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My Beautiful Idol
The author of My Beautiful Idol is on a quest to be successful―in a lucrative job at an advertising agency, in ministry work, even in his relationships. And in a futile attempt to control the sources of love and security, he has turned these things into idols he can keep in his soul's back pocket. He pulls the idols out when he feels vulnerable and defenseless, and hides them again when things are going well. But the idols keep failing―even when he turns to his own Christian faith. In a creative narrative style rooted in raw honesty, My Beautiful Idol invites readers to identify with the young would-be Christian hero as he seeks God, and as he hides from God. Far from reducing complex matters to simplistic formulas, Pete Gall weaves together stories both sublime and wretched, ego-building and humbling, humorous and painful, and successfully celebrates the messiness of faith, the importance of validating truth, and the unscripted nature of experiencing a God who is intimately involved in all of life.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 2, 2009
In My Beautiful Idol, Gall tells his personal story and shares spiritual reflections and insights along the way, delivering an engaging combination of both. Gall is very transparent about his life and his spiritual development and formation. I appreciate his honesty and the rawness of his story telling.
Many of his stories are hilarious, thanks to that raw quality. One of the funnier stories involves a coed small group in which the leader asks the members what their biggest temptation is. He isn’t prepared for the honest answer of one female newbie.
Gall writes:
“If I’ve ever experienced a perfect example of the absolute loss of contact with the real world that exists in much of the church today it’s in [this leader’s:] question. Our biggest temptations?! In an icebreaker?! ...in a quick trip around a circle on futons over Safeway grape soda and Chip’s Ahoy!!!?”
The beauty of Gall’s personal story and this book is that [spoiler alert:] it doesn’t conclude with a beautiful bow tied around it. Gall’s story is a work in progress and continues to be. With his dramatic career change, following a personal and spiritual epiphany, one would hope that it would end in great success and or certainty. It ends in neither. The book ends with Gall still wrestling with his choices and his faith.
Again, kudos to Zondervan for publishing this book, giving us yet another a-typical Christian store find.
My Beautiful Idol is an enjoyable, entertaining and thought-provoking read. I look forward to reading additional books by Pete Gall.
Many of his stories are hilarious, thanks to that raw quality. One of the funnier stories involves a coed small group in which the leader asks the members what their biggest temptation is. He isn’t prepared for the honest answer of one female newbie.
Gall writes:
“If I’ve ever experienced a perfect example of the absolute loss of contact with the real world that exists in much of the church today it’s in [this leader’s:] question. Our biggest temptations?! In an icebreaker?! ...in a quick trip around a circle on futons over Safeway grape soda and Chip’s Ahoy!!!?”
The beauty of Gall’s personal story and this book is that [spoiler alert:] it doesn’t conclude with a beautiful bow tied around it. Gall’s story is a work in progress and continues to be. With his dramatic career change, following a personal and spiritual epiphany, one would hope that it would end in great success and or certainty. It ends in neither. The book ends with Gall still wrestling with his choices and his faith.
Again, kudos to Zondervan for publishing this book, giving us yet another a-typical Christian store find.
My Beautiful Idol is an enjoyable, entertaining and thought-provoking read. I look forward to reading additional books by Pete Gall.
August 19, 2008
Pete Gall writes about his life and his journey to understanding who is he is, who God is and all those things he hides behind so no one can truely see him. It's kind of like his process of becoming a more authentic and loving person and it's not always about what you do that makes you good, but who are you.
October 27, 2008
He is real and stays true to his convictions. The ending had the most meaning for me, but my heart grew heavy as he described his sad perspective about service and ministry. We can only live with the light that we have and if love seeks the best in others isn't that real? I can't identify.
August 1, 2008
Incredible! This guy is a great writer and so honest. I loved this book!
