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Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe [Paperback]

Larry Osborne (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)

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Book Description

April 14, 2009
People don’t set out to build their faith upon myths and spiritual urban legends. But somehow such falsehoods keep showing up in the way that many Christians think about life and God. These goofy ideas and beliefs are assumed by millions to be rock-solid truth . . . until life proves they’re not. The sad result is often a spiritual disaster–confusion, feelings of betrayal, a distrust of Scripture, loss of faith, anger toward both the church and God.

But it doesn’t have to be so. In this delightfully personal and practical book, respected Bible teacher Larry Osborne confronts ten widely held beliefs that are both dumb and dangerous. Beliefs like these:

• Faith can fix anything
• God brings good luck
• Forgiving means forgetting
• Everything happens for a reason
• A godly home guarantees good kids

…and more.

Get ready to be shocked, relieved, and inspired in the pages of Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe. Because the truth is meant to set us free . . . not hurt us.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Ever since I read The Unity Factor almost twenty years ago, Larry Osborne has been my mentor from afar. Now that Larry is writing books again, he is quickly becoming a go-to author for me, because he speaks my language and deals with my issues. I read everything he writes!”
–Pete Briscoe, senior pastor, Bent Tree Bible Fellowship and author of Christianity: A Follower’s Guide and Secrets from the Treadmill

“A very liberating read, as well as one that will surely deepen your trust in God. Larry takes apart ten commonly held beliefs that don’t make sense . . . because they aren’t true!”
–Russ Carroll, CEO, Miva Merchant

“In Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe, Larry Osborne dismantles many of the ideas that have derailed the faith of sincere Christians for far too long. Larry has the rare capacity to communicate difficult truths in a way that ignites the imagination and disarms the soul. I strongly recommend this book to anyone seeking to develop a deeper and more nuanced faith.”
–Scott Chapman, senior pastor, The Chapel, Illinois

“Larry Osborne never fails to compel me to think with greater precision. Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe challenges us to reevaluate what we can so glibly believe and come away with a faith that we can deeply admire.”
–Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, author of The Divine Mentor, Doing Church As a Team, and The Life Journal

“I recommend anything that Larry Osborne writes. In reviewing Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe, I see that he’s hit another homer! In Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe, Larry unshackles our souls from things that threaten to destroy us. I’m confident your life will be better after reading this book!”
–Ron Forseth, vice president, Outreach, Inc., and general editor, SermonCentral.com

“Larry Osborne’s Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe will help new believers and seasoned Christians alike. People often believe what they’ve heard without knowing why. Larry pierces through widely accepted spiritual legends with common sense and scriptural precision.”
–Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv and author of Confessions of a Pastor

“This is Larry Osborne at his best: scripturally sound, brutally honest, and dripping with grace. He has the guts to blow up myths that have lingered for far too long. Whether you’ve been reading your Bible for years or just bought your first one yesterday, you should listen to this gracious, but straightforward, wisdom.”
–Greg Holden, pastor, Windsor Crossing Community Church, Chesterfield, Missouri

“This book will liberate you from faulty assumptions about God and life that keep us trapped or looking like naive fools. Larry Osborne has brought practical and biblical wisdom to bear on some beliefs that we never should have held and that have always confused us. His chapters on forgiving and on judging alone are worth the price of the book.”
–Mel Lawrenz, senior pastor, Elmbrook Church and author of I Want to Believe
“This is a very important book that has needed to be written for a very long time. With patience and clarity, Larry clearly dissects the erroneous beliefs that masquerade as faith. He helps us wade through the nonsense–inaccurate and misguided ideas we cling to–and guides us to an understanding that results in a winsome, authentic faith . . . the kind of faith we all long for.”
–Nancy Ortberg, founding partner, Teamworkx2 and author of Looking for God

“Larry Osborne blends pastoral experience and counterintuitive wisdom that will frustrate (in a good way), challenge, and encourage you as you seek to walk with God for a lifetime.”
–Darrin Patrick, pastor, The Journey, St. Louis, Missouri

“Filled with common sense from the heart of a California pastor, this is a well-written and entirely biblical look at often-misunderstood principles in Scripture. Not only have I found it helpful in my own life, but also I have been able to use it effectively in discipling others. The great illustrations throughout the book have made the principles clear and easy to grasp. The game plan illustration relating to God’s will is worth the price of the book alone.”
–Steve Potratz, president, Parable Christian Stores and The Parable Group

“I remember exactly where I was sitting when I first heard my friend Larry Osborne explode the myth that faith fixes everything. I was in San Diego for vacation and had stopped in for a visit to North Coast Church. I was there to learn the inner workings of the church but walked away with a new insight into my faith. Since that time, Larry has taught me much about the dumb things that smart Christians believe (and even a few lessons about dumb things that smart pastors believe). You’ll find one ‘aha’ moment after another in this book. I’m buying copies for all our small-group leaders.”
–Nelson Searcy, lead pastor, The Journey Church (New York City)

