Inside Out [Paperback]

Larry Crabb (Author), Lawrence J. Crabb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1998

THE PROMISE OF REAL CHANGE.

You don't have to pretend you've got it all together . . . when you don't. You don't have to pretend your best relationship deeply satisfies . . . when it doesn't. You don't have to pretend your struggle with sin is a thing of the past . . . when it isn't.

"Only Christians have the capacity to never pretend," says Larry Crabb. That's because real change is only possible when you face the realities of your internal life and let God mold you into a person who is free to be honest, courageous, and loving.

If you want a more vital union with God, a richer relationship with others, and a deeper sense of personal wholeness, let Larry Crabb help you look inside yourself. And discover how God works real, liberating change when you live from the inside out.

This expanded anniversary edition includes a new preface and new chapter from the author and celebrates more than 400,000 copies of Inside Out in print.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

DR. LARRY CRABB earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois and is currently distinguished scholar in residence at Colorado Christian University in Morrison, Colorado. He is the author of numerous books, including Understanding Who You Are (NavPress) and Connecting (Word).

Product Details

• Paperback: 245 pages
• Publisher: Navpress Publishing Group; Revised & updated 10th anniversary ed edition (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576830829
• ISBN-13: 978-1576830826
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Larry Crabb is a well-known psychologist, seminar speaker, Bible teacher, author, and founder/director of NewWay Ministries. In addition to various speaking and teaching opportunities, Dr. Crabb offers a week-long School of Spiritual Direction and a weekend conference, Life on the Narrow Road. He is also Scholar in Residence at Colorado Christian University and serves as Spiritual Director for the American Association of Christian Counselors. His many popular books include Inside Out, Finding God, Becoming a True Spiritual Community, The PAPA Prayer, Soul Talk, and his life work, 66 Love Letters. For additional information visit www.newwayministries.org.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is changing my life for the better., September 29, 2001

By 

Erik Olson "Seeker Reviews" (Ridgefield, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Inside Out (Paperback)

I began reading "Inside Out" with a wait-and-see attitude, since I had heard it criticized as being "too psychological." I personally see psychiatry as valuable as long as it has a Biblical foundation, so I wanted to give Dr. Crabb the benefit of the doubt. I didn't really expect too much out of the book, especially since I had to read it for a class. But after a couple of chapters, my presuppositions were destroyed. When Dr. Crabb defined self-protection as a major sin holding many people in bondage, I knew that I was one of its chief practitioners.

As I read on, I could see how the hurts of my past had led me to practice self-protection, especially toward the opposite sex. I saw how insular I'd become, and that I had gradually ceased from taking relational risks with women. I rationalized my behavior by convincing myself that I was setting "boundaries" when in reality I was creating barriers. I have dedicated much of the last couple of years to knowing and loving God more, but I had failed to practice the other command that goes along with that: Love others as yourself.

I believe that God prepared my heart beforehand so that this book would have maximum impact. It cut through my barriers and exposed how the sin of self-protection has prevented me from reaching out and forming relationships. Since men are wired to be initiators, this was a terrible bondage to be in. I still had relational needs that were being denied, and at times I "medicated" them wrongly. But since I finished this book, I have sought to initiate more and take healthy relational risks. There's no quick fixes here, but there is the possibility of growth and progression in the right direction.

It's my desire that I not forget what I have read in "Inside Out," and actually apply its lessons to my life. I do not want to be bound by pain and living in a self-imposed prison. Yes, I realize that there is still the possibility of being hurt and spitefully used, and Crabb is realistic about that happening. I also know that my deepest needs will not be realized until I am face-to-face with God in Heaven. But while I'm here, I need to take the risk to love others regardless of how they may respond. Loving God and others more, and expressing that devotion in a healthy way is the best lesson one can learn from "Inside Out."

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Material -- A Little Too Deep for Many Persons, July 22, 2002

By 

David R. Bess (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Inside Out (Paperback)

Crabb here offers some invaluable insights in what many people consider his best work. His theme, in accordance with the title, is that Christian maturity must come from the inside out. His goal is not just for believers to do good, but to be good.

The author opens his book by describing three common ways Christian maturity is mistakenly perceived to occur. The first way is by doing our Christian duty. This method is primarily a matter of willpower, and ends in discouragement. The second way is by depending on a special work of the Holy Spirit. This method is an improvement, but still does not compel us to face directly the sins in our hearts that may lie below the surface. The third way is by working through obstacles to growth. Psychologists who encourage us to examine unresolved issues in our hearts and minds champion this method. The shortcoming of this approach is that repentance of hidden sin never occurs.

In the remainder of his book, Crabb describes a new understanding of Christian maturity that combines the three ways just mentioned. The author then adds another dimension, that of repentance of deep sin. To identify this sin we must take an "inside look" that is illuminated by the Spirit of God, the Word of God, and the people of God.

I recommend this work highly to Christian pastors, leaders, and professionals. For many believers the language may be too technical and intense, but apart from that shortcoming it is a very enlightening read. It is definitely worth the price!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book on Facing the Truth About Ourselves, May 10, 2003

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Inside Out (Paperback)

Crabb's book focuses on the need to trust God and His love for us in changing our lives for the better.

Some of the principles Crabb mentions include:

1. Sometimes the ache in our hearts is due to a realistic appraisal of life.
2. Reasons why we should face our thirst for spiritual satisfaction.
3. Self-protection keeps us from relating to others in more profound ways.
4. We have no right to demand anything from God!
5. We must not be demanding of others - we will struggle with disappointing relationships.
6. We must allow God to help us clearly see ourselves as we really are.
7. How we can honestly face our thirst.
8. Most important of all - the gospel contains the power to change our lives for the better!!!

Read the book and prepared to be challenged and encouraged to change your life for the better!