March 6, 2013
This is an interesting book. The content is life.. it is much like a Donald Miller novel, a storytelling of life and the confusion that can come of the answers that you seem to get as you go along. He takes a basic idea about collector crabs and our needs for 'decoration' in our life that people can look on us in a way that makes us feel, 'ok' and the move towards other ideals... interesting.. and wonderful analogy!
I recommend this to anyone really. Those strong in their faith, as well as those against Christianity.. and even those battling with it, though I VERY much recommend that if you start.. you finish.
Stand Outs: ( I wrote these as I listened.. so.. be aware of that :) )
A Jerk
A Liar
A Christian Hero?
"You are stepping out in response to God. That is going to make you some enemies"
The part when he describes his true desire to follow God and walking out of his professional job and finding out that those around him had no idea that he was a Christian were quite good and true in how I believe there are many that would live though as well, even myself. I am certain there are those that have no idea of my beliefs. I am not preaching every second and every time I open my mouth...
"David said that it is my job to provide the momentum, God will provide the direction"
A very good point made by a friend in his walk with God.
"God redeems some idols, doesn't He?"
This he states thinking on the girl he needs to walk away from. I was there myself when I was younger.. so very true when dealing with 'love'
"I thought my prayer would change everything, but it didn't"
"I did not know how to tell that things changed"
Chapter 8 is pretty intense and exactly what many people need to hear.. wow!
In Chapter 10.. the encounter he has and the faith bolstered is so simple.. and reminds me of my past experiences ... I really liked it
In Chapter 13 ... The realization of relationship with Christ is great.. something to me.. is so odd to think it could take some one a while to get to when they 'grew up' in church... but.. everyone's story is different.. .and it is victory of God's none-the-less.
"The Bottom is always, always lower than we think it is"
Chapter 15.. I feel the same way that he does about praying in tongues.. about his thoughts.. as well as being distracted by the sound of them.
Chapter 21 ... wow.. temptation ice breakers.. and his outlook an how we want to talk about our problems.. but not really the hard hitting things that we actually have problems with. We really need to be honest..
Chapter 22 ... a wonderful transition in analogy.. WELL done!!
Chapter 25 ... The running track analogy is quite interesting.. and the quote here that I see that is great is .. "Especially where souls are concerned, the ends do not justify the means"
Chapter 27 ... PRINCESS BRIDE!!! Great friendship! some really heavy hitters in desire for.. and why one serves.. does.. for God.. WOW.. the gas moment.. wow.. amazing! His want to step onto water.. I have done that.. not actually on the water.. it did not work.. and I have already written a blurb about it.. just have not posted it yet.. and I have already planned to put it into the book I am writing
The hurt from his advice for a woman with cancer.. wow.. a hard hit for sure.. I feel for him and the attack that this is.
Chapter 28 .. tears.. tears.. very emotional
End of Chapter 30 .. that brought some tears.. wow
Chapter 34-35.. the business of 'selling' charity and blessing.. certainly turned my stomach in knots.. I have not really ever seen things much in this way, while I do think that many work in this way.. but my motivation is very different.. though.. I get the idea that we really do need to do the best we can in systems that are flawed.. that I do see.. that I do know.. but attitude really does make a huge difference in making the steps to go forward
Chapter 36 ... I am not sure about these 'truth' ideas... I get relationship.. I get meeting people where they are.. but.. if I look at Christ.. He leaned on Truth.. He is truth.. the beauty is that we do not NEED to convince anyone of 'OUR' truth.. but let the Holy Spirit do the work of guiding THEM in truth.. if God uses us or not..
Chapter 37 ... wonderful explanation of heroes and the reality of life and the way that it can hit you sideways .. and the reality.. the TRUTH of ONE hero!
"The Kingdom IS among us"
"We succeed when we admit when we need a ride from an eagle"
"Relationship determines value"
Chapter 38 ... great analogy with the cup.. very, very interesting!
