Customer Reviews

In but Not of: A Guide to Christian Ambition and the Desire to Influence the World

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"In, But Not Of" is a simply-written book; it is a short work. However, do not make the mistake of thinking it is a simple book. The author's words are direct, as is his message. In fact, I would compare his message to that of the Book of Proverbs. So much so, that I wish I had read this book when I graduated from high school. Such simple directness would have been quite useful to me at that time. However, this does bring me to one of the areas where I disagree with Hewitt. He has targeted this book to young Christians.

Let me note that as a 58-year-old person, this book still has a lot of substance for me. In so far as being a Christian is concerned, yes, there are a priori statements that may grate against readers who follow other religions or even the nonreligious. If you fail to read this book because of such concerns, that is your loss. If you fail to pass this book on to someone because you are concerned how he or she will take such statements, that would be his or her loss. Additionally, please consider, you are saying the person you are considering is too immature to read this.

The one piece that Hewitt omits is the need to have focus in your life. If you read his whole book, if you act on any of his suggestions/directions, you will be establishing a focus. That is what this book is really all about, getting focus. Hewitt assumes the reader has the desire and focus, but needs the book to channel that focus to a goal. He is correct, but I believe that understanding that will aid some readers.

This brings me to how to read such a book. I mentioned the reader should not mistake it for a simple work. If you do, you will pass by too many important concepts. I urge readers to have a colored highlighter and pen handy; highlight important statements, pen your thoughts directly on the page. Have a discussion in the book with the author and yourself. After you have "read the book," pass through it a second time. It is that good. It is that worthwhile.

After submitting this review, I read the others. One reviewer chastised Hewitt for being "ambitious". True, this book is about ambition. And yes, Hewitt is ambitious. What that reviewer failed to recognize is the goal of Hewitt's ambition. It is not personal aggrandizement; it is not personal attainment. Hugh Hewitt is clear that "ambition" is simply a worthwhile tool towards a significant, worthwhile goal. He postulates if you have intelligence and wisdom, you therefore desire to use them to positively affect others. This book is a roadmap on how to accomplish that end.

There are important differences between intelligence, experience, and wisdom. One can be quite smart, but with the lack of appropriate experience and maturity, one will lack wisdom. Hugh Hewitt's book will greatly assist the reader in all three areas.
Enjoy.

Hugh Hewitt's compact book is packed with intensely practical advice on how young Christians can make the maximum impact on the culture around them. He tells them how to choose their programs of study, where to live, how to conduct themselves at work, how to hold up their end of a conversation, and even suggests how they might build their influence through maintaining a weblog.

The book contains a large number of short chapters that each convey a worthwhile lesson about the business of living an infectious and successful life geared toward building God's kingdom. Considering that the man who wrote it has worked for former Presidents, continues a distinguished career in the law, and has achieved a measure of fame as a nationally syndicated talk show host, Hewitt seems to know what he's talking about.

Like others who reviewed this book, I would have loved to have read it ten or fifteen years ago since it would have helped me avoid some of the trial and error I've had to endure on the way to my own career in public policy. With his advice, I might have reached some of my major goals 8-10 years before I did. If you know an ambitious young person, get this book into his or her hands.

This book could have been subtitled "The Wit and Wisdom of Hugh Hewitt." The author, a man of varied experience and fasicinating insight, offers invaluable wisdom for living with purpose in today's world. But unlike many who want to help us live better and more worthwhile lives, Hewitt isn't heavy handed or pedantic. He's a delightful writer who takes ideas seriously, but not himself.

As you read, sometimes you'll chuckle. Often you'll say, "I wish I'd thought of that." And there will be plenty of times when you'll think, "I'm going to start doing this today."

This book has something for everyone. You'll find Hewitt's musings on Plato and his relevance for those who want to make a difference today. Then you'll be encouraged to "know what you don't know" or to avoid getting tattoos. Even if one of the book's short, pithy chapters doesn't speak directly to you, you'll be sure to think of somebody who needs to read it. And you'll enjoy it too.

This book is a fantastic gift. With graduation season just around the corner, its release couldn't be more timely. Every high school, college, and grad school graduate needs to read this book. I'm 45 years old and there's much here I wish I had read a half-life ago.

Hewitt is a Christian and he writes as a Christian. But his writing reminds of C. S. Lewis -- helpful to Christian readers but equally valuable for non-believers.

Buy this book for yourself. Buy this book for your friends. And be sure to buy this book for every graduate you can think of.

