This is going to be a different kind of review and I was hesitant to put it on here because I didn’t create this blog to talk about religion or self help books and this one could be considered both. So, if you’re not interested in reading further, I understand – but if you want to hear about a book that I really enjoyed and think could be helpful for others as well, please read on.
While at lunch with a friend on Saturday, we started talking about relationships and marriage and being single and some how ended up discussing this book. We had both read it years ago and while we were discussing it, I decided that I should read it again to refresh my memory.
I re-read the book and was reminded that there are aspects of my faith that I have not fully explored. For instance, am I ok with gender roles? Could I let a man be the head of our household? I’ve been saying that I’m ready for marriage and I think I’m getting there, but I also think that in order to be able to be a part of a solid Christian relationship, I need to better understand my personal relationship with God. The author, Josh Harris, explains his views of what a relationship between a man and a woman should be before marriage. What I found the most helpful were the stories that he related about people he knew and how what he was explaining had worked for them. It helped me to know that he wasn’t just talking but that he had himself experienced this and had watched his friends go through the process as well.
Since I moved to the DC area I’ve been searching for a church. I’m Catholic and have been visiting different Catholic churches for weeks and still haven’t found one that I feel is right for me. I had this same experience when I was here for my internship during undergrad. At that time I ended up attending Capital Hill Baptist Church with a co-worker. I felt then and now that I want to learn and grow in my faith; but that I’m not getting that in the Catholic church. Reading this book has reminded me that its alright for me to want and need certain things from my church, that I shouldn’t have to settle on a church because it is what I feel like I should be going to. I’ve decided to try out some different denominations and see where I think God is leading me. This book helped me to process this thinking. It’s just another reminder of the power of books.
Grade: A
4 Comments
June 20, 2008 at 1:35 pm
This sounds like an interesting book. I’ll definitely have to check it out!
I know how daunting it can be to find a new church home. Especially when you’re exploring denominations different than you’ve grown up with.
I had an interesting mix of exposure growing up. I was Protestant but went to Catholic school from K-12. Even now, I sometimes miss the tradition and comfort of the Catholic Mass. However, I don’t feel that my faith would flourish in that environment, it would be too easy just to get into the routine of going to Mass. Not to mention I have some disagreements with the fundamental dogmas of the Catholic church.
I certainly wish you well in your search for a new Church and hope you will find a place that “fits”. I’m lucky to have found the Vineyard of Columbus. I would definitely recommend finding a Vineyard close to you. I double checked on their website and it looks like there are 2 Vineyards close to the DC area. Might be worth checking out!
Stop by Breaking My Fall and let me know how your search goes!!!!!!
June 30, 2008 at 3:21 pm
How’s your church search going? Any luck?
I just finished Boy Meets Girl and am working on my review of it. Glad I picked it up. Have you read any of his other stuff?
July 8, 2008 at 5:18 pm
[...] picked this up after reading Jessica’s review. As a single Christian it sounded like something I might benefit from reading. When I started it, I [...]
September 25, 2008 at 1:49 pm
[...] say if it was I Kissed Dating Goodbye or Boy Meets Girl by Josh Harris, but having just read and reviewed Boy Meets Girl, I enjoyed the connection and had an idea of what the characters were basing their plans on. (Plus [...]