"Choose love where you find fear"
Final Thoughts:
Much like my Pastor said recently... "If I did not believe that I could make it though anything I don't think I could continue in this anymore" .. this is such a wonderful point, but perspective is so very important. Being the 'hero' has nothing to do with our want or need to be one that makes it though something, and I understand what he meant by it. He was saying that any problem he has faced, Christ has been there and been the guide and the force that brought him through it. He has faith and trust in that.. It is what gives many of us, including me the drive to move forward.
Fighting along, trying to be the best, brightest and most awesome will only destroy us.. we just need to be who God is calling us to be.. and not worry about the image. I am quite sure that is the true message of this book, but if I am wrong.. maybe I am just projecting the ideal message I would have for it - though I am quite certain I am correct.
hmmm... maybe I will just be rewriting much of this is my future book.. but.. who knows.. thank you for the adventure Pete Gall!
I recommend this to anyone really. Those strong in their faith, as well as those against Christianity.. and even those battling with it, though I VERY much recommend that if you start.. you finish.
Stand Outs: ( I wrote these as I listened.. so.. be aware of that :) )
A Jerk
A Liar
A Christian Hero?
"You are stepping out in response to God. That is going to make you some enemies"
The part when he describes his true desire to follow God and walking out of his professional job and finding out that those around him had no idea that he was a Christian were quite good and true in how I believe there are many that would live though as well, even myself. I am certain there are those that have no idea of my beliefs. I am not preaching every second and every time I open my mouth...
"David said that it is my job to provide the momentum, God will provide the direction"
A very good point made by a friend in his walk with God.
"God redeems some idols, doesn't He?"
This he states thinking on the girl he needs to walk away from. I was there myself when I was younger.. so very true when dealing with 'love'
"I thought my prayer would change everything, but it didn't"
"I did not know how to tell that things changed"
Chapter 8 is pretty intense and exactly what many people need to hear.. wow!
In Chapter 10.. the encounter he has and the faith bolstered is so simple.. and reminds me of my past experiences ... I really liked it
In Chapter 13 ... The realization of relationship with Christ is great.. something to me.. is so odd to think it could take some one a while to get to when they 'grew up' in church... but.. everyone's story is different.. .and it is victory of God's none-the-less.
"The Bottom is always, always lower than we think it is"
Chapter 15.. I feel the same way that he does about praying in tongues.. about his thoughts.. as well as being distracted by the sound of them.
Chapter 21 ... wow.. temptation ice breakers.. and his outlook an how we want to talk about our problems.. but not really the hard hitting things that we actually have problems with. We really need to be honest..
Chapter 22 ... a wonderful transition in analogy.. WELL done!!
Chapter 25 ... The running track analogy is quite interesting.. and the quote here that I see that is great is .. "Especially where souls are concerned, the ends do not justify the means"
Chapter 27 ... PRINCESS BRIDE!!! Great friendship! some really heavy hitters in desire for.. and why one serves.. does.. for God.. WOW.. the gas moment.. wow.. amazing! His want to step onto water.. I have done that.. not actually on the water.. it did not work.. and I have already written a blurb about it.. just have not posted it yet.. and I have already planned to put it into the book I am writing
The hurt from his advice for a woman with cancer.. wow.. a hard hit for sure.. I feel for him and the attack that this is.
Chapter 28 .. tears.. tears.. very emotional
End of Chapter 30 .. that brought some tears.. wow
Chapter 34-35.. the business of 'selling' charity and blessing.. certainly turned my stomach in knots.. I have not really ever seen things much in this way, while I do think that many work in this way.. but my motivation is very different.. though.. I get the idea that we really do need to do the best we can in systems that are flawed.. that I do see.. that I do know.. but attitude really does make a huge difference in making the steps to go forward
Chapter 36 ... I am not sure about these 'truth' ideas... I get relationship.. I get meeting people where they are.. but.. if I look at Christ.. He leaned on Truth.. He is truth.. the beauty is that we do not NEED to convince anyone of 'OUR' truth.. but let the Holy Spirit do the work of guiding THEM in truth.. if God uses us or not..
