March 22, 2011
Book Review: The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
Have you ever watched somebody self-destruct and, as they are suffering the consequences of their decision, thought to yourself They should have seen that coming. Or perhaps you have found yourself in trouble, thought back on the decisions that brought you to that point, and lamented How could I be so dumb?
It is for just this reason that Any Stanley, pastor of North Point Ministries, wrote The Principle of the Path (Thomas Nelson, 179 pages, plus a study guide). The premise of the book--that one's decisions mark the beginning of a path which has predictable outcomes--seems obvious enough. Yet the reader needs no convincing that many people ignore such common sense, believing that they will achieve their goals despite decisions to the contrary.
Stanley writes in an engaging, personal style. As I read, I could picture him sitting across from me at McDonalds, passionately exhorting me to clear-headed decision-making. The book is full of both biblical examples (he borrows heavily from the book of Proverbs, as well as from the lives of David and Solomon) and personal anecdotes. As he spoke of people who "seek affirmation instead of counsel", I was flooded by memories of people we have counseled, as well as by those of decisions we have made in exactly the same way.
If I have one complaint with the book, it is that, in my opinion, Stanley missed a few key opportunities to present the Gospel. One could read this book and take advantages of the principles therein, without ever confronting their ultimate need for Christ.
Besides this, however, The Principle of the Path is a great book for those facing momentous decisions, and for those to whom they go for counsel.
Don't forget! This and other great books are available at our Amazon bookstore. A purchase there is a help to our ministry.
Sadly Obligatory Legalese: I received this book from Thomas Nelson as a part of their BookSneeze program in exchange for a review on this site. I am in no way obligated to write a positive review.
Posted by Andrew on March 22, 2011 2:20 PM.
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.comingstobrazil.com/cgi-bin/mt4/mt-tb.cgi/2279
Comments
Posted by: Kalyn at March 22, 2011 3:50 PM
I've just ordered it using your handy Amazon ordering link. Looking forward to being embarrassed...er...motivated by the discovery of my wrong choices :-)
Posted by: hhcomings at March 22, 2011 4:51 PM
Kalyn,
I will be looking forward to your review!
Posted by: Andrew 
at March 22, 2011 8:23 PM
Dad,
Once again, your Worldview students will have reason to thank me.
Posted by: Andrew at March 22, 2011 8:25 PM
Subscribe via
Just received this book in the mail a couple weeks ago. Looking to comparing notes as I write my own review!