Customer Reviews

Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong: A Biblical Response to Today's Most Controversial Issues

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As a contributor to this book, I am admittedly biased. But I thought a few remarks might prove useful to anyone considering it.

First, this book addresses a wide range of contemporary issues in a practical fashion from a biblical (and pastoral) perspective. It is not just another ethics textbook (nor was it ever intended to be). Rather, it was written by our pastoral staff with the intent being to show how biblical principles apply to the issues that Christians face everyday. The book is born out of real-world ministry experience, as we attempted to apply biblical principles to real life.

Second, the book is intended to be a concise treatment of the topics addressed. Full books could be written on many of the topics we addressed. Our goal was not to do that, but rather to give a succinct and hands-on treatment of each of the issues. As a result, topics like abortion, euthanasia, birth control, homosexuality, global warming, illegal immigration and the like are addressed in a concise manner. In this way, the book is somewhat of a handbook on contemporary issues.

Finally, in response to J.J.'s rather negative review, it should be noted that the book does NOT equate saving faith with external obedience, but in fact clearly states that obedience follows faith as its fruit (see p. 9, for example). Also, the love of God is specifically addressed in the book (see pp. 206-207, for example). Based on J.J.'s comments, it becomes difficult to imagine that he even read the whole book.

In any case, our church staff's hope (in putting this book together) was that it would be a resource for pastors and lay-people alike, as they seek to exalt Christ by exhibiting "right thinking in a world gone wrong."

Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong by John MacArthur is a thorough look at many of the dilemmas and issues facing Christians in today's world in a remarkable way. There is a great deal of discord within the church about issues like homosexuality, illegal immigration, politics, and so many other issues. MacArthur and some other authors back up their point of view with plenty of Scripture, and I was glad to see their compassionate view on illegal immigration. It's an issue that had bothered me, and I wasn't quite sure how to view it as a Christian, but MacArthur boiled it down to its essence giving me and other Christians a way to view this volatile issue through faith. I don't necessarily agree with his view on capital punishment, but for the first time I was able to see how Christians can support it and yet oppose abortion Biblically. MacArthur offers a real way for Christians to interact with the world without losing their soul. Popular culture including media, video games, and celebrity is also addressed by focusing on the 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. This book covers a wide range of subjects and gives Christians a guide to use to help their own response to the world.

John MacArthur's latest book tries to answer some of the most controversial and engaging questions that Christians are asking today. MacArthur isn't the only author of this book. It's more of a compilation of essays by MacArthur and his leadership team, which includes Rich Holland, Nathan Busenitz, and Jonathan Rourke. Some of the chapters aren't written specifically by one author; they are adapted from staff discussions.

The topics covered in this book are diverse, and it seems as if the Grace Community team left no stone unturned. Some of the issues discussed include homosexuality, internet dating, video games, celebrity, divorce, birth control, in vitro fertilization, capital punishment, environmentalism, suffering, and many more. Each chapter is written by a different author, who usually specializes in the topic covered. The writing is concise and organized, but never very lively. If you want doctrine, Biblical quotation, and clear-cut answers, this book is for you.

I was unhappy, however, with their treatment of certain issues, or rather their lack of treatment. Abortion is discussed, but cases of rape, mental and physical handicaps aren't mentioned at all. I'm assuming that because of their pro-life stance that they articulate clearly, they didn't feel the need to include those subjects. But I feel that in a book of this genre, every inch of the issue should be covered, and the author's omission of critical questions and information severely undermines the book's overall theme.

MacArthur and his team use the Bible as their authority, and though I don't agree with some of their interpretations, they are consistent. This is a thoughtful read that will help many Christians who are unsure of God's perspective on certain topics.

Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong is an outstanding volume which belongs on the shelf of every pastor and teacher, especially here in the United States. John MacArthur and the leadership team at Grace Community Church have put together a worthy guide to ethics and morality in this dark day. Covering such subjects as movies and video games, divorce and birth control, politics and ecology, and even tragedy and suffering, just to name a few, this volume is well written and well researched Scripturally. You may not agree with every detail here, but you will certainly know why the writer holds that opinion according to the Holy Scriptures. There may be differences in interpretation, but at least you will know where this leadership team stands and why.

