Boundaries (When to Say YES When to Say NO To Take Control of Your Life) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In order to call themselves good Christians, many people have drawn overly flexible boundaries (unwilling to say no, always accommodating others' needs) or overly rigid boundaries (to the point of being righteous and judgmental). Psychologists and inspirational speakers Cloud and Townsend show readers how to set reasonable boundaries in order to follow the true path of Christianity. This book has become immensely popular, most likely because it makes personal boundaries easier to define and is filled with spiritual purpose. Some cautions: the format can be overly self-helpish for such a complex discussion and the authors at one point imply that judicious spankings may be an acceptable form of setting boundaries with children. However, many Christians will probably find themselves grateful for this biblical context of boundaries.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Zondervan (2001)
• ASIN: B001AN8BAC
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,197 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Icing on the cake of healing, October 6, 2008

By	K. Raymond "Table In The Wilderness Ministries" (Millerton, Pa.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

From cover to cover Boundaries is a complete Christian handbook for discovering why God created boundaries and how to implement them into our lives. By following this guide many dysfunctional people will find a path to freedom and regain control of their lives. Boundaries are clearly defined in this book in all areas; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Using the steps in the book will bring new health to your relationships and lead to a walk of being the loving giving,thriving people God intended us to be. Having grown up in a dysfunctional family myself, I have to say that Boundaries is the icing on the cake of healing that God has served me and I will serve to others as well.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational look at an important topic!, November 14, 2008

By	SirStinky "Sirstinky" (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I was advised by a leader at my church to read this book, so I did.
Originally, I was skeptical as to how helpful this would be, but I am happy to report it was a refreshing look at what it takes and what it means to set healthy, productive, and constructive boundaries with people.
The title says it all, because it's a detailed exhortation on when to say "yes" and when to say "no" in a loving, constructive and uncritical manner.

The book for me was basically a refresher course on previous knowledge of boundaries, but Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend really explain in great detail how to set boundaries, enforce them, and how to react to people who respond to your boundaries in a negative manner. This is very important, and is the reason some folks are hesitant to set boundaries in the first place, because they fear it will damage relationships (in marriage and friendships) or cause people to resent or be bitter towards them. This was my problem, and Cloud and Townsend addressed it in a concise, insightful way that's not overly complicated or confusing.

They also give advice and PRACTICAL information and instruction on how to apply boundaries to every part of a person's day and life. Very good stuff here.

I'd give this 5-stars, but since it doesn't really give any "new" information to me, it gets 4. To be fair, it's a 5-star book, so even if you've had experience with setting boundaries, it's still a great read.

I know this is subjective, and not everyone has had a lot of insight or instruction into setting healthy boundaries, so this book will be a huge blessing and eye-opener to a lot of people!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only read this book if you are clueless about healthy boundies, March 13, 2009

By	J. Badal (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is for anyone that wasn't given instruction on just what healthy and unhealthy boundries are. Whether one has been extemely abused or just mildly misinformed. The insights in this book are helpful and up-to-date. It's full of wisdom. I recommend this book to all my friends. It's good for relationships of all kinds and levels of importance. Do yourself a favor and get a clue or two from this book.