A Jesus-Shaped Life: How Diving Deeper into Theology Can Transform Us and Our World with the Radical Kindness of God

by Lisa Harper, Scot McKnight (foreword)

An unstuffy, unintimidating invitation to greater intimacy with God

· from the creator of the top-ranked Back Porch Theology podcast
· makes theology simple, accessible, and applicable to your daily life
· transform your relationship with God

The most basic definition of theology is words (logos) about God (theos). Conversations, if you will, about the most important thing in life--developing a real, ongoing, vibrant relationship with God Himself.

With her signature style and wit, bestselling author and Bible teacher Lisa Harper invites you into this life-giving conversation. She makes theology engaging, practical, and applicable by explaining how academic-sounding concepts--such as imago Dei, atonement, the Trinity, the transcendence and immanence of Christ, and much more--are not rigid theoretical propositions but transformative realities that we get to live out with God and with other people.

If you want more joy and peace with God and you feel called to make more of a Jesus-shaped dent in the world around you, then it's time to dive deeper into biblically sound theology. With Lisa as your guide, this is guaranteed to be quite the adventure!

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Faith, Audiobook, Christianity, Inspirational, Spirituality

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Lisa Harper is a hilarious storyteller and theological scholar―a gifted communicator whose writing and speaking overflows with colorful, pop-culture references that connect the dots between the Bible era and modern life. “Her God-given ability to not merely teach the Word but package it in a way that stirs the heart and calls to action is incomparable” says Priscilla Shirer. For six years Lisa served as the director of Focus on the Family's national women's ministry where she created the popular Renewing the Heart conferences. The next six years found her serving on the local level as the women's ministry director at a large church in Nashville. As the author of eleven books, and a Masters of Theological Studies with honors from Covenant Seminary, she is now a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker. Lisa was on the Women of Faith national arena tour and speaks at many other large events as well as at hundreds of churches all over the world. Lisa describes her greatest accomplishment to date as getting to be Missy’s mama.

Reviews

[Mary Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in three days. Lisa’s writing is so easy to read it makes me want to keep reading more. Also, I learned so much through this book that it made me even hungrier for a deeper dive into theology. I’ve ordered so many referenced books that my Amazon cart and bank account are sore. This book has lit a fire in me to take a leap straight into the deep end of theology. Thanks, Lisa for this. I can’t wait until the accompanying Bible study releases.

[Addie Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with my sisterhood group and really would recommend this book for a group study!! Very easy, straight forward read but it really wasn’t surface level at all which was great it got really deep into theology.
4 stars because the last few chapters were kind of random but really appreciated the first half of this!

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the theology words I used and how I could practically implement them in my life 🥰

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Jesus‑Shaped Life: How Diving Deeper into Theology Can Transform Us and Our World with the Radical Kindness of God by Lisa Harper

In A Jesus‑Shaped Life, bestselling Bible teacher Lisa Harper warmly invites readers to move beyond viewing theology as dry academic ideas and instead embrace theology as a conversation about God that shapes how we live with Him and others. With clarity, wit, and relatable stories, she unpacks foundational concepts like the Trinity, imago Dei (being made in God’s image), Christ’s transcendence and immanence, the role of the Holy Spirit, and what it means to live “coram Deo” (before the face of God). Throughout, Harper helps readers see that these doctrines are not abstract theories but practical realities that can deepen intimacy with God and expand joy, peace, and purpose in everyday life. Her accessible style makes complex ideas feel engaging and transformative.

Reading this book made me feel renewed and encouraged, as Harper’s affectionate tone and clear teaching helped me rethink how theology isn’t just for scholars but for every believer seeking a richer relationship with Jesus and a more compassionate life in community. Her passion for bringing biblical truths into daily living gave me fresh perspective on how understanding God more deeply shapes how we treat others and see the world around us. While the depth of some theological concepts occasionally slowed my pace, I appreciated how often Harper tied those truths back to God’s relentless kindness and practical faithfulness in ordinary moments.

Rating: 4 out of 5, for its heartfelt, engaging invitation to let sound theology transform your walk with God and your world.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on theology I’ve read. Lisa approaches theology with explanations for all without making you feel like a dumb dumb.

[Meagan S · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the theology was great (if not a little wordy and often over my head due to all the complex vocabulary), the book lacked practical ways to implement the specifics into one’s own life. The anecdotes throughout often rambled and jumbled the plot. You can tell she’s a very wise woman with a wealth of knowledge to impart, but making it succinct and applicable fell short. Not for me.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of hearing Lisa Harper speak in person so I was super excited to hear that she was coming out with this book! I was fascinated by this book and the multiple stories Lisa tells throughout. I have been trying to grow in my faith more lately and this book helped me realize how others have left Jesus shape their lives. I already want to read it again because there was so much information I feel like I need to do multiple rereads to understand everything! Overall I really enjoyed this book!