My favorite chapters were "American Idols" by Tom Patton about entertainment, escapism, and the cult of celebrity, and "God, Government, and the Gospel" by John MacArthur. That chapter alone is worth the price of the book. Listen as MacArthur places the emphasis exactly where it should be: "Only the gospel, through the power of the Spirit, can effect real change in society - since it transforms sinners from the inside out. After all, there are no Christian countries, only Christian individuals. Hence, our commission is to proclaim that gospel faithfully in whatever context God puts us. When we allow ourselves to get distracted by politics, we inevitably neglect our responsibility to preach the gospel."

Granted, this book will convict you in the areas where you fall short of the Bible standard. It certainly did so with me. But that is precisely why it is so good and why it is so needed.

Highly recommended.

I have not read a great deal by John MacArthur. But I was intrigued with this book. It's contents page tackles some great topics including Video Games And A Biblical World View, Making media Choices for You And Your Family, Euthanasia, Suicide and Capital Punishment, Illegal Immigration and Border Control - all from a Biblical perspective.

The book is divided into four parts and each part tackles a theme; Entertainment and Leisure, Morality and Ethics, Politics and Activism & Tragedy and Suffering.

These are solid, biblically based essays on important topics. This is a great introduction to these areas for people who want a relatively short introduction. If you have read some theology, then what is in here will not be new, but drawing together into one volume such topics will prove to be a useful resource. I will be tutoring a seminary level course in Christian Ethics this fall and several of these essays are already photocopied and ready to be given to the class as `further' reading.

Wow! I was recently at a conference with John Piper & John MacArthur, and each speaker gave everyone a free book. This is the book MacArthur was so generous to charitably donate to us spiritually impoverished youth.
The book is a compilation of essays written by pastors serving within MacArthur's church. Each essay addresses points of contention that living as a Christian in our modern pagan world brings, and wisely draws out such practical spiritual value; I want to especially emphasize the timeless need for this book in its few essays on Evil & Suffering in the World. Beginning with Rick Holland's essay "Evil, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God," I have since had my days flooded with thoughts as the text challenged me to continue to question.
These essays not only addressed the philosophical side to the problem of pain, but in addition addressed -often the most felt need- the actual practical experience we each face in suffering. They really outlined so clearly the areas of psychological difficulty, and worked our way together to the meat of the Christian's hope. There is no doubt that they teach the deep stuff in these essays, but you don't even realize it while reading; they selectively use the correct philosophical & psychological terms, making this book accessible for everyone.

Wow!!! I guess I need to work on some things. I agreed with all of the ideas/ideals, but learned that I have to change my outlook/action.

Good source for information on many current hot button issues from a biblical perspective. Like everything from MacArthur soundly based on the bible and clearly reasoned.

I have not read every single article but what I have read has made me happy. Praise the Lord for this book. The majority of MacArthur's Books are excellent and filled with Bible, I usually am not disappointed after reading one of his books. This one has many interesting topics, below are just a few.

Political Activism
The cult of Celebrity
Homosexuality
Immigration
Environmentalism
abortion
God and the Problem of Evil

Also being raised in California this book is very relevant for many Christians there, as many of the issues addressed in this book are hot buttons in that culture. Not all the topics addressed are relevant for everyone, but of all the topics in the book, everyone should find something.

John Macarthur is a pastor/teachor at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. He also has a radio show, Grace to You.
His beliefs are in line with what I think is the majority of America. He stands for family values, taking responsibility, and placing God first. Though I think the majority of America stands for that, do they act upon that?
From video games to living green, Macarthur enlightens the hot topics of the day with scripture coupled with common sense. For example, he shows through scripture that we are to be stewards of the earth. Then, he warns against worshipping Mother Nature instead of God. He speaks of video games--the addiction and the types.
I read this book after a conversation with a friend about our community being female-ran. We talked about the men we knew in the community who were slackers who lived on the coat tails of their wives. In a nutshell, we blamed it on the men not wanting to grow up. We talked about the trend of men not doing whatever it takes to support their family as men in older generations did. We talked about seeing them as less than men.
There are references to this strange phenomenon in Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong. He refers to these men as "real-life Peter Pans". He explains that living in a virtual world is not right, because it is not real. Real Christian men are not self-indulgent.
This book is about pressing issues. All Christians will benefit from this well-written book. Do not pass this up!