Hugh Hewitt has managed to pack a tremendous amount of insight into a very short book. I read the entire book on a flight from Virginia to Seattle. And yet the wisdom revealed in those pages are potentially life changing. I have many books on my reading list, so I appreciate Hewitt's ability to say so much with so few words (many of his chapters are only 2 or 3 pages long -- but still manage to pack a punch).

"In, But Not Of" reminds me of Dale Carnegie's 1936 book, "How To Win Friends And Influence People," which is still the best book I've ever read on leadership and influence. Both books share simple yet profoundly effective principles for putting yourself in a position to influence the people around you. But Hewitt's book has a foundation that Carnegie's lacks. For Hewitt, power and influence is just a means to an end, not the end in itself. "In, But Not Of" is directed to Christians who seek worldly influence in order to keep the doors open for religious liberty in America. This purpose-driven approach gives the book more focus (and makes it more impacting) than most books in the genre.

Even though the book is directed at a relatively narrow audience (Believers with secular ambitions), it has much to offer to just about anyone willing to pick it up. It's a short read and a worthwhile investment of your time and money.

In our world, the golden rule is less the Christian ethic of doing good unto others and more in line with "he who has the gold makes the rules." It's about power. It's about influence. It's about being able to get what you want in the world and making the world what you want it to be. Is such a position of influence and power possible for Christians, with our added requirements on how to live and the ever-present admonition to be in the world but not of the world? Is it even appropriate for Christians to desire to affect the world by gaining power and influence in the world's eyes?

In his new book, In, But of Of, Hugh Hewitt's contention is not only that Christians should seek positions of worldly power and influence, but he gives a well-traveled perspective on how.

He begins his book of lifetime advice with a brief analysis of the most influential people of the last century, particularly focusing on their propensity to keep the big picture in mind and viewing every chapter of their life in that light. Christians, likewise, should hold for themselves high ambitions and high dreams, and pursue them. They have an "obligation to equip themselves for their greatest impact and seek every opportunity to increase that impact." Yet, Hewitt fears that the available pool of talent in today's church is dwindling. He says:

Christians seem to be losing the ability to
penetrate the culture. Some have lost their
drive. Still others simply lack the skills.

The church is running out of talent or steam
or both. For the church is in retreat. Unless
individuals resolve to engage the world and
lead it, the record hinted at by these examples
will quickly become eclipsed by the reality of
the post-Christian world.

The remainder of his book is divided into sections of advice on how to live, to find a job, to keep a job, to leave a job, and how to live in such a way - both on and off the clock - that, when followed, will help the reader build a life of world-changing influence. The first section of advice focuses on preparing the reader for their career, particularly focusing on their education. Offering such advice as what advanced degrees to pursue, what extra-curricular activities to pursue and what not to, what books to read and even whether to have tattoo's or credit cards (don't), Hewitt seeks to help young Christians prepare for lives that will change the world before they're even close to entering the working world.

The remaining sections focus on the rest of adult life, both professionally and personally. While on the job, which he contends goes beyond the so-called "9 to 5," Hewitt admonishes the reader to have multiple jobs, make good connections, keep in touch, never burn bridges, study interesting topics, stay humble, do favors (frequently), face your weaknesses and errors, remember who you owe, never speak ill of someone else, always stay interesting to others, and keep an intelligent perspective on your life in light of both the rest of the secular world and the eternal. Off the job, the Christian seeking influence should stay involved in church, hobnob with interesting people, manage their vices and flaws, stay humble, ask questions, encourage, flatter, refuse to be offended, stay fit, face conflict head-on, don't bad-mouth anyone, and collect only valuable information.

Hewitt's advice reads like grandfather Solomon passing down sage wisdom of a life well-lived. Most of his advice is delivered in short, simple statements that read more like the proverbs than academic arguments. And despite his proof for his arguments is often little more than reliance on his own experience, the reader is inclined to accept them for their clarity and sensibility. And though most of his admonitions are logical and clear - almost simple - extensions of Christian living, Hewitt is quick to deliver them from the perspective of achieving success in a secular world. He doesn't avoid, whitewash, or try to diminish the Christian's requirements in any way; rather, he draws an obvious connection between living the Christian life and the corresponding success it can bring in the secular world.

