Small Nuggets but Not a Large Bar of Gold

In Wisdom Meets Passion, authors Dan Miller and his son Jared Angaza offer an interesting generational analysis that encourages the merger of wisdom and passion.  If you read that first sentence, you are probably wondering about the different last names, but I am not spoiling that discovery for yourself – read the book.  They contrast how “baby boomers” relied upon wisdom for living life and attaining goals while the current generation focuses more upon passion.  The best way to attain goals, in the thesis of the authors, is to merge the two by allowing wisdom and passion to flourish together.

The thought of converging wisdom and passion is rather interesting.  I was thrilled to see many of the quotes scattered throughout the book.  These seemed to be appropriately placed and always right on the money.  Despite my misgivings of this book (which will be further explained below), these nuggets justified the opportunity to read and review Wisdom Meets Passion.

The format of the book is interesting and, at times, detracted from the overall mission.  Dan, the father, would write the main text while Jared, the son, would add his thoughts in a dark orange font.  The son’s comments at times were in no way related to the flow of the book.  For instance, on pages 8-12, whereas Dan discussed how many of the rich and famous started in humble jobs but never gave up, Jared’s comments blasted those who criticize celebrity philanthropy.  The diatribe was unnecessary and disrupted the flow of the chapter’s intent.

Other comments were made and then not provided any detailed explanation – “time, money, and dogmatic religion as coping mechanisms created by man” (page 7).  What?  This statement is placed in a section where Dan has suggested flipping Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in that some people want to feel a connection more than accumulating stuff.  I could list other examples but Jared’s contributions in this book were less related to the content and more about the chance to put forth personal feelings on a wide variety of topics. 

Yes, Jared does exemplify the passion-focused individual who lived in a wisdom-oriented fashion; so he does offer contribution to the overall thesis.  His story is inspiring in that he stepped out and wisely made his passion into a reality.  It was these unhindered thoughts or less-than applicable comments that diminished the effectiveness of what he could offer to the overall book.

 This book seemed to be more of a self-help book without must focus on God.   The premise started with the belief of God-given talents but then shifted into what WE do with them – not how HE can use us for His plan.  Instead of a focus on God’s power and control over all, the manuscript became a “you can do it yourself” handbook.  It was not what I expected it to be and, in my opinion, I would not classify it as a “Christian book.”  

While there are some impressive endorsements from folks (i.e. Dave Ramsey), I was not a big proponent of it.  There are nuggets of wisdom within its covers, but I was hopeful for a book filled with them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Unlikely but that's God's Way

Twelve Unlikely Heroes by John MacArthur is the third installment in his "Twelve Series" (my term not his).  It builds upon his previous works Twelve Ordinary Men (about the disciples chosen by Christ) and Twelve Extraordinary Women (an analysis of several prominent women in Scripture).  These descriptions of people go to show how that God uses the unlikely of the world to spread His gospel and, thus, bring glory to his matchless name!

Although a big MacArthur fan, I was somewhat disappointed with Twelve Unlikely Heroes.  This book did not have the depth and detailed analysis of his definitive disciples study (which I consider to be the best out there).  Granted, I have not read the second book in this name-sake series, so I am uncertain as to that book's standard; however, the third surely pales in comparison to the first.  For instance, the first book discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of each disciple; but this third book seems to miss much of the bad and ugly for characters.  Obviously, nothing bad could be said of Enoch but the story of Esther was glossed over as a "cinderella" happen-stance that she stole the king's heart.  Historically, it was much more sinister than that glitz and glamor offering that could have truly matched the thesis of the book.

MacArthur, in his title, references heroes and then goes on to challenge the modern notion of a hero; yet, at the end, it seems to come back to a normal hero definition.  The overt evidence that made each person examined a hero was not clearly stated.  The tie-in of heroes not running away was missed at the end because both Mark and Onesimus ran -- they came back -- and the power of that restoration rested with God.  This book seemed more to focus on the people rather than the Person of God.

Do not let the title deceive you when you open the table of contents.  Yes, the book only has 10 chapters, but 2 of those chapters depict two individuals.  By far, my favorite chapter (and the strongest of the book) was on Enoch.  I learned so much about this Biblical man and his time period that it was inspirational.  Could God ever say that I existed to be pleasing to God.  If not, which it would not be said, then I have much to change through prayer and meditation upon God's Word.

While disappointed with the work, especially when compared to other MacArthur works, I am no, in any way, saying do not read the book.  You can and will learn, but do not have the expectation of a repetition of the quality of Twelve Ordinary Men.