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Dare to Be True: Living in the Freedom of Complete Honesty

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"Honesty is the best policy" is what we've been taught since childhood. But I would add "it may come with a price." When you read Mark Roberts' latest book it will challenge you in ways you may find surprising!

Perhaps it was the title that lead me to the initial idea that perhaps Dr. Mark Roberts had taken "a little time off" from the theological depth of his earlier books. "Everybody knows what truthfulness is and how to be truthful" was perhaps what I was thinking. Then, as I read I began to see that Truth is not so simple; this book was going to reach me at both the intellectual level and in my heart.

Since you're reading this review, like me you probably see yourself as a "truthful" person. Be prepared to be challenged by the bright light of truth that Mark Roberts' writing will shine on you. That's the "price." But the value is the added freedom that you will discover as you more fully commit to letting God show you truth.

And don't be afraid that you will be attacked by the author's words. This is not some "fire & brimstone" sermon. But gentle words and personal examples as used by Mark can be very powerful. They were for me.

The title is well chosen; this is a "Dare" well worth accepting!

Perhaps, like me, you have often read titles on Christian ethics and felt that the author did not really live in the real world the rest of us face each day. In "Dare to Be True" Roberts has tackled a difficult subject with a healthy balance of scriptural instruction combined with tangible illustrations from everyday life. The world needs more books on practical Christian ethics for the layman, I enjoyed this book greatly, and will recommend it to both my believing and non-believing friends.

Roberts' approach to a difficult topic - being truthfull in all that we do - is refreshing and convicting, and his examination of the components of being a true and honest person are challenging. There is much to be tackled in these pages that bares careful reflection. Roberts also shows candor in relating his own struggle with anger as a parent - insight I find wonderfully refreshing.

I would suggest this book as a fine focal point for Bible study or small groups. In a time when the Church needs to be more introspective toward its (sometimes weak) witness in a watching world, this work provides a catlyst for honest thought.

Finally, in the interest of full disclosure and being truthful, I should add that I have been a good friend of Mark Roberts for almost 20 years, and I should add that he is a faithful pastor, thoughtful theologian, dear friend, and has a great sense of humor. However, his golf game is abysmal. See, I am already doing better at being truthful!

I could hardly put this book down until I had finished it. This is a deep but accessible book containing the truth about truth. I read it hoping to gain insight about others in my life who aren't so truthful, and found more applications to my own life than I expected. Mark Roberts is an excellent, gifted writer. His tone is gentle and confessional, but he holds nothing back about the biblical imperative for truth with God, with others and with ourselves. He shares wonderful, pertinent examples from his own life and the lives of others about how God has honored their truth-telling and truth-living.

This book has made a difference in my life and has prompted me to go back and make some things right--to live a life of truth and transparency before God and in the world. It would be excellent for a Sunday school class or Bible study group as well as for individuals. The concepts Roberts presents are foundational to our freedom in Christ. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to experience more of that freedom.

"Dare to Be True" tackles tough issues in relation to the practice of speaking the truth and living the truth. Drawing on the encouragement and insight of the Scriptures, this readable volume offers plenty of vivid illustrations and real-world examples of what commitment to truth looks like in today's world. As one of Mark's former students at Fuller, I have always appreciated his academic ability but this book offers much more. "Dare to Be True" reveals the tender heart of a pastor who is committed to living according to the example of Jesus who came to us "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This book will help all who hope to live in the same way.

Dare To Be True: Living In The Freedom Of Complete Honesty by Mark D. Roberts (Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church, Irvine, California), is a spiritual self-help guide especially appropriate for Christians struggling to remain truthful in a spin-saturated world that punishes honesty and rewards well-crafted lies. Offering a plan to cultivate an honest credo in relationships (including the one shared with God, improve one's feelings of self-worth and straighten one's character), Dare To Be True draws upon the wisdom of scripture to encourage improvement in one's life and soul.

The study of this book has provided our study group with deepened understandings of truth and what it means to live as people who are true. Excellent!