Humble Orthodoxy by Joshua Harris is worthy of the
little time it will take a reader to go through its pages. Although the book says 83 pages, it is not
even that long – really only 61 pages.
That figure is even deceptive because the pages of the book are 16mm
tall and 11mm wide (I did not utilize inches because my children have placed
stickers over the inch denominations).
Quite honestly, I expected more information from someone that wanted to
explain how to hold “the truth without putting people down.” In our modern age, this topic needs
significantly more consideration that want was put forward. Further, paying $10 for such a small book may
detract some from the message that we need to hear.
The forward is a wonderful introduction for the rest of the book. Often, a forward or a preface is little more
than a personal recommendation of the author; however, this preface offered a
powerful introduction. J.D. Greear opens
with this devastation salvo: “Followers
of Jesus want to be like our Lord.
And maybe we think we are.
But all too often we’re really more like the group Jesus warned about
most frequently: the Pharisees.” That’s the problem and the need for humble
orthodoxy. The forward, in using a sport
analogy, loaded the basis while Harris stepped up to the plate to take over and
determine the fate of those base runners.
In flipping back through the book, I am hard pressed to find
a page that does not have something underlined.
The book is a good read and does have salient points that are valid for
the modern reader. Harris correctly says
that we need to love theology but we also need to love others too. We, as Christians, have a tendency to focus
on being right instead of being like God.
I am guilty of debating or arguing with others to win that discussion
rather than “winning” by drawing that person closer to Christ. The source of my guilt is simple – it is arrogant
theology not humble orthodoxy.
The structure of the book is natural and easy to
follow. First, he sets the stage of our
attitude in any type of theological confrontation – we cannot berate others
with truth nor should we compromise truth to befriend others. Second, he turns to our heart and puts the
parable of the publican and Pharisee in a modern light. Third, he reminds us that humble orthodoxy
begins in our heart. We are not special
because we are super humans, but we are special to God because He created us
and redeemed us. Finally, he reminds us
why we live and why we fight for truth – to showcase a God of love into a world
that desperately needs truth that is lovingly applied.
One issue I have (and this is a really “picky” one) is the
line underneath the author’s name – “with Eric Stanford.” I am curious how many other of his books have
been writing in such a fashion – his earlier works certainly were not that way
(Not Even a Hint or I Kissed Dating Goodbye) and a recent book, Dug
Down Deep, is not that way either. The book did not have the normal Joshua Harris
flavor throughout, so that leads me to wonder just how much of the manuscript
Harris really wrote. There are times
that you recognize Harris as the author, but other times it is not
Harris-esque. I am not certain as to the
need for assistance in writing. Was it
due to the demands on Joshua’s schedule?
This book is one that any seminary student should get and
read – particularly for those philosophy minded students. If a person is interested in apologetics, or defending
the faith, this is a must read. Also,
the book is a solid one for the average Christian to make sure that we know and
understand how to respond to those that are not standing on the truth.
An old saying goes that big things come in little packages,
and this book fits that bill. While I
would like to have seen more in the book, it is a work that will bestow benefit
upon anyone that takes time to read and heed it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
for this review. 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
25: “Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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