Who Am I?: The Christian Hunger for Self-identity [Paperback]

Thomas Robert L. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2003

Using New Testament passages, Thomas examines how the Christian is to think, and explains how a correct, biblical view of self should radically transform our Christian living.

Starting from the premise that 'how we think has everything to do with how we behave' (p. 14), he emphasises our need to understand the 'death/life' paradox in order to be able to live lives appropriate to our new identity in Christ.

Thomas goes on to examine various aspects of the Christian life including: our relationship to the Law; family tensions and responsibilities; the enticements of the world; suffering for our faith; witnessing to others; fruitfulness and its implications; Christian submission; following the will of God; and biblical definitions of success and failure.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert L. Thomas is Professor of New Testament at The Master's Seminary, Sun Valley, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Mentor (June 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185792519X
• ISBN-13: 978-1857925197
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,037,226 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT, March 9, 2008

By 

M. Roberts (Parkville, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Who Am I?: The Christian Hunger for Self-identity (Paperback)

This book is great! Each chapter is an exegesis and application of a specific scripture relating to some part of a person's identity (i.e. evaluating family ties using Matt 10:37-39,or possessions using Luke 14:26-27, or cultivating Christian love in 1 John 3:14). I've used it with great effect in discipling youth. Check this one out!

2.0 out of 5 stars Good content, but . . ., December 16, 2010

By 

Dann J. Golden-collum "danngoldencollum" (Beaverton, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Who Am I?: The Christian Hunger for Self-identity (Paperback)

Mr. Thomas began strong - the introduction is very good. His choice of proof texts to support his statements and arguments are very good. But this book lacks a joy that should be the most important of what I am to become. Despite giving up myself, giving up my possessions, giving up (perhaps) all my family and friends - as a matter of fact, I must hate everything compared to how much I love Jesus - a joy that comes from within, from Jesus Christ who lives in me, is who I should be. Or, at least, should be becoming.

There is a hint of legalism, which is hard to keep out of a book like this. By legalism, I mean that Mr. Thomas errs on the side of being too careful with the smoking, drinking, card playing and dancing - stating that Christians should abstain from them. To state that it is "highly doubtful" and "a doubtful assumption" that a Christian can participate in these activities without falling into sin is presumptuous of Mr. Thomas. Paul warns us not to take away any kind of liberty, and be tolerant of those who don't have the same liberties as we do. After all, who is the "weaker brother" when it comes to these points? The one who can or the one who can't?

I would recommend this book as a good jumping off point. And, look at Mr. Thomas' picture on the back of the book - he's smiling - to know that he is not as dour as this book becomes once in a while!