Customer Reviews

Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the two best books on relationships I have ever read (the other is "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," by Joshua Harris). I agree completely with the reviewer who said that many people do not abide by the standards Elliot sets up in this book and still have happy, healthy marriages. I'm one of them. That's because our God is forgiving and willing to help us work thorough our mistakes. But I wish I had had this book earlier so that some of those mistakes could perhaps have been avoided.

Even though I've made my own peace by now, my heart still hurts for all the people around me who chase after romantic relationships, thinking that they have to "have" a girlfriend or boyfriend in order to find their own personal worth. I see friends who are on their way to being strong Christians get sidetracked, willing to sacrifice everything they know and believe about God and themselves just for the sake of feeling good about one particular relationship. That never works, and then they have to start from scratch not only romantically, but in their relationship with God that they've betrayed. No wonder it hurts so much!

Stop before you start. Really seek God's will in ALL areas of your life. And if you struggle with romantic temptations like so many of us do, then give Elisabeth Elliot a chance. This book sure made me mad the first time I read it--I thought she was terribly closed-minded. But I was the one who wasn't willing to change for God. Focus on your love story with him before you worry about anyone else.

If you're looking for a book about Elisabeth Elliot's personal quest for love, then this text is not what you are looking for. Quest for love is a compilation of stories and excerpts about those who are now in the Faith who have searched for love at some point in the breadth of their lives. Not all the stories end happily in a romantic sense, and not all of them are model relationships. They are all real however, and Elliot leaves us with a bit of observation and application at the end of every chapter.

If you've read my other review under the book Passion and Purity, then you know that I really do enjoy reading about other peoples' lives. I sincerely want to stress the fact that the examples given to us in this book are not all great examples of what a godly relationship ought to be. In my opinion, Elisabeth Elliot has done a great job in giving us glimpses in not-so-exemplary relationships so that we might learn from other peoples mistakes. What you see here is a lot of life testimony regarding the pain and personal anguish that results in a broken world through the means of human relationships.

Elisabeth Elliot puts forth challenging questions and the occasional quotation of scripture. She offers insightful observations of what may or may not have been done correctly in a relationship. She also offers insight into situations in life that may not result in relationships at all. It's a pretty well rounded book, and it doesn't glamourize Christian relationships, nor does it assume that all Christian relationships are okay. You see some very destructive and painful occurences in here, and it is absolutely worth the read.

I guess the only reason that I gave the book four stars is because I wish that there were more letters from those who God chose to remain single. Love doesn't always have to be relegated to human relationships as the triune God is a very lovable and relational person. I'd give this book a 4.5 if I could, but we live in a broken world, so nothing is ever perfect;-).

Mrs. Elliot relates many stories associated with courtship and the methods to go about the process. I wish I had this book earlier in my life. I just broke off a 4 year relationship with a wonderful young lady and I think if I had this book earlier things would have been different. God is the God of second chances so I will use them in any relationships to come. By the way, the mother of a girl I'm interested in gave me this book to read. If you have any guys hanging around your house and you know why they are there, give them this book. I went through it in three days. It's great reading.

If you have read or are planning on reading "Passion and Purity" by Elizabeth Elliot, you NEED to purchse this book as well and read it with it. If you think that Elizabeth Elliot's standards are archaic and outdated (As she herself seems to imply people think they are), then read this book. "Quest for Love" will give clear examples of what it means to surrendur your love life to Christ. It is not about a strict set of "rules" and guidelines, but rather it is about a fluid relationship with Jesus Christ based upon the Bible.

One of my favorite stories was about the man who went to China as a missionary, but before he did he kept pursuing different women that he "felt" were the perfect match for him. It was wasn't until he was surrenduring his life to God and living in obedience by being a missionary to China, did he meet the woman who would become his wife. The other tale in here that I enjoyed was about God testing one man's patience and concept of God's timing. He was "ready" to get married when he was 22, but God kept saying no. He would date and try to find someone, but it didn't work. Finally he began handing it over to the Lord, and ten years later he met the woman who would be his wife, who was ten years younger than him!!! When he thought he was ready to get married, well, his wife wasn't!

I loved this book because through the stories and Elliot's narration, she teaches that singleness is a gift from God. We should not view it as a curse whether we are called to singleness for a life-time or for a season, but rather as an opportunity to grow in the Lord and into our God-given gifts. So, that we will not live to get married, but live in Christ. It is a beautiful thing to see a young or old man or woman surrenduring their life to Christ. Do not begrudge your state if you are single, marriage isn't a magic happiness pill, but harder work than you will ever bargain for. Enjoy your singleness and solitude while you have it. That is what this book is about, enjoying Christ in singleness so that if we marry, we can enjoy him in that too.

God Bless & *ENJOY* ~Amy

I thought this was a great book because it was stories about regular old people like me, trying to dilligently following God's Word in my life in the area of relationships. Much better than Passion & Purity (although, that was not a bad book). If you liked P&P, I think you'll *LOVE* this one!

This book is a tremendous source of help for those who are so confused about their role in society. Elizabeth E. explains clearly that men should still be men though their figure has been degraded and women should be ladies just as God intended. They should wait for the man to initiate the relationship and do no hunting themselves, for this only brings confusion and misery. Men, don't lose your backbone! And women, don't lose your feminity. Go, Elizabeth Elliot!!!

Guys tend to shy away from Elizabeth Elliot. Shy away no longer. This book (and Passion and Purity) not only changed my view of this crazy phenomenon we call dating, it helped change my view of our amazing Creator. Life is much better because of EE's writings.

I borrowed "Quest For Love" from a friend at her suggestion, and the next day I had already finished it! I found it to be amazing. To me it was such a comfort and a peace in it's basic, Biblical soundness. It helps me lay to rest many anxieties and fears relating to the whole issue of "relationships." I definitely recommend the reading of this book to men and women alike; it will challenge you in the face of society's standards. It has given me a lot to think about!

I love the real-life examples that are given in this book. It really portrays the unique ways that God brings a man and a woman together. This is another book that I'll read over and over again, and get something "new" from every time! My roommate and I really had an encouraging time reading it together. It's more than highly recommended (for guys too).

Another great book from Elisabeth Elliot with testimonies from those who did it God's way and those who didn't and the consequences! God has truly annointed Elisabeth with much wisdom! Thank you for sharing radical and contrary information to what this sad society has to offer! WAITING ON GOD and enjoying singleness!