“Larry Osborne takes us through years of misunderstandings that have been handed down from generation to generation, from Sunday school class to Sunday school class. In today’s jambalaya mix of spirituality, Larry helps spiritual seekers and misinformed churchgoers sort through what is true and what is ridiculous. Whether it’s in the barbershop or the halls of traditional church, there are myths circulating . . . and now Larry brings the light and balance of Scripture to enlighten the misinformed.”
–Stacy Spencer, senior pastor, New Direction Christian Church, Memphis, Tennessee

“Larry’s commonsense approach in addressing widely held, but incorrect, spiritual beliefs bring clarity and sanity–finally! The chapters on forgiveness and parenting struck a particular chord with me. Larry is a wise pastor, gifted in teaching the Scriptures in a way that makes biblical truth accessible and understandable. I highly recommend this book to those familiar with the Christian faith and to those who aren’t.”
–Linda Stanley, director, Next Generation Pastors Leadership Community, Leadership Network

“Larry Osborne pulls no punches in Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe. He brings clarity and biblical insight to commonly misunderstood ideas. With books like these, Christians will believe fewer stupid things that damage their own spiritual journeys. Ten Dumb Things is worth reading and sharing.”
–Ed Stetzer, co-author of Compelled by Love, www.edstetzer.com

“Larry Osborne gives wise counsel for all Christians. It’s hard to put down once you start reading. It will influence and impact your core beliefs.”
–Tim Stripe, co-owner, Grand Pacific Resorts, Carlsbad, California

“I couldn’t put Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe down once I started reading it. I know many Christians have the same issues Larry addresses with gentle clarity to correct our thinking and behaviors. A great book for new and serious believers alike.”
–Dave Travis, managing director of Leadership Network and author of Beyond Megachurch Myths and Beyond the Box: Innovative Churches That Work

“Smart Christians can fall for a lot of dumb beliefs. I hadn’t considered how many ’til I read this book chock-full of sensible observations, disarming illustrations, and compelling scriptural insights. Larry makes you laugh while he makes you think.”
–Ken Werlein, founding pastor of Faithbridge Church, Houston, Texas

“This is a great book. It’s a life-changing message the world needs to hear. Everyone should buy one and read it.”
–Carolyn Osborne, Larry’s mom

About the Author

Larry Osborne is a teaching pastor at North Coast Church in Vista, California, a fellowship of more than seven thousand people that features multiple campuses and offers more than twenty worship services each weekend. Recognized as one of America’s most innovative pastors, Larry’s previous book with Multnomah is titled Spirituality for the Rest of Us: A Down-to-Earth Guide to Knowing God. He holds two advanced degrees from Talbot Theological Seminary and lives with his wife, Nancy, in Oceanside.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Multnomah Books (April 14, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1601421508
  • ISBN-13: 978-1601421500
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.5 x 8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

20 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling book will unsettle readers, April 25, 2009
This review is from: Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe (Paperback)
10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe by Larry Osborne is going to shake up more than a few readers faith! There are many beliefs that are consistent across denominations, but as Osborne points out, not all of these are Scriptural, and some are actually likely to damage believers' faith. He calls them spiritual urban legends like: God brings good luck, all things happen for a reason, and my personal favorite being raised in a godly home guarantees good children. Despite what other writers will have you believe, it's not necessarily so. Osborne uses short anecdotes and lots of Scripture to point out how these beliefs arose and why they continue in popularity. The book is like a cold splash of water: it's at first a bit shocking and maybe even unpleasant but cleansing. For example, believing that raising your children in a godly home guarantees that they will be good people will cause one of two reactions if your children are struggling and not walking with the Lord. First, parents may blame themselves and feel unnecessary guilt and causing stress on their relationship as well as deep grief at having failed their child. Or parents could be unrealistically optimistic, believing that while the child may be conflicted now eventually he/she will come to faith because of the false promise in that belief. Either of these can devastate a relationship with the Lord. Osborne wants readers to have a solid faith in God based on the rock of Scripture instead of the unsteady sand of spiritual urban legends.
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47 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Sequel "10 Dumb Things .... Divide Over", July 19, 2009
By 
This review is from: Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe (Paperback)
by Larry Osborne, Multnomah, 2009
Book review on 29 June 2009 by Bill Heath, 176 page paperback, easy reading

The title, back book highlights and one chapter caught my attention. This is especially significant since I do not buy or read much beside the Scripture at this stage in my life. During the morning while departing with the family at the San Juan Airport and before morning quiet time impressions of Proverbs 22:6 struck curious unsure cords in my conscience. I won't go into details, however the writer of this book confirmed the conclusion I was coming to, yet had not heard from the pulpit or teaching among believers. The title word "smart" should be changed for "wrongly taught." This is one of those rare books that helps us unlearn errors or incomplete doctrines.