In what should be required reading for any Christian college freshman and young adult, Hewitt gives a simple outline of what it takes to succeed - and why Christians' success is necessary. Someday, as a result of one successful young Christian reading Hewitt's book, all of Christianity may thank this sage political guru, lawyer, professor, journalist, talk radio host and writer for coming out of writing retirement with his recipe for and encouragement to achieve influence, ambition, and success in the world. (review also at jeof.net)

I was not familiar with Hewitt's work and expected this title to be a philosophical analysis of the Christian dilemma: how to make one's way in a world awash in sin. In, But Not Of is a practical guide; and at the same time deeply philosophical and warmly spiritual.
One can take issue with a few of Hewitt's points such as his rather silly recommendation that one move to NY, LA or DC but his principles are sound. We can be successful while staying true to the teachings of Christ; we are in fact solemnly obligated to do so.
I wish I had had this book in my hands when I was younger but I have to acknowledge that it would have sat unread, gift card still tucked inside. Instead, I will make good use of the ample advice it offers people of all ages and share its many teaching points with the young people I have the great privilege to mentor today.
Future generations will need leaders of principle.

In, But Not Of is a wonderful guide and advisor ,directed to young Christians who want to make a difference in the world, today.It should be a graduation /wedding gift to all young people.
I just wish I had read it 40 years ago.
David M Fox
Houston

Hewitt has crafted this small volume to be a training manual and guidebook for those aspiring to bring Christian ethics to high places in business, academia and government.

Although written for all ages, it will be of more value to younger "ladder-climbers". I just gave a copy to my grandson heading for college for the first time, suggesting that, next to his Bible, this could be the most important book in his library.

Hugh Hewitt's newest book is a gem. Short, sober, and immensely practical, it's full of insight I wish I had learned years ago. He not only gives Christians (and nonchristians) license to be as influential as they can, he also shows us how to do it.

In many ways In, But Not Of reads like a coach's half-time locker-room speech - it gets right to the point, tells it like it is, moves at a quick clip, and most importantly, he doesn't insult or coddle the reader by softening the truth. Sometimes Hewitt states the obvious (e.g. avoid credit card debt), but other times he provides a much-needed kick in the pants (e.g. coasting will kill you).

While the book is suitable for all audiences, it is especially tailored for Christians. An example of his invaluable advice: If you're a Christian, stop feeling guilty about pursuing a "secular" education or job and get out there and change the world.

The first part of the book discusses ways to improve your credentials: apply to universities with strong reputations; study abroad, and controversially, recognize that going to some Christian colleges may limit job opportunities later.

The next section covers ways to improve your influence/career: network with the right people, move to one of the major US cities (Washington, New York, Los Angeles), be gracious, and recognize that repetition plus discipline will bring success.

Bottom line: Do yourself and your career a favor and get this book. I knew right away that this book would go on my list of books to buy graduates, and younger friends who are still getting started in their education or careers.

All too often I have run into Christians who rate highly in the wimposity factor: they recoil from any involvement in public affairs or the professional world, fear positions of influence and power and aspirations to such positions because of their perceived corrosive and corrupting nature, and avoid offending their secular friends at all costs. But, as law professor and radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt points out, the practical reality is that if our freedom (including religious freedom) is to continue it is essential that Christians be amongst those who are the brokers of power in our society.

It is indeed true that power and influence can corrupt anyone. Hugh rightly recognizes this, but just as rightly points out that Christians cannot fulfill the Great Commission and be salt and light of the Earth in a society where the leadership has undermined the very religious freedom that makes evangelism possible! The maintenance of such freedom requires leadership who understands and respects freedom in the first place.

Hugh's stellar book provides specific and detailed advice about how young people with potential should operate and conduct themselves in school and at work, in order to succeed in this world and make a real impact. Indeed, In, But Not Of is highly effective because Hugh spends the entire book in the area where he so effectively operates: the every-day real world. The practical, down-to-earth (yet intellectual) approach that Hugh exhibits in his radio program also characterizes In, But Not Of. It describes important and common-sense approaches to choosing the right school, selecting the best classes, getting the right job, and building up personal networks.

In, But Not Of is not long, but it does not need to be. Every page is made to count, being full of experience and practical advice. As a mid-twenties, recent law school graduate, I definitely fall within the book's target audience and am perhaps uniquely qualified to say that this book succeeds in what it was designed to do. (In fact, I was so captivated by the intro and chapter titles that I interrupted my study for the bar exam just to read it!) Hugh's book revealed to me some of my weak points, gave me some practical tips, and provided me needed affirmation where I was already doing the right thing but lacked a sense of certainty. After reading this book I am now no longer so hesitant to admit that Alexander Hamilton has long been one of my heroes. This book is a simple and straightforward guidebook for young Christians who are ambitious and want to get ahead in life-and do so without selling one's soul.

Get it, read it, and then give it to a friend.