Customer Reviews

Finding God in Unexpected Places

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This compendium of essays, mostly gathered from Philip Yancey's columns for CHRISTIANITY TODAY magazine, come from the person whose works I enjoy reading more than any other living author. These essays are not the narrow minded platitudes of someone offering yet another book of hollow reflections. Yancey looks for the intimations of God's grace amidst our troubling human condition, finding it in many places others overlook, whether it be in Shakespeare, Vaclav Havel, the Soviet Union, a computer keyboard, or in the natural world. The essays are brief and amenable to quick review each day e.g. lunchtime, bedtime reading, or afternoon coffee break. These ruminations are also good material to be read in small groups. I unreservedly recommend this book.

First of all, I like the title of this book. So many people think that God is only present in church or at meetings where miraculous, supernatural things occur. Philip Yancey has found the presence of God in many places, from the squalor and oppression of Chilean prisons to the spiritual and moral neediness of post-Soviet Russia; from the wonders of nature to the basement from which he writes his books; from the writings of Shakespeare to the life of a little-known servant of God who lives to minister to the poor. Plus, his discussion of grace and forgiveness in chapters 34 and 35 is as good as I've read on some tough issues. Any book by Philip Yancey is not to be missed, and this collection is one I'll be going back to again and again.

When I read the first paragraph in the first chapter I turned to my wife and said"Oh, I'm going to like this book." I was wrong, I love this book. As a long time minister of the gospil, I was amazed that someone had put into words some of the very same thoughts and anxioties that I have experianced and then given me such a simple solution to the problems that I have encountered in my own spiritual walk. I kept reading words that were so uplifting that I found myself sharing these words of wisdom with my friends and family. I was inspired by his simple insight into so many of the "common" problems that we all face in our voyage thru this life and their solutions. There are so many wonderful quotes both from the secular world and the Bible that I found myself writing down the comments to be used in future sermons. This book is loaded with topics that will preach. I have recommended this book to numerous Christian and non-christian friends and co-workers. I believe that no matter what your present and/or past relationship with Christ is, when you read this book you will find yourself being inspired, uplifted spiritually, entertained and smiling. When I read chapter 23, Russia's Untold Story I set on my sofa and cried and at the same time I was ashamed for not having realized the truth and reality of the suffering of the Christians of that country. I told a friend of mine about this book and he said that the only book he needs to read is the Bible. It is by far the best and most important but if anyone fails to read this book they surely will miss one of God's true blessings. I think that the best part of this book is that it conveys wonderful spiritual truths without being "preachy". I will read more from Mr. Yancy.

Philip Yancey always reaches and resonants with a depth that touches both mind and heart. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves worthwhile reflections on responsive, genuine Christianity. This is one of those rare Christian authors who can be read through two and three times a year and never get stale. Fiveandahalfstars. Great job Philip. Keep it up.

One of the hardest things about reading or reviewing a book is to accept it for what it is, rather than what it isn't. If you are looking for one of Yancey's highly focused theological/apologetic works, this isn't it. If you want one of the most insightful minds in the Christian community looking at the way God is at work in the world, this book is for you.

Largely culled from his back page essays at Christianity Today and revised for the post 9/11 reader, Yancey sees the unexpected places God is at work in the world. Perhaps most importantly for those of us in a pampered, consumer driven culture, he reminds us that grace is found in the hard work of being faithful when God isn't evident and when we are the counterculture. He sees large events such as 9/11, the Cold War and the fall of communism as more than political events, but places where God is doing some of His best work, because god's people are busy doing God's workl in those places.

I find Yancey to be most exciting as a writer when he is able to let his mind run free to find the unexpected insight. These columns are where I think he is at his best.

Highly recommend

Western Christianity, particularly in the United States finds itself in spiritual doldrums. Most people would affirm their belief in God but are not quite sure if God is still hanging around. Philip Yancey provides a wake up call for those who suffer from such spiritual malaise. As a Christian journalist, he has found God in places where we would never expect. God is very much in the world working through men and women in reconciling them to him and one another.

This wonderful collection of essays provide us with a close up view of God's presence in our world. They also deal with those issues which confront our faith and enables us to respond in a spiritual and intelligent manner to those who question us.Divided in six parts, Yancey shows us God without looking, in the workplace, in the headlines and yes even in the institution called the church. His work is inspiring and will make you take a second look at God in your life.

Mr. Yancey provides an approach to God that is no less powerful for its quietness. I was profoundly moved by the stories of those lives which have been lived on the fringes and yet have made such a huge impact for the kingdom of Heaven. This is a must read for those needing to see God in their own lives.

The Women of Faith group at First Presbyterian Church in Findlay, Ohio is presently enjoying our study with this book. We meet weekly and cover three or four articles at a time. Yancey is candid and comes across very "human." His keen gift for observation sees that which we might tend to overlook. He documents how in the darkest of circumstances one may find the abiding comforting presence of God. Yancey teaches us how to look for it!

Philip Yancey, as usual, arrives at the heart of the matter. God is not a bearded old man sitting forever in judgement of us poor mortals. He is in us and around us, in the people we love and in the people who drive us crazy! I am a Roman Catholic but I have almost all of Philip Yancey's books and I re-read them and share them with as many people as I can. God bless him!

Yancey is a great author, and you'll always take away useful insight from his view of living in Christ