If I Perish I Perish: Insights Into the Meaning of Christian Commitment

by W. Ian Thomas

If I Perish, I Perish examines the Christian life through the lens of an allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament book of Esther. The character of Esther, representative of the human spirit, depicts that the call of the Lord Jesus on the Christian is to be crucified with Christ and become alive in the Spirit.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Devotional

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was teaching a class on some of the women found in the Bible. Esther was the girl I was starting with, and someone recommended this gem of a book to me. Now I will start by saying very little of this is about the story of Esther or her life or the occurrences of the battle and such. This is all about a single thought of Thomas', and it is a very fascinating one at that. So, if you're looking for an interesting read on who Esther was then this is not the book for you. If you want a fascinating look at the imagery in the story and what we as modern Christians can take from this story? You've got the right book.

Ian takes the characters in the short book of Esther and asks the basic question of : What if it were and allegory? Haman, Mordecai, Esther, even Xerxes all play a role in this interesting story. I found it a refreshing look at a long known story, and particularly enjoyed the 'If I perish, I perish' moment.

So at the end of it all, remember, this is his revelation of the subject matter, not the gospel itself. It is an interesting look at what all is going on behind the scenes, and has several question we must ask of ourselves. Most notably being: Who is wearing our ring of approval? The Holy Spirit or Flesh? It is a question we all must ask, though some of us might not enjoy the answers.

[Kim Steck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great understanding

This Book was such a great help to me in understanding the exchanged life. I highly recommend that you read it. Amazing how the story of Queen Esther parallels the great truth of flesh vs spirit

[Josh Dyck · Rating 4 out of 5]

An allegorical view of the exchanged life from the book of Esther - I loved it, and it challenged me in my walk with God. Christ must be great in His temple! Getting the wrong man out and right man in.

[Jay Budzilowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUMMARY:
An examination of the Christian life through the lens of an allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament Book of Esther.
—————
EXCERPT:
“Of all the lessons that the book of Esther has to teach us, perhaps the most important is this-that to get the wrong man out and the right man in,
it is necessary first to get the right man in to get the wrong man out!” (p. 41)
—————
REVIEW:
Ian Thomas paints a truthful picture of the Christian life using Esther as an allegory. The books serves as a great devotional work. The difficulty is accepting the premise that Esther is was written as an allegory.

[Stephen Carrier · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off pretty slowly for me, to the point I didn't want to really pick it up and keep reading it. But the further I got into the book, the more I liked it. The last three or four chapters were actually really good, in my opinion. I'm still thinking about some of his points today and how they apply to my life.

So, if you can make it past the first six or so chapters (It's a small book, so not that difficult to do), I think it's worth it.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book. I find it refreshing to review the principals of my Christian faith regularly. This title makes such a review all the more clear and edifying. I'll be coming back to this treasure again and again.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When the soul, consisting of the mind, the emotions and the will (King Ahasuerus), is in total harmony with the desires created by the Holy Spirit (Mordecai) within a yielded human spirit (Esther) this is what the Bible describes as the 'fullness of the Spirit.'"

[Micah Larsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just awful. Turns the book of Esther into a parable of Arminian theology. I've always enjoyed reading through Esther and now I'm gonna have a hard time doing it without this idiotic book stuck in my head. Not worthy to be used as a coaster.

[Christy Mabs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struggled to be comfortable with reading Esther as an allegory. Nevertheless, Ian Thomas’s insights into the Spirit filled life were insightful and challenging.

[Warren R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing book that brings things into perspective.

[Leigh Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on the story of Esther!!

[JAMES LEWIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short review, but I found it a very exciting read. Personally, I find many allegorical stories in our Old Testament that reference what Jesus comes to bring and the salvation he offers us

[Matthew Blain · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to stop reading this before I even got to the end. The author stretches so many things to make it fit his reasoning I couldn't get past chapter 10. I disagree with the entire theological basis of his viewpoint, but even when considered within the bounds of his viewpoint it still is not a plain reading of scripture that would lead one to the conclusions the author does. One must ignore many facets of the book of Esther to arrive at what the author is conveying. I wish I could rate it zero stars.

[Nora Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as nice the second time around! Love this little book, so much insight and simple wisdom. Would definitely recommend to anyone, solid theology and so impactful! We are loved, and made for beautiful things. Also I love the sheer amount of scripture references in this book, it’s probably a good third of the whole thing. “If I perish, I perish! God take the consequences!” And he will!”

[Eli · Rating 1 out of 5]

I believe Major Ian Thomas stretched the Book of Esther to make it say what he wanted it to say... a rather complicated and novel view of sanctification. I'll have to look at it again since it has been a while.

[Dnyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

very edifying ...
instructive, i learn a lot from this book :-)
highly recommend it .

[Samantha Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study

Recommended for all-Christians especially. Highly recommended for both men and women. Easy read and Insightful study of the book of Esther.

[Adriana Espinosa Lagarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente ilustración de andar en la carne y andar en el espíritu, muy recomendable.