Better: How Jesus Satisfies the Search for Meaning

by Tim Chaddick

“What does it take to find satisfaction? Will I ever find something in life that’s better than this?”   Most people live a life they never would have planned. The good news is that coming to the end of their expectations means they’re on the brink of great wisdom, peace, and joy. That’s what the ancient author of Ecclesiastes helps us figure out—it is quite possible to face detours and dead-ends in life and still find more satisfaction than you ever could have imagined.   Better explores the mysteries, scandalous lines, and deep truths of Ecclesiastes and applies them to life today. Better  seeks to show how the questions of the heart find their answer in the person of Jesus. Here you will find a vision of life that is neither naive nor cynical, but realistic and hopeful. Because the truth is, when God answers the questions, you finally realize what is better .  

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Ebooks, Religion, Faith, Counselling

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

an absolutely incredible book

I will go on and on at my book review website, but this has been the best book that I have worked through in a very long time. Eccl. is sobering and Chaddick presents it in a way that reminds me how the resurrection can only take place following the crucifixion. This is a must read. Pick it up.

[Seth Pierce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly this book was full of evangelical cliches and Calvinist commercials. That isn't to say this book didn't have moments where good thoughts or creative wordplay happened, it was just not often enough.

[Jaemin Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tim Chaddick writes to a society disillusioned by rhetoric that has been saturated with words with forgotten meanings, so what better to write a book that is known to call everything meaningless (Ecclesiastes)? I will not say that Chaddick writes a completely innovative view of Ecclesiastes, I do not know if such a thing is possible, but as an incredible pastor he presents topical issues that our generation must begin to ask itself. Christianity is no longer in the 1st CE nor is it in the 20th CE, it has now reached it's 21st CE of existence and rather than writing in a way that ignores the expositions of the past 20 centuries (2000 years) Chaddick presents the traditions entrusted to each generation in a way that the 21st CE may join in on without denying its distinct traits. Chaddick hits his goal, as far as I can tell, in showing that Ecclesiastes is not interested in denouncing existence, but is concerned with the redefining and restoring of it. I highly recommend this book to anyone with questions on what the Bible has to say regarding things such as work, family, intentions of good deeds, anxieties of life, anxieties of death, etc. Chaddick does not seem to be interested in writing something never heard before, he seems to rather be addressing what has been heard and giving, what the bible claims, its true meaning/purpose and such honesty, I feel, is a beautiful and hard to find thing in a book these days.

[Sean Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

Great breakdown on Ecclesiates and all the worthless ways we try to find life outside of Jesus. I really appreciate Chaddicks teaching ministry and look forward to more books like this one!

[Zuleyka Araiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the author breaks down and explains the book of Ecclesiastes. It is definitely a book that you will want to read more than once!

[Sarah Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book! It takes you through the book of Ecclesiastes, which is actually a very relevant book to the world we live in. Being a college student, I found it very relevant and reassuring that living a life with God and truly living out your faith is better than all the other life styles/temptations that will be thrown at you. The author does a good job dissecting and explaining a book of the Bible that I would otherwise find difficult to understand.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving & Motivating!

‘What really matters in life’ is explored in great depth as you walk through Ecclesiastes. This book of the Bible has long held my heart and I appreciated this text on it as a reflective work on the scriptures in a practically applicable way. I love books that show how to walk out the truth of God’s word like this. Thankful for this book!

[Dawn Kravagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes that I plan to reread every year. The author pulls out valuable insights from the text that expose the folly in our thinking but helps to improve our life path. Truly one of the most helpful Christian books I’ve read.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[K-L · Rating 4 out of 5]

W R E CK E D. Ecclesiastes is essentially the articulation of every human being's underlying perpetual existential crisis. Basically, a philosophy minor's favourite book of the Bible.

[Dedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This book was wonderful! The book of Ecclesiastes is explained is such a beautiful way. Life without Jesus is not life. Life is meaningless without him.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one and felt that the author did an excellent job of breaking down Ecclesiastes while also making the text relevant - lots of conviction in this book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and introspective read.

[Gordon Saxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We used this as part of a 70-member men's Bible Study. This book provides great insight into the Book of Ecclesiastes.

[Perri Volz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was so good! Great book to read alongside studying Ecclesiastes! It gives you great understanding of the verses and the Preacher’s “life is meaningless” attitude. I took so many notes.
It would also be a great book for a non-believer or anyone searching for the meaning of life!
I would highly recommend!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Better" is a study of Ecclesiastes. The author started by asking: what are your expectations of life, where did you get those expectations, and what if those expectations are wrong? He explored the things the Teacher in Ecclesiastes had tried to find meaning and lasting happiness and explored why they don't do so. They also looked at attitudes that don't work (like discontentment and envy) and explained how to get our focus right to find meaning and joy.

The author wrote in a casual tone and was easy to follow. He was good at bringing out the meaning of what the Teacher said and then dug deeper into it. He quoted from other books in the Bible to show how God and Jesus make sense of the things that were shown to be meaningless without God. It's written for the Christian and the non-believer who are looking for meaning and lasting joy. I'd recommend this book to those who feel discontentment with life or who wonder if this is all there is.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life & Lifeless

A tremendous truth of our existence & purpose for our existence. He's speak of what most of us are really searching for, but is of short time usefulness. Even of those who confess Christianity. All, in the end, still feel the need of permanency but can't acquire it. It only can be found in the eternal God Who always was, is & always will be. He made Himself spoke through His Word, the Bible & made Himself known in Person through His Son Jesus Christ, our Creator & Redeemer.

[Sean Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaddick highlights the relevance of Ecclesiastes for our modern context. His style is simple, engaging, and provocative. I've been deeply blessed by his preaching over the last year so it's no surprise that his first book is equally excellent. Looking forward to more heart-shaping teaching from Tim's ministry.

[Steve White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts a bit slow in part one, especially for the Christian who supposedly already knows there is more than just life under the the sun. Picks up in part 2 and beyond when the question becomes "now how does that affect our life?"

[Brittany Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read with Mr. Chaddick's voice fully present. The insights on life and how it pertains to Ecclesiasties are very relevant and causes a lot of soul searching. I'd recommend reading it through with a bunch of friends as each chapter is broken into one specific topic that Ecc. covers.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Exactly as the title suggests: a book that can make you better. Very easy to read and understand look into Ecclesiastes. Ever wonder what the meaning of life is? I recommend you read this book.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this book is stronger than the end. The tracking of Ecclesiastes is effective for keeping it glued together. Some chapters stand on their own. Others felt less developed, and included as filler to cover topics. The useful insights outweigh the tired cliches.

[Ricky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, Tim Chaddick has a great way of connecting the message of Ecclesiastes with our everyday lives.

[Jobe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deserves a more in-depth read than I gave it. But it was still very encouraging.