[Erica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lisa Harper. She dives deep but makes it fun and relatable, always pointing to the unfailing love of Jesus. Great on audio because she read it.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Theology was meant to be lived... The basic definition of theology is 'conversations about God.'"

I have been wanting to learn more about Christian theology, and this book was a wonderful introduction to concepts such as theodicy, the Trinity, and eschatology. Each chapter was thoroughly grounded in scripture, included carefully selected quotes and excerpts from other theologians, and had a personal anecdote woven in to make the content easier to digest.

Some of the stories from Lisa Harper's personal life/testimony did have me raising my eyebrows a bit (like the story where she got on a plane while being ill with COVID!), but overall I would recommend this book to anyone who is like me and wants to know more about theology but is not sure where to start.

[Jerri Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Harper is one of my favorite theologians and Bible teachers. She's so down to earth and all about Jesus. This book is very theological and humorous all at the same time. (I laughed at her descriptions on almost every page.) I especially liked the chapter regarding the Triune God. It was explained in a way that I've never heard before. So clear and understandable. (Well, as understandable as the Trinity can be to my finite mind!)
I'm sure I will reread this every couple of years. I highly recommend it!
Lisa has a Masters in Theology and is in the final, Thesis stage of earning a Doctorate degree at Denver Seminary.

[Becky Schommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t as surface-level transforming as I was hoping. (The tag line suggests it should.) Still I always enjoy how Lisa communicates truth. I have noticed that it’s getting harder for her to not use the big theological words, though she clearly desires to be relatable, which she continues to do through her stories especially. I did take lots of notes though and I am especially encouraged to keep her definitions of formal and functional theology in front of me. All of this should impact how I show up in this world. It just didn’t paint the picture as much as I had hoped.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I need to re-read this book. I feel like there was stuff that didn't hit the right way or that I didn't let sink in. I felt like there were stories put in to make things seem relatable, but the stories didn't quite match the topic she was going for and it felt like a reach. Eventually, I just wanted to finish it, and I think I might have missed some opportunities to simmer on a verse or idea.

[Juliette Beckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard Lisa speak at the most recent Grove event at Passion City Church and I really connected with the way she thought/spoke so of course I wanted to buy her book after her message! Gosh I’m so so glad I did! Everything about this book was wonderful and so insightful. A must read, for sure. A ladies book, indeed.

[Joyce Jarrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lisa Harper and her teachings. I listened to the audiobook, read by Lisa. I loved her stories. But, I don't listen to many audiobooks. I think I may need to read this with my eyes, since her points didn't sink in. I think I need to read with a list of definitions of all the theological terms that I can't keep straight in my mind. I am not accustomed to Lisa using so many big words!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED and enjoy this book! There were so many enlightening ah ha moments and gave me so much to think about. Truly loved the point back to scripture as well at the ultimate direction upward.

[F. Belanger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well done enough account of life of this lady clery member. Interesting stuff on the Council of Nicea deciding Christ's trinity.
BTW Bible has incredible scientific accuracy like round Earth 🌎 and the hydrologic cycle and jet streams and man from soil and much more!

[Lisa Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa is such a great storyteller, I couldn’t help but love this book. I also love her ability to make theology interesting. Her honesty and vulnerability have me hunting for more of her books to read next.

[Amanda Fairbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Lisa Harper and how well she speaks/story tells. However, this book didn’t live up to how she presents. Some of the stories were great and inspiring but there was a lot of rambling throughout most of the chapters it seemed.

[Kylie Ewing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intro into theology and real life implications. Lisa’s voice narrating the audiobook is very comforting. It’s easy to listen to the theological ideas and get an understanding through her storytelling. I feel like she’s very honest with her personal experiences and hits home with her parallels.

[Angelina Ramirez]

Best read in community

I like that is easy to read and understand... I also like the accompanying study guide, that helps put into practice the concepts explored. Getting a group together, and having meaningful open dialogue allows us to dive deeper.

[Stephanie Furr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done. I love her down to earth personality and writing. I loved listening to her narrate the audiobook- so you get to hear how it was truly written and listen to her get choked up on emotional sections. 🤍

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Lisa Harper puts the cookies on the bottom shelf when it comes to understanding the basics of developing a theology of Jesus. Her warmth and honest humanity in writing this book make it a joy to read. Highly recommend.

[JoDee Collick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a marvelous quick read that I will be reading and studying over and over.

[K H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about it on a podcast and went why not. Yet it just wasn’t a book that held my interest.

[Tara Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love Lisa Harper but a lot of what she says just goes over my head. Not putting her down at all. Maybe me a little.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10!!! It was entertaining AND dripping with rich truth. Must read.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lisa Harper's writing and I always learn so much!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Abby George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t recommend this book enough! So much wisdom and truth!

[Rebecca Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, maybe my favorite Christian author EVER