Chapter 37 ... wonderful explanation of heroes and the reality of life and the way that it can hit you sideways .. and the reality.. the TRUTH of ONE hero!
"The Kingdom IS among us"
"We succeed when we admit when we need a ride from an eagle"
"Relationship determines value"
Chapter 38 ... great analogy with the cup.. very, very interesting!
"Choose love where you find fear"
Final Thoughts:
Much like my Pastor said recently... "If I did not believe that I could make it though anything I don't think I could continue in this anymore" .. this is such a wonderful point, but perspective is so very important. Being the 'hero' has nothing to do with our want or need to be one that makes it though something, and I understand what he meant by it. He was saying that any problem he has faced, Christ has been there and been the guide and the force that brought him through it. He has faith and trust in that.. It is what gives many of us, including me the drive to move forward.
Fighting along, trying to be the best, brightest and most awesome will only destroy us.. we just need to be who God is calling us to be.. and not worry about the image. I am quite sure that is the true message of this book, but if I am wrong.. maybe I am just projecting the ideal message I would have for it - though I am quite certain I am correct.
hmmm... maybe I will just be rewriting much of this is my future book.. but.. who knows.. thank you for the adventure Pete Gall!
August 4, 2011
Okay, so I can't say honestly (since this is a tell-all, 'confessional' type book) that I liked either this book or that I even like the author very much. I bought it because of the endorsements by Donald Miller, Rob Bell, Philip Yancey, and Shane Clairborne. Also because it seemed to have a literary quality to it.
There were a few good quotes and for a few moments I had hope...No surprise since the author used to work in an ad agency and knows how to write/sell. His wife states early on that he's kinda' a jerk, so I suppose this whole book is just another 'pitch' with the '...woe is me, I'm a big fat loser you should feel sorry for because I'm spilling my guts and being real for a change." being just another line to excuse himself from getting his crap together. Okay, so that's pretty harsh, but there's lots of harsh stuff in the book and more to be harsh about.
You have to read it yourself and decide. I guess I'm just glad I only paid the bargain price...Sorry Pete. "I love you, man!" And I do hope you are doing well in life and in everything, really. May you realize all the deliverance you desire. But it doesn't ring my bell. I guess I'm just too demanding or something.
This hopeless, pathetic, out-of-touch, self-absorbed confessional is not a great inspiration or example.
Spends too much time on the wrong side of his 'testimony' and unfortunately, that's the side that supposed to be changed for the better! If I didn't believe in a 'second work of the spirit' this book would make me want to.
Only certain personalities would love this book. I suspect it's those who don't read much or expect much. Sorry. No insult intended.
To Chris Roe, "How do you know he's not just 'selling you a bill of goods' now? Lying to make you want to like him or root for him? Where's the credibility? In his 'vunerable honesty' after he's spent the whole book telling you that he's manipulated people and lied and took their money and pepsi and never went back and made amends? Sad. If the Matrix made you wonder what was 'real,' this book is worse than that.
There were a few good quotes and for a few moments I had hope...No surprise since the author used to work in an ad agency and knows how to write/sell. His wife states early on that he's kinda' a jerk, so I suppose this whole book is just another 'pitch' with the '...woe is me, I'm a big fat loser you should feel sorry for because I'm spilling my guts and being real for a change." being just another line to excuse himself from getting his crap together. Okay, so that's pretty harsh, but there's lots of harsh stuff in the book and more to be harsh about.
You have to read it yourself and decide. I guess I'm just glad I only paid the bargain price...Sorry Pete. "I love you, man!" And I do hope you are doing well in life and in everything, really. May you realize all the deliverance you desire. But it doesn't ring my bell. I guess I'm just too demanding or something.
This hopeless, pathetic, out-of-touch, self-absorbed confessional is not a great inspiration or example.
Spends too much time on the wrong side of his 'testimony' and unfortunately, that's the side that supposed to be changed for the better! If I didn't believe in a 'second work of the spirit' this book would make me want to.
