Singles at the Crossroads: A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness [Paperback]

Albert Y. Hsu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 1997

One of the 1998 Academy of Parish Clergy Top Ten Books of the Year! Nearly half of adults today are unmarried. But most churches emphasize marriage and family, leaving many Christian singles feeling marginalized or alienated. Though they look to Jesus and Paul as role models, many suspect they would be more acceptable to the church--and God--if they settled down and got married. Albert Hsu challenges this view. Christian singles don't need tips on finding a mate or advice on suffering through the single life. What they need is a truly Christian understanding of singleness--a biblically grounded, theologically informed perspective that honors singleness equally with marriage and family. Moving beyond pat answers, Hsu

• debunks the myth of the "gift of singleness"
• chronicles how the church has overemphasized both singleness and marriage
• works through discerning God's will as a single Christian
• explains why searching for the right marriage partner can be misguided--even unbiblical
• grapples with loneliness, aloneness and community
• warns of common mistakes regarding dating, love and sex

Hsu draws insight from an interview with John Stott as well as from the stories of other Christian students and professionals. Ultimately, singleness is not a problem to be solved by marriage, he says; rather, like marriage, it is an opportunity in which to follow Jesus. Singles at the Crossroads points the way to a Christian community where all members are valued, Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, married and single.

Editorial Reviews

Review

If we reviewed books by stars (and some do) I would give this book a 5-star rating! The subtitle calls this "A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness" and it certainly lives up to its promise. Freshness permeates this book, as in new ways of theologically looking at singleness, re-imaging our view of romantic love, breaking down many traditional, though unscriptural, myths of God's will in relationship to marriage and singleness--and the list goes on. Hsu is theologically sound, logical and has done his homework. He makes use of others' works with pertinent quotes. Discussion questions are offered at the end of each chapter, making this an excellent small-group tool for single adult groups. -- Living Solo, Winter 1998

Named one of the Top Ten Books for Parish Ministry published in 1997. -- The Academy of Parish Clergy

This exciting new book lives up to its subtitle, "A fresh perspective on Christian singleness." Hsu has developed a practical theology of singleness which represents sound biblical thinking and practical, relevant advice. The book is a blend of well documented research and stories from his own experience as a single adult. This book is excellent. It should be required reading for all pastors and leaders of single adult ministry. Get your copy today, read it and then share it with a friend or pastor. -- Network of Single Adult Leaders, January 1998

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (October 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830813535
• ISBN-13: 978-0830813537
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing view of the joys of singlehood!, February 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Singles at the Crossroads: A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness (Paperback)

If nearly 1/2 of today's adult population is single; why do you feel like a minority? Hsu states that the average CHURCH single population is around 15%. Singles' needs may not be met in most of today's churches; but Hsu reminds us that our needs CAN be met by God. This book has been such a wonderful blessing to me; I encourage you to read it.

You will learn the history of singleness in the church, and come to understand why people think they way they do. You will find value in your life as a Christian, and come to see that a calling to singleness is equal to the calling of married life. Both provide an opportunity to live for Jesus (though you have more freedoms as a single).

Hsu reminds us that "Scripture affirms that each of us is a whole person by ourself, because we are created in the image of God" (p. 71). Amen to that!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God's Will is what is best for us, July 16, 2001

By 

Brian K. Takita "Brian Takita" (Oakland, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Singles at the Crossroads: A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness (Paperback)

This book is challenging. Singles at the crossroads illuminates the issue of marriage & Christianity. Many singles feel marginalized from the culture of heavy emphasis on the physical family.

Hsu gives honest insight into the possibility of living a celibate life in serving God. Indeed we are all part of God's kingdom. I really liked how he explained how people who do choose to lead celibate lives do experience the same yearnings & desires as anybody else & how honest & open communication with God about these desires is what God wants of us. This book goes over some of the advantages & disadvantages of both being Celibate and being Married.

Indeed this book is also useful to those who want to be married since it serves as a reminder that we have to follow God's will above all else & that God's Will is for us to love him above all else.

Personally I have always held the desire for marriage very highly. I found myself loving others more than I loved God. This book challenged me to follow God's will, & serve Him as my greatest desire. Instead of asking to meet my future wife, I now ask God for Faith & the desire to follow his will no matter what it is because that is what is best for me.

This book also devotes a couple chapters to giving statistics (they are surprising & relevant). I think this book has substance since it served as a part of a catalyst for much growth in my faith.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-Provoking Insights on Christian Singleness, February 1, 2000

By 

Brett Tippey (Lima, Peru, South America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Singles at the Crossroads: A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness (Paperback)

I know it has been said before, but "Finally a book that puts Christian singleness in the right perspective! " I read this book several months ago, and I am still pondering its meaning in my life. I know that God is calling me to be single for a long time, because He has something in store for me that a married person cannot do. Hsu really opened my eyes about what it means to be single, and God really used him to speak to me about His will. Hsu has so many good, Biblical insights on Christian singleness, that I would encourage everyone, single or married to read this book. From pointing out singles in the Bible to sharing about his single friends to relating his own personal stories, Hsu helps his readers to understand that God DOES call some people to be single, and that this call is not something to dread, but to embrace.