In, But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition (Hardcover)

by Hugh Hewitt (Author) "AMONG MEN ALIVE AT THE TIME I WROTE THIS BOOK, three had done more to shape our world than any others: a Russian, a Pole,..." (more)
Key Phrases: favor bank, United States, Judge Webster, White House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Hugh Hewitt has worked for and with people in some of the most powerful and influential positions in the country. He knows what is required to reach and thrive in such positions, and in this book he shares some of that valuable, hard-won knowledge.

In, But Not Of provides readers with valuable insights, wisdom, personal experiences, and advice on how to rise in the world and achieve the kind of radical success that honors God.

About the Author
Hugh Hewitt is the host of The Hugh Hewitt Show, a nationally syndicated radio talk show and a professor of law at Chapman University School of Law. He is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School. Hugh is the author of three previous books, one of which was the companion volume to the 1996 eight-part PBS series hosted by Hewitt, Searching for God in America. Hewitt has won three Emmys for his work on PBS Los Angeles-affiliate KCET’s nightly news and public affairs program Life and Times Tonight, which Hewitt coanchored for a decade. He served nearly six years in the Reagan Administration in a variety of posts, including the White House counsel’s office and worked with Richard Nixon during Nixon’s retirement. Hewitt is a columnist for WorldNetDaily.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785263950
• ISBN-13: 978-0785263951
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #308,825 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Modern Book Of Proverbs, May 1, 2003

By	Charles McVey "macvolant" (Huntington Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"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.

51 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ultimate Christian Graduation Gift, April 27, 2003

By	Hunter Baker "Hunter Baker" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

31 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful and Worthwhile Read!, April 6, 2003

By A Customer

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.