Only certain personalities would love this book. I suspect it's those who don't read much or expect much. Sorry. No insult intended.
To Chris Roe, "How do you know he's not just 'selling you a bill of goods' now? Lying to make you want to like him or root for him? Where's the credibility? In his 'vunerable honesty' after he's spent the whole book telling you that he's manipulated people and lied and took their money and pepsi and never went back and made amends? Sad. If the Matrix made you wonder what was 'real,' this book is worse than that.
January 4, 2010
I Like this author. He is authentic and transparent. He shares his journey, leaving his job and the life that goes with it, to follow his passion for God.
"The world of advertising creates need and sells product, behavior, impressions, services, approaches, tones, movements to build a brand--a personal brand to identify us." Makes me consider; 'what is my brand? Am I authentic? What is it hiding?'
"The truth about my success is that God let me walk with my idol until I could see it well enough to put it down." He speaks as if God is in his presence, but he struggles with surrender in this quote--God has been "the accessory that decorates the idol of myself." He is very honest with himself and the reader.
He doesn't grasp his feelings, wounds, that keep him stuck. There seems to be no resolve. He desires to get to joy. "I need to find a better, healthier way to invest the love I have to give."
"The world of advertising creates need and sells product, behavior, impressions, services, approaches, tones, movements to build a brand--a personal brand to identify us." Makes me consider; 'what is my brand? Am I authentic? What is it hiding?'
"The truth about my success is that God let me walk with my idol until I could see it well enough to put it down." He speaks as if God is in his presence, but he struggles with surrender in this quote--God has been "the accessory that decorates the idol of myself." He is very honest with himself and the reader.
He doesn't grasp his feelings, wounds, that keep him stuck. There seems to be no resolve. He desires to get to joy. "I need to find a better, healthier way to invest the love I have to give."
June 10, 2011
I read this book a few years ago after receiving a review copy. It popped up on a list of "Suprisingly Life-Changing Books" an old college friend put together and I was reminded that it's one of my favorite spiritual memoirs. I'm going to dig up my copy this weekend and probably give it another read. Gall deals with quite a few subjects that no other writer has dealt with such painful honesty. Things like the tenuous interplay of romance and spirituality in relationships, unhealthy eating habits and the hypocrisy one can find themselves participating in when doing "ministry."
I don't think I'd recommend this to people who didn't grow up in an evangelical Christian culture though. There's a lot of weird baggage that comes along with that sort of upbringing that's embarrassingly unexplainable.
I don't think I'd recommend this to people who didn't grow up in an evangelical Christian culture though. There's a lot of weird baggage that comes along with that sort of upbringing that's embarrassingly unexplainable.
March 25, 2011
This book had some ups and downs in my opinion. Overall I thought the author offered some great insights that the reader can either quickly pass over or give time to ponder the depth of them before moving forward in the text. I struggled at times to stay with the book, but I highly recommend finishing. It's worth it.
December 17, 2008
I loved Pete's style and his honesty more. Reminded me of Donald Miller's works. I needed to hear the unvarnished, unrehearsed truth from Pete. Thankfully, others are "telling the truth" these days despite the best wishes of mainstream denominations.
March 25, 2009
Really really liked it - reminds me of Blue Like Jazz. A very honest memoir.
January 5, 2010
a must-read confessional memoir. while it is boring in some parts and tends to get a bit waffly from time to time, there is just something about it that makes you keep reading.
August 9, 2010
I don't really know what to say here...it was alright. Not as insightful as I expected it to be...but more entertaining than I expected...so, yeah. No complaints on this one I guess.
May 16, 2013
Great book that really shows true life of a christian struggling like the res t of us do. Pete draws parallels that all can understand and relate to.
Read
February 20, 2016a great read
January 19, 2017
Real, honest, real honest.
Read
May 21, 2013several years later, we still use this crabshell analogy...reflective, a great read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews