Customer Reviews

Jesus Did It Anyway

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am always looking for new and inspiring ways to improve my life. I found Kent Keith's message in his new book very influencing. If more people were to follow these "commandments", the world would be a kinder place in which to live. This book brought to mind the things we can do to becoming more Christ-like. It was easy to read and I liked the examples from Christ's life that helped to solidify the "commandment" in my mind.

The book is a great introduction to Christian Scripture. It provides a practical, interesting way of understanding the great stories and teachings of the Bible. I'm not a regular church-goer, and I'm not sure I would call myself religious, but this book is straight forward and makes sense of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus in a way that I have never seen before, inviting us to live the paradoxical life that Jesus did.

The practical application of Christianity to one's personal life has always been a challenge for the followers of Jesus. In "Jesus Did It Anyway", Kent Keith articulates with clarity and inspiration a straight-forward guide to living the Christian faith. While doctrine is foundational, the paradoxical commandments quickly go beyond belief to the essential qualities of Christian discipleship. These basic principles are taught by all faiths and Kent Keith's words encourage us to work cooperatively toward justice and happiness in our communities.

This book really gets you thinking about what is really important in your life. The aim is to help you find deep personal happiness by focusing on what is truly meaningful. The book is structured around the Paradoxical Commandments. While they were not specifically written with any religion in mind, the message is so universal; they can be understood through parables told in the Bible. This approach offers interesting insights, that any one will find rewarding.

In a simple yet eloquent manner, Kent Keith sets forth a very clear call to do good ANYWAY, and gives examples of why and how to find deep meaning today -- even in a world filled with so much darkness and anger and uncertainty. In the same gentle manner as the Savior used in teaching, this book guides us to look beyond all those things that distract and keep focused on living the way Jesus showed us -- and how to find joy now. Even though I'm familiar with the Paradoxical Commandments, this new book made me stop and see things in a different perspective.

According to author Dr. Kent M. Keith, he wrote the Paradoxical Commandments 30 years ago when he was 19. Somehow, they got around, and were quoted (without attribution) in devotional books and posters, even ending up in Calcutta with Mother Teresa. Keith didn't see a penny for his work, and claims not to mind.

Now, Keith has repackaged and expanded his earlier work with "Jesus Did It Anyway." I'm sympathetic with the plight of a person whose one great contribution ends up being exploited by others. But I found the book disappointing. The best parts were the sayings themselves, which took the form, "The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway." But Keith's expansions are not terribly inspiring. They consist mainly of lightly paraphrased scriptural stories plus a few personal stories. Aside from the paradoxical commandments themselves, Keith's insights are cliched and dull. It was easy to skip large sections of the book without missing anything. Hence, the disappointment.

Though this book is inspiring in its own way, if you're looking for something deep or original, you ought to look elsewhere.

We are actually reading this book together in our Sunday School class. As one of the teachers in the class, I have picked up reading the book in a myriad of places and each time I do... a conversation about its content is sure to follow. Whether on a plane, at Starbucks or having a chat with my sister, the book has proved facinating. I have given away 2 of my personal copies already. Toaday I am actually just finishing my 3rd order online. I believe this book will help us as Christians change the world one person at a time. You really need to read this book... and make sure you give it away when your finished reading it.

Apparently a good book. Was bought from the Amazon marketplace for my son. They labeled it 'contraband' and now he will be sending it to me to read. I am sure it is ok if it has been rejected by a prison. LOL

additional information: I did end up with the book and found it very interesting and compelling. Christianity is nothing if not pragmatic and if it is not pragmatic then it would be nothing. Written in the vein of St. Paul and his nevertheless phrase this book gets to the core of the matter of Christian living and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I had a hard time putting this inspired book down once I'd started it. I had to buy one for both my children, my sister, and 5 of my grandchildren.

I bought this item as a gift. I purchased three books at the same time; of the three this one arrived first. My girlfriend loved the book and felt like it would be a great topic for a bible study group to follow. I haven't read this book, but have read Anyway the Paradoxical Commandments. The previously mentioned book is great so I have no doubt this one is too. They are both written by the same gentleman.