Customer Reviews

I Was Just Wondering

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am relieved that this book has been re-issued after several years of unavailability. This writing, using historical illustrations, gives chewable thoughts for those who question the reasoning - the existance - of the Master of the Universe. Yancy wonders the deep questions of the ages, leaving us with the thrilling realization that our God is incomprehensible - therefore; a God who can be worshipped. I highly recommend giving this book to those still in the thros of deciding on the existance or lordship of God.

I Was Just Wondering is a collection of essays that Phil Yancey wrote for Christianity Today; he still writes the essays for the magazine. While I haven't read all of his books, I have read many. I read this book on my first sitting because I could see the genesis of his ideas for his other GREAT books (What is So Amazing About Grace, The Jesus I Never Knew, Where is God When it Hurts, etc.) So if you haven't read his other "true" books, read this book first. If you have read his other books, read this one as well. One sees that Yancey's ideas and theses are consistent, uplifting and God-inspired. I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to reading Yaney's new book (The Bible Jesus Read).

I bought this book thinking that it would be totally different. As a matter of fact I considered returning it upon first flipping through. I'm really glad that I didn't send it back. It was the most thought provoking book I have ever read. It totally challenged my Christian attitude and hopefully has made me better.

Philip Yancey does an awesome job at answering many of today's common questions. With every question, he finds a story or idea from The Bible and relates it very well. I liked it so much that I'm reading it again and taking notes.

I have found that this is a tough book to read straight through. It is divided up into many 'chapters' of 3 or 4 pages. I think it would be useful if used as an everyday devotional book and only one section read at a time.

While I enjoyed reading Yancey's columns here in book form, I have to disagree that this book rates as a 5. If it does, does that mean that "The Jesus I Never Knew" is on the same caliber of book? Hardly possible.

Mr. Yancey himself states that he really isn't all that interested when he sees a book of previously published material because they are simply not as good as a whole book devoted to a central theme. I have to agree that this book is far less than his other books because of that limitation, but I concur with other reviewers that this is a good book and well worth reading.

It is perhaps the kind of book best suited for waiting rooms, bus rides, bathroom reading and the like because each chapter is short and devoted to a concise topic. Also note that if you were a faithful reader of his columns that you'll probably be disappointed in this book as the subject matter isn't written in great enough depth to rehash it.

I am not much of a magazine reader, so most of this book was new to me, but some of the chapters included basic thoughts that were expounded on in full books by Yancey. I was able to read quickly through those parts without too much trouble and I didn't find them too much of a distraction.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone new to Philip Yancey, it's an easy place to see if you like his style and take on life, Christian living and the church. If you enjoy this book at all the next thing on your reading list should be one of his best sellers. I have read "The Jesus I Never Knew" a couple of times and it really is a great work and "What's so Amazing about Grace?" should be required reading for all.

First of all, I must confess that I am a fan of the author. Despite the title of my review, I didnt expect this book to give me solid answers to theological questions that only God Himself can reply. However, I couldnt stop myself from expecting much from the same author who gave me divine experience with his classics like "The Bible Jesus read", "Finding God in unexpected places", "Where is God when it hurts?", "The Jesus I never knew", "Soul Survivor", and my all time favorite "What's so amazing about grace?".

Some reviewers comment that this is a very deep and difficult book. However, I really think that the author has been improving himself so much over time that his recent works are much better than this one which is a collection of his essays first published on Christianity Today before 1989. In this respect, I should congratulate the author and thank God for using the author to preach His messages so well. However, as a consumer and a common christian, I am obligated to recommend the author's other books (like those mentioned above) instead of this one.

Not an easy read. I just could not get into this book. Read the sample pages to see if this is the style of writing you enjoy before you buy it.

An enjoyable and thought provoking collection of essays that Philip Yancey wrote for CHRISTIANITY TODAY magazine. Each is only a few pages in length and quite amenable to reading during brief breaks throughout the day or before going to bed at night. Also good for reading out loud to families or discussion groups. Recommended buying.

Being a Yancey fan I was surprised to happen across the hard back version of this book in the library and was unaware of this particular publication. I read the first few pages and it went home with me. Again, I liken my past to that of Philip Yancey and can empathize with the feelings, thought processes and transformation of leaving a legalistic religion, often asking myself similar questions to eventually find the truth so often misinterpreted by those who were trying to "raise us right". My quotes, not Yancey's. Another one of his books that comes across like a conversation with a close friend.

I loved this book until the last quarter when I felt that Yancy began preaching and teaching. I thought he was wondering. The first three-quarters of the book were fairly provacative, but if I wanted to read the standard evangelical point of view on issues like "Whatever Happened to Heaven" or "Job and the Riddles of Suffering", I would have bought books under those titles. I would have preferred that Yancy play with the ideas -- not ennumerate them.