Here..
is an essay written against John Eldgredge's controversial book, Wild At Heart.
The essay is quite heavy on theology, but it certainly worths reading to balance ourselves if we were to read Eldredge's book.
I believe Wild at Heart is one of the best books I have ever read but all the same, I always felt that it is also one of the most dangerous ones.
John Eldredge is one of those blessed with talent to come up with words so powerful you will nod your head in agreement without digesting them, most of the times.
And that's why I love the book so much. But I suppose Eldredge is only human. He, like many other servants of God, has the tendency to swing towards the extreme of his own belief that sometimes, they (or we) fall into this trap of 'creating God in our own image'.
I believe that the essay in itself has flaws and my own opinion, definitely, also has flaws. Geez I am not even a Theologist.
But ultimately, none of us has that complete wisdom to understand God.
I always remember the words said by a humble preacher during one of the sermon in the church I attended when I was a teenager.
He said that much as he appreciated those good Christian books around, he will only give his complete trust to one book, the Bible.
The problem with us nowadays is that we often turn to the other books before we have even finished reading the Bible. Without a strong foundation in the Word, we will be very easily influenced by the books we read, especially if they are as well written as Eldredge's book.
I wouldn't go as far as some people who claim that Wild at Heart is unbiblical. I certainly think there are a lot of strong biblical messages inside. And these messages certainly change me.
But it is important to remember that there is no perfect book out there which perfectly describes God. If ever you need to pick one, make sure it is the bible.
is an essay written against John Eldgredge's controversial book, Wild At Heart.
The essay is quite heavy on theology, but it certainly worths reading to balance ourselves if we were to read Eldredge's book.
I believe Wild at Heart is one of the best books I have ever read but all the same, I always felt that it is also one of the most dangerous ones.
John Eldredge is one of those blessed with talent to come up with words so powerful you will nod your head in agreement without digesting them, most of the times.
And that's why I love the book so much. But I suppose Eldredge is only human. He, like many other servants of God, has the tendency to swing towards the extreme of his own belief that sometimes, they (or we) fall into this trap of 'creating God in our own image'.
I believe that the essay in itself has flaws and my own opinion, definitely, also has flaws. Geez I am not even a Theologist.
But ultimately, none of us has that complete wisdom to understand God.
I always remember the words said by a humble preacher during one of the sermon in the church I attended when I was a teenager.
He said that much as he appreciated those good Christian books around, he will only give his complete trust to one book, the Bible.
The problem with us nowadays is that we often turn to the other books before we have even finished reading the Bible. Without a strong foundation in the Word, we will be very easily influenced by the books we read, especially if they are as well written as Eldredge's book.
I wouldn't go as far as some people who claim that Wild at Heart is unbiblical. I certainly think there are a lot of strong biblical messages inside. And these messages certainly change me.
But it is important to remember that there is no perfect book out there which perfectly describes God. If ever you need to pick one, make sure it is the bible.
Comments
it reminds of someone who counter attack my blog entry with theological stuff... so, i kinda understand eldredge's feelings if he read this.
anyway, from what i see, they are definitely not speaking the same 'language'. like a fish talking to a bird. all of eldredge's views are misinterpreted by etheridge.
so, whatever ppl say, i'm still wild at heart n_n
Agree that Etheridge did not always got it.. which is prob coz Etheridge is quite orthodox.
Well.. I guess the problem is not on the "wild at heart" principle itself.
Imho, it is more of how Eldredge sometimes went a bit overboard in his attempt to use bible to support his point.
And.. how it would create 'unnecessary burden' to people who read it unprepared. Rather than restoring the rite image, it could worsen the self-image of the reader.
That's what I felt from reading many readers' comment heh.
Can't help it though. Jesus himself was controversial. I guess we got that gene in many ways=P
As for me, my hair is grey and surely have lost my wildness :)
tat is probably why i never finish books like tuesdays with morries or the god catcher... n_n
anyway, ur right. Jesus Himself is controversial. sometimes i dont even understand why He did certain things or said certain words... sometimes i feel like a fool reading the bible... n_n
dont take it wrongly,
i'm a fool in many ways.
the wrong is not on the bible.
/a_note_from_my_heart
/2007
/07
/in_search_for_h.html
One thing that is still tickling my mind is the openness theoism that Eldredge sort of embrace.
It's interesting ^^
Is God taking risks in all the events that unfold in our lives? Or are everything known to Him from the beginning?