Content review
Introduction: Spiritual Urban Legends - excellent illustrating how these legends can be destructive in the eternal plan. Forefronts how being a Berean is honorable. Acts 17:11.

Dumb Things:

1 - Faith Can Fix Anything. Excellent in comparing faith, belief and trust with the truth.

2 - Forgiving Means Forgetting. Excellent with references, however comes short on sharing that there are times to forget and how to discern.

3 - A Godly Home Guarantees Godly Children. Excellent to deal with Proverbs 22:6 not being a promise to all, could have added Acts 10 with the household of Cornelius. More later, since this is a topic for a small book.

4 - God Has a Blueprint for My Life. Excellent, since this allows for free will and sovereignty.

5 - Christian's Shouldn't Judge. Excellent in all aspects.

6 - Everything Happens for a Reason. Excellent as distinguishing between what God permits or causes, and what is due to our own immaturity or foolishness is important. Really like his emphasis on Romans 8:37-39 being the focus.

7 - Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide. Good at one point. Shortcomings because it does not take the whole counsel of God into consideration. There are elements of truth regarding not following inner voices, however the reference of 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 is from a poor translation and not for the topic. I'd rather the lesson include and expand into a "pure conscience": Strong's Greek Dictionary, "4893 suneidesis, soon-i'-day-sis", co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness:--conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

8 - God Brings Good Luck. Excellent since whole assemblies of believers are caught up into this error.

9 - A Valley Means a Wrong Turn. Excellent overview of the 3 types of valleys we can go through; natural growth, God sent me or I sinned.

10 -Dead People Go to a Better Place. Correct in doctrine, but is harsh and not in tune with the rest of the book. I'd cover another topic, such as methodology in discipleship for teaching and learning. Then add a few paragraphs on how to be saved.

Epilogue - Final Thoughts. Good illustrations and a discussion guide for the 10 topics. A followup book could be titled "10 dumb things smart christians divide over" eternal security, the tribulation, worship style, gifts, appearance, Sunday, tithes, church, sanctification and Israel.
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13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Christian Mythbusting: Debunking Divine Dogma, April 21, 2009
This review is from: Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe (Paperback)
I really liked (like) this book. While at first glance the title might sound like the opening salvo for a soap-box rant, it's not. While the cover teaser, "Are urban legends and Sunday-school myths ruining your faith?" sounds like a lead-in to a biased tirade...it's not. While the question posited on the back cover, "Just because `everyone believes it' doesn't make it true..." sounds like the preface to opinionated rhetoric, it is not. So, what is it, this book? I think that it may very well be an emancipation proclamation for many "christians" who have bought into "popular-vote" theology.

I don't want to parrot the book or giveaway too much of what's in it. If you'd like to see a little more about what is written inside, you can check out Pastor Larry's blog where he shares some details about 10 Dumb Things. As for my thoughts, I found affirmation and agreement with most of what I read. I'm sure that people struggle or wrestle with issues differently and some of the 10 Things might not be as much of an issue for some people as they are for others. With that said, I found value and insight from every chapter although there were several that moved me (spoke to me) more than others.

Chapter Four, God Has a Blueprint for my Life, I had to read slowly and carefully. Personally, I have some differences of opinion regarding this particular position. I don't want to give away the meat of the chapter, so suffice it to say that I don't disagree completely. I do think some of the illustrations used might be better qualified for clarity's sake. I believe the bottom line (and this is confirmed by my margin notes, stars, and "good point exclamations" on pages 62-69) from this chapter I am in full agreement with. I enjoyed having my own position stretched and clarified.

I found a great deal of wisdom and insight in chapter five, Christians Shouldn't Judge; likewise for chapter six, Everything Happens for a Reason. With specific regard to chapter six, several months ago I read Spectacular Sins by John Piper. I find myself more in agreement with the explanations offered from the perspective and teaching of Larry Osborne than the comfort level I found while reading Spectacular Sins.

I loved, loved, loved chapter eight. I loved it. God Brings Good Luck exposes one or more of the major faults in post-modern, consumeristic, north-American Christianity. Great chapter...very convicting and humbling.

As I said, I enjoyed all the chapters and could share something about each and every one. I don't want to play-by-play the book, but will add this final note. Chapter ten is a difficult read. I think it is chock-full of truth...sobering truth, but it is a hard read. I also think that it helps to tie the entire work together in a reflective call to arms. I plan to put a couple of copies of 10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe in my own church library. I hope other pastors and churches do the same. This is a good book and a great conversation starter; hopefully it will help to destroy some of the "spiritual urban myths" that have stunted the growth of God's Kingdom. Kudos to Larry for a deep, but easy to read and very helpful word for the church.

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