Respectable Sins Student Edition: The Truth About Anger, Jealousy, Worry, and Other Stuff We Accept

by Jerry Bridges

Christians talk a lot about the “bad” sin of society. But are we guilty of overlooking the “okay” sin in our own lives, such as self-righteousness, anger, even anxiety? Jerry Bridges’ landmark exploration of tolerated sin and God’s remedy has been specifically adapted (not dumbed down!) for teens.

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2013

About the author

JERRY BRIDGES was an author and conference speaker. His most popular book, The Pursuit of Holiness, has sold over one million copies. Jerry was on the staff of The Navigators for over fifty years, and currently served in the Collegiate Mission where he was involved primarily in staff development, but also served as a speaker resource to the campus ministries.

Reviews

[Peter Krol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was helpful, though I find quite a few overstatements in the book, where I had to clarify for my children: "Well, that's not *always* a sin.

[Elizabeth Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing that occurred to me when I started reading this book, was that Bridges gets to the point, which I liked. He keeps the chapters short and has regular subheadings keeping it nice and organised and easy to read. I like the reflection questions at the end of each chapter and a challenge to put into practice what was just discussed, whether it be a prayer to God, or an activity to attempt in the coming week.

A couple of concepts (specific ‘respectable’ sins) addressed in this book were too briefly discussed and didn’t help much in pointing me to deal with them. Maybe he went into more detail in the full edition, which I do not own. However, most times, there are many practical applications and helpful tips to both recognise, and deal with these things that could be lurking in my life. On this note, it is clear that Bridges has done a lot of Bible study in order to write this book, as he places scriptural references everywhere, both to justify and back up what he is saying, and also to help and empower us in overcoming these sins in our lives. It is very Biblical and scripturally-centred, which is the best way to approach anything.

I really liked the checklist of ‘respectable’ sins, causing me to pinpoint my own little seemingly-nothing, sneaky sins that are considered acceptable in society today, but are not pleasing to God. A couple of times, after reading a chapter, I had to go back to the checklist and change my response. Bridges encouraged me to look closer at myself and be a little more honest. It is so wonderful however, as Bridges stresses, that we have such a loving and forgiving God who has already paid the price for these issues we have through His Son Jesus on the cross. The point of this book is not to make us feel guilty. It’s to help us get off our self-righteous high-horse and realise we’re all in need of God’s gift to us, and to help Christians live a better life that glorifies Him more!

[Shelbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! We read it for our summer Bible study with the student ministry. I think it did a great job of exposing some of the more subtle sins we tend to harbor in our life, while offering practical ways to battle these sins in our life. So many things that we have just accepted as normal that can actually take away from our relationship with God and others!! This was the student edition, so I would be curious how it differs from the regular version. Either way, good tool for all ages!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, thought-provoking and well-researched read. The writing style made it easy to read and despite covering some potentially challenging topics, the whole book felt positive which I guess makes sense.

This is a book I'd want to own (though maybe not the student edition as I'd be interested to see the difference between the two), and to read through slowly and think through each point that he writes about.

Very thought-provoking and I would recommend.

[Kristen Herbst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used for FCA with middle school students. Good for their level

[Madeline Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so, so good and so, so painful.

[Paul Forrest]

An accessible read with some useful thinking points.

[Mimileakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps us to reflect on sins we take “lightly”. Convicting

[Eric Abisror · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Makes you take s look at the sins in your life that you would normally probably just call personality flaws. Although the book is convicting, it's also full of grace.
It's great for small groups. I had my high school small groups go through this. I got positive feedback.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot to work on! :)