In, But Not Of Revised and Updated: A Guide to Christian Ambition and the Desire to Influence the World

by Hugh Hewitt

Influence is not accidental. It is earned. In, But Not Of charts the course to acquiring influence over the life of a career while remaining committed to the commands and example of Christ.

Broadcast journalist and law professor Hugh Hewitt not only challenges us to become more engaged in steering the course of history through politics, law, finance, and entertainment, but he also maps out simiple, effective strategies that will enable us to bring our visions of influence to pass.

Along with Hugh's simple and helpful advice, the study guide in the back focuses on key selections and questions to help the reader, whether in group or individual sessions, internalize these valuable principles and make a difference in the world. Divided into Think About It, Find Out More, and Take Action, the guide concludes with a Summary of Your Decisions to serve as a quick reference for years to come.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2012

Reviews

[Rod Zinkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh Hewitt’s In, But Not Of, is a book on gaining and maintaining Christian influence in the world. Hewitt, successful in the political world, offers advice on advancement by secular standards, such as choosing the best university, mastering something that is of interest to powerful people, networking, doing favors to get favors, and using flattery. How is this Christian? At times Hewitt’s writing is an awkward mix of worldly ambition and desire to influence others towards Christ. He does not hide the fact that this is a book about ambition; the key consideration is to what end you put it: “The reality for all Christians is the obligation to equip themselves for their greatest impact and to seek every opportunity to increase that impact” (6). One must look at the context of the whole book to see this does not contradict Christianity. There are some blunt statements that can discourage the Christian, such as you can be a player or a pastor, but not both; and “God does not much care what you look like… but the world cares” (184). I don’t think Christians would deny this is the case, even if one would say it shouldn’t be. But Hewitt’s book is useful to consider, motivating, and has challenges to action that are good.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good.  Made me wish I had a real relationship with Hewitt.  I didn't have much guidance when I started my first jobs.  Something like this would have been perfect.  


Notes:

Recommended by Greg Koukl

Audible

Thesis: Christians should seek power and influence for the sake of the gospel.  Personal note: I'm inclined to disagree.  I'd say Christians should seek the gospel, and power and influence will be added according to God's desire.  Let's see how much I change my mind.  

Chapter 2 / 00:13:59
Sat, Sep 19 | 6:57:05 PM
Advocating a moral obligation to have the upper hand?

Chapter 3 / 00:30:24
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:08:16 PM
This book is firmly entrenched in the culture war tack

Status matters.  Hewitt recommends going to the most prestigious school you can get in to

Chapter 5 / 00:49:39
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:33:43 PM
Status matters. Pick the best school. It’s worth it

Never knocking means never getting in

Paul cited his credentials to establish his authority

Chapter 6 / 00:55:49
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:40:05 PM
Paul stating credentials to establish authority. 

The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome #1) by Colleen McCullough

How do you display depth of intellect? You can't.  But you can demonstrate that you'd like to develop it.  Personal note:  I like this insight (even if it might not be completely true).  It bespeaks humility while stretching for excellence.

Tattoos convey that you're concerned with silly things

Chapter 9 / 01:32:15
Sun, Sep 20 | 8:55:13 AM
Serious people do not seek attention but for serious things

Make lots of deposits in the favor bank

Success is not zero sum, so promote the success of others

The key to success is helping others succeed

Chapter 13 / 01:57:20
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:20:39 PM
Contentment can become a mask to greater possibilities

The essence of good taste is never to be offended by bad taste 

Never take offense

Flattery is praise from someone of lower status.  Praise from an equal is simply praise.  

Chapter 19 / 02:26:19
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:41:39 PM
Every time you assist another’s career you advance your own

This means we must be careful and sparing with praise to superiors, but we should constantly praise those on equal or lesser standing.  

Politics is controlled mental combat

Chapter 21 / 02:43:49
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:58:57 PM
Not every error needs to be confessed

Chapter 25 / 02:57:55
Sun, Sep 20 | 1:13:28 PM
There is no upside to stating in gratitude—even when it’s deserved

Chapter 25 / 03:01:10
Sun, Sep 20 | 1:15:46 PM
Leaders are builders of other peoples reputations

Chapter 35 / 03:58:01
Sun, Sep 20 | 4:13:23 PM
We tell ourselves that the exception is the rule. It is not

Chapter 36 / 04:01:24
Sun, Sep 20 | 4:27:12 PM
Always ask more questions than you volunteer answers

Chapter 39 / 04:30:15
Sun, Sep 20 | 5:58:30 PM
Rules for flattery If you’re generally impressed with the superior’s leadership, tell him (but not too often)

Chapter 39 / 04:30:26
Sun, Sep 20 | 5:58:38 PM
For people of equal or lesser status, never stop praising and encouraging

Chapter 44 / 04:45:22
Sun, Sep 20 | 6:08:50 PM
Anger as a tactic that must be under control
Go to Bookmark

[Hannah K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unexpectedly interesting read! It's rare I find a nonfiction book that keeps me reading late at night. In the first couple chapters, this book seems to be speaking mainly to people who are interested or pursuing a role in American politics, which wasn't expressed in the title or description. I found that to be a little unhelpful and didn't like the idea that in order to make a real influence one has to be a politician, lawyer, or businessman. Also, although he talks about influencing 'the world', the real focus was on the US and I found it to be a little ethnocentric in that respect. This is probably because I'm pursuing a career in international relief work, but I thought the perspective could have been a little broader.
That said, there was tons of wisdom in the text, which I found to be applicable to me and any ambitious person. A lot of the things are obvious, but at the same time good reminders and need to be reinforced. Definitely worth reading and having on the shelf for a quick re-read in the years to come.

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. It was written about 10 years ago, and I feel like some of the elements might need to be updated a little bit for the negative world that we find ourselves in. We find ourselves in a cultural moment where ambition is not necessarily enough for a Christian to have influence. In fact, often times by being a Christian, there will be active opposition to your acquisition of influence.

I will say that many of the principles in this book are sound, and there is a lot of good advice, especially for the college aged student. It is very clear, and I think that many people would benefit from this kind of straightforward advice. However, I don't know that these principles are always going to lead to the success you might expect from the tone of the book. The world is a different place than it was a decade ago. As a result, I really like the advice presented in this book, but keep in mind that the public perception of particularly conservative Christianity will make a difference.

[Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and helpful. Must-read for anyone seeking to use influence the way it's meant to be used.