read it. As I read it, I found it had practical information for me, but I also felt a need to share it. I ended up using some of Urban's ideas with eighth graders and sophomores in high school. I listed each of Urban's categories and left a blank space for students to write what they thought the word meant. We started with humility, and when nearly every student wrote a negative definition such as to humiliate or put a person in his or her place, I knew that Urban's ideas would be challenging and may help them to think differently. The discussions on scripture lead not just to the Bible, but other places where young people's belief systems are developed. Excellence as doing your best as opposed to being the best also went in interesting directions. I only wish I had discovered the book earlier and could have started using it earlier.

While I read the book for personal reasons, I discovered its usefulness in a classroom and religious education setting. I know anyone who reads this book will take something away from it, but my guess is that teachers, youth workers, and parents will not only find the book a good read, but also useful in other areas too.

I love this book I highly recommend it. Purchase it for yourself and those young ones in the family. Should be required reading in the school systems.

Some books just come to us in a variety of ways. This one orginally was picked at a used book store. But wow! This book was worth reading. Many of the things I learned, I simply forgot. As we go through life, most of what we asborb, we pass on. That is the point of my comments on this review. I'm have ordered this book for my son, he doesn't read much, but the author has such a easy going style, it is not difficult to read. My point if you know of someone that's doing well...give them this book. If you know of someone that's NOT doing so well...give them this book!

Leon

Through this book Dr. Urban gives sound and relatable advice and backs it up with a compendium of personal accounts that provide for an interesting read. Dr. Urban is a brilliant man who knows exactly what he is talking about. The use of quotes throughout the book is phenomenal and really enhances the meaning. This book is well worth the read.

Chapter seven goes to the heart of this book, literally and in terms of theme. In it he discusses possibilities as they are linked to thinking, potential, imagination, and opportunity. In fact after reading it, I had my university class discuss it similar to the way he describes in the book.

Dr. Urban is to be commended for pointing out that the Bible and prayer are foremost in his life. He talks about his spiritual awakening, noting that it goes beyond superficial religion.

What was problematic to me was his attempts at "political correctness." By that I mean vague references to inclusiveness of all religions. Jesus said I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No man comes to the Father but through ME. Christianity is NOT "a way." Also troubling were some of his examples of the principles being lived out. Jimmy Carter, for example. The man is a friend to dictators, evil people who KILL and maim and injury other people to retain power.

While I'm pointing out areas of disagreement, Dr. Urban doesn't seem to understand the concept of grace. Christians are not saved by good works. No one gets to heaven on merit. It's what Jesus did, not what we do. The book of Romans explains that.

So in summing it up, I agree with most of the principles taught in this book. Dr. Urban seems to be a true, humble seeker of truth. He's just weak in the areas mentioned.