Unoffendable was Uninspiring

Brant Hansen's book Unoffendable was something that capture my attention.  He speaks of making one change that will make all of life better and that change is relinquishing any right to anger.  He argues that righteous anger does not exist and giving up that right to anger is what gives you the "most healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do."  I looks from other reviews already posted that I will be the sole voice of dissent here.  Oh well...


Before you jump to any conclusions, I am not making the case for being angry.  I had a temper as a child and it almost cost me my life as, in anger, I stuck my hands trough a glass door.  I still bear the scars from that experience, so I understand the evil side of anger.  The Bible is clear in that explosive anger dishonors God, damages our testimony, and destroys relationships with others.  We are in agreement on that point; however, Hansen's book falls short of proving in a systematic and Biblical fashion that Christians are to never be angry.

Here is an example:  Hansen points to Jesus' anger in throwing the money changes out of the Temple.  Quite correctly, he points out that Christians use that as an example -- well, if Jesus was angry, then we can so be as well.  Hansen deals with this issue through slight of hand by saying something along these lines -- "you see, yes, Jesus could be angry because He can do lots of things that we cannot.  Like what you may ask?  Oh, how about create the world and rise from the dead.  Since we cannot do those things, we should not focus on other things that He does either."

What's the danger there?  Simple -- Jesus showed compassion, feed the hungry, went to the outcasts, exhibited humility, experienced pain, etc.  We must be careful in flippantly throwing out elements of Jesus' existence that clearly reflected His deity as reasons to avoid our humanity.  Anger is a human emotion that cannot be avoided.  I think the problem that Hansen misses is the realization of its innate humanness.  Anger, alone, is not a problem.  If it lingers and is acted upon, then it becomes wrong as bitterness forms.

Hansen refuses to deal with situations like Moses, in Exodus, being angered at Israel for creating the golden calf.  He threw down the tablets containing the Ten Commandments but nowhere do you see God rebuking him for that anger.  What about Paul who stood toe to toe with Peter over the issue of Gentile believers in Galatians 2.  I am sure that anger was involved here but, once again, we do not see God condemning him for his actions.

Again, I am not making a case for Christians to be angry; yet I am saying that Hansen fell short.  He offered lots of stories, examples from his radio show, and nice thoughts of his own.  What was missing, however, was a detailed exegesis and consideration of the totality of Scripture.  Since that aspect was lacking, I am left wondering at the veracity of his arguments.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review 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.”

Leadership Lessons from a SEAL Leader

Before moving forward, I am an avid reader of leadership books and am a sucker for anything that relates to the military and/or special forces.  So, when I saw the title The Navy SEAL Art of War, I jumped on it.  Rob Roy's book cover was uninspiring, so I made an immediate assumption.  Remember the adage "don't judge a book by its cover"?  Well, I should have because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  It will be added to my professional reading shelf and, quite frankly, it was not going to be prior to reading it.

This review is a deviation from my normal focus on Christian books.  It does have some profanity laced throughout, so bear that in mind going into it.  If such language will be offensive to you, then I suggest you avoid reading it.  Now, to the details of this modern-day leadership book written in the format of a Sun Tzu Art of War....

The author has more than 50 "chapters," and I use that term loosely.  Most of them are 3-4 pages of material but many others are only 1 page.  These are shorter musing that jump right into the details and he does not waste any time in dancing around the topic.  When you get this book, please read it with a specific situation in mind -- could be professional or personal life.  My advice is offered so that the tenets within can make a difference.  We, far too often, read a book just to read and the application is what creates the change that can produce success.

Here is a critique that I do have though -- pages 16 and 17 deal with lots of "I've" done this or "I'm" still doing this or "I've" used this or "I've watched" this happen.  This part is referenced particularly due to the section the author had on humility.  He says on pages 100 and 101 that "precious few details of my many SEAL adventures" have been omitted from the book  and "that's by design."  He goes on to say that SEALs are not "braggarts or glory hounds."  The two sections just seemed to lack cohesion.  Stop.  I am NOT saying that this guy is prideful or a braggadocio.  The lack of congruence was troubling to me and cutting that information in the introduction would have removed any sort of question from my mind.

It's a good read and an enjoyable one.  Remember,  "the first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.  The second is to look things in the fact and know them for what they are." 


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books 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.

A Special Book about Special Operation Forces

 

Legend by Eric Blehm is a fast-paced read filling with in-depth character analysis, historical context, and amazing story-telling skills.  This particular era was one of secret missions into Cambodia that were being driven by politicians, and you will see how that plays out on the date that serves as the primary subject of the book.  If you are unfamiliar with the author, I stumbled upon his work through the book Fearless about a Navy S.E.A.L.  I loved that book and, quite frankly, I love this new book Legend just as much. 

This newest work focuses on the Vietnam era and the amazing story of MSG Roy Benavidez and the events of May 2, 1968.  Before getting to that life-changing day, Blehm provides significant biographical information about Roy, which offers insight into how he made his decision on that fateful day.  As he was taught from a child -- when you know someone needs help, you just go help them.  That is exactly what he did in heroic fashion saving the lives of at least 8 men.  Although, he would be quick to tell you that he was no hero - the heroes are those that never made it back.  Yet, the fact remains that his story is one of humility, hard work, honor, and heroism.

I do not want to spoil the story for you in this review, but I will saw this much - that day in May started like any other for Sgt. Benavidez.  He was able to hear that some men were in a tough fire fight - some men that were his friends - and when a chopper was head out to attempt extraction, he jumped on board.  Now, mind you, he was not assigned to that chopper nor did he have his normal load (rucksack with ammo, grenades, or even his weapon).  He went in with only a knife and a medical kit.  As the chopper tried to find the men to resupply them with ammo, they realized they could not get to them.  That's why Sgt. Benavidez made the critical decision to jump from the chopper and into the battle when that Huey was there to try and remove men from the battle.  I will stop there but will offer this one final tidbit -- his actions led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor.

If you love history and stories of amazing encounters in combat, this is a must read.  His call sign - Tango, Mike, Mike - has become synonymous in special forces circles referencing the need for courage during conflict.  Please, read this book about an amazing American and see what is possible through the selflessness of one individual.


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books 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.