BOOK REVIEW: Getting the truth AND our attitudes right …

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You can be right without being a jerk.

In fact, it really is important to know the truth, and it’s also important to convey that truth humbly.

That’s the concise message of “Humble Orthodoxy” by Joshua Harris, with Eric Stanford (published by Multnomah Books). In fact, the physical book itself models the message by the authors. Instead of stretching a single subject into a full-sized hardback edition, the photo above shows this small book in the palm of my hand.

It’s a little hardback (just 79 pages in a mini-hardback format, and that includes a study guide in the back of the book) because the authors stick to the subject, one that needs to be broached by many in the church. Being right — having orthodox beliefs — matters. But so does how we communicate the truth of God’s Word to others.

In 2013, the church is rife with arrogance and even mean-spiritedness in how some use their version of the truth to pummel others. Others are willing to fudge on the truth for the sake of “peace.” What we really need in order to be the church unified on mission for Christ is humble orthodoxy.

“One of the mistakes Christians often make is that we learn to rebuke like Jesus but not love like Jesus,” the authors write.

Harris and Stanford identify the problems surrounding a lack of both humility and orthodoxy and lead us in learning how we can harmonize knowing and sharing God’s truth with genuine humility and graciousness toward others.

Anyone with a heart to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others would benefit from this book. It’s a fast but worthwhile read that may help you be more effective in pursuing orthodox beliefs with the right attitude.

Scotty

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as
part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required
to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are
my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal
Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use
of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”