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Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say
They are simple phrases. They sound Christian—like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways.Join Adam Hamilton in this 5-week Bible study to search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture. The clichés Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won’t give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
287 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hamilton
299 books287 followersRev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
August 23, 2017
I found the premise of this book very intriguing. Half-truths are so prevalent out there and in our own lives. Have you ever heard, or even said, something believing it to be Biblical truth, then found out the Bible didn’t say that, or anything even close?
I was going to review this book chapter by chapter. I was writing down a few sentences on each chapter detailing what was good and what I found questionable. The first three gave me a lot to think about, especially on what to say to someone grieving. Please be sure the comfort you give them is Biblical.
Then I hit chapter 4. Any value this book might have had was destroyed. He doesn’t believe in the complete inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. According to him, only bits and pieces are really inspired, and we really aren’t sure which pieces those might be. I didn’t read past that chapter and I suggest that this book is more harmful than helpful.
Who authorized him to decide what God should have or did say? Who are any of us to judge God’s Word by our own personal or cultural standard? Following His commands might make us feel uncomfortable, look different, or live differently; but God calls us to walk His path with His standards. He calls us out of our culture and into His. That might mean standing in opposition to some of the most cherished beliefs of our culture, for example, women preachers. God forbids it; it would be wise of us to believe it.
Christ rebuked so many people for not knowing and believing the scriptures. Please read Matthew 21:24, 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 24:25-27; & John 5:39. Paul used the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was our Savior (Acts 17:2, 18:22, Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Believers who searched the scriptures and tested every new teaching by it were commended in Acts 17:11. We should follow their example of accepting and relying on the written Word of God.
There are also some very serious warnings to those who tamper with His Word. “…Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles… in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (twist), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” (2 Peter 3:15-17) Please be very careful how you handle the Word of God. (Revelation 22:18-19, Proverbs 30:6)
I received this book from the publisher for free through Netgalley. This is my personal review.
I was going to review this book chapter by chapter. I was writing down a few sentences on each chapter detailing what was good and what I found questionable. The first three gave me a lot to think about, especially on what to say to someone grieving. Please be sure the comfort you give them is Biblical.
Then I hit chapter 4. Any value this book might have had was destroyed. He doesn’t believe in the complete inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. According to him, only bits and pieces are really inspired, and we really aren’t sure which pieces those might be. I didn’t read past that chapter and I suggest that this book is more harmful than helpful.
Who authorized him to decide what God should have or did say? Who are any of us to judge God’s Word by our own personal or cultural standard? Following His commands might make us feel uncomfortable, look different, or live differently; but God calls us to walk His path with His standards. He calls us out of our culture and into His. That might mean standing in opposition to some of the most cherished beliefs of our culture, for example, women preachers. God forbids it; it would be wise of us to believe it.
Christ rebuked so many people for not knowing and believing the scriptures. Please read Matthew 21:24, 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 24:25-27; & John 5:39. Paul used the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was our Savior (Acts 17:2, 18:22, Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Believers who searched the scriptures and tested every new teaching by it were commended in Acts 17:11. We should follow their example of accepting and relying on the written Word of God.
There are also some very serious warnings to those who tamper with His Word. “…Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles… in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (twist), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” (2 Peter 3:15-17) Please be very careful how you handle the Word of God. (Revelation 22:18-19, Proverbs 30:6)
I received this book from the publisher for free through Netgalley. This is my personal review.
July 31, 2016
This was a powerful little book. Hamilton discusses five adages that people say, and why they are theologically incorrect. "Everything happens for a reason", "God helps those who help themselves", "God won't give you more than you can handle", "God said it, I believe it, that settles it", and "Love the sinner, hate the sin" are the sayings he discusses. This book is thoughtful, and thought provoking; at times a beginning theology class. Very interesting. Would highly recommend.
November 15, 2016
This is my current Bible study. This book has made me look at things that I've said to others over the years, meaning to be a comfort, and made me realize that they weren't comforting. In fact, some of them were downright mean and hurtful. One of the things that I really like about Adam Hamilton is that he doesn't try to tell you how to believe. He presents his case, with biblical support, and allows you to make your own decision. Sort of like God does with us and our free will to act. The book is great, but the video that goes with it adds so much because this particular study was filmed at Thistle Farms with a group of seminarians and their comments added so much to this study. Also, learning about Thistle Farms was a bonus.
May 26, 2016
Sometimes I hear a well meaning person offer a word of "Scripture" that doesn't sit quite right, partly because it is not found in the Bible and partly because it is theologically not sound. Adam Hamilton takes some of these "Half Truths" and breaks them down Biblically, theologically, historically using modern examples to reframe the sentiment. It is helpful not only for these specific phrases but to bring awareness to other half truths that we find ourselves repeating.
Originally developed as a sermon series, this a very accessible book and would make a great small group discussion/Bible study or sermon series.
I was delighted to receive a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Originally developed as a sermon series, this a very accessible book and would make a great small group discussion/Bible study or sermon series.
I was delighted to receive a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
October 21, 2017
Things we say that mean well, but are cliche rather than Christ like. Love the sinner, hate the sin is an example. Biblically, Jesus never said this. He said 'love your neighbor'. The author gives an engaging and convincing example of the difference between a sinner and a neighbor. Quick, but excellent read.
May 29, 2023
I read this book as a companion to a sermon series my pastor was preaching on. It was very insightful. So many of these half truths I have heard a lot and was bothered by them. Pastor Hamilton does a good job explaining the background and then challenges us to look beyond to what would be more appropriate messages from the Bible.
May 10, 2016
Adam Hamilton, a Methodist clergyman and pastor of the largest mainline church in the country sets his sights squarely on some of the most damaging “Half Truths” in his newest book. As usual, he makes a powerful case for his point of view using not only scripture, but history and historical context as well. He does so in a very down-to-earth, easy to read manner that keeps readers engaged. I read the whole book in three sittings.
Hamilton tackles 5 of these “Half Truths” in the book. See if you’ve ever heard, or perhaps even uttered, any of these supposedly Christian maxims:
“Everything Happens For a Reason”
“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.”
“God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle.”
“God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It.”
“Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin.”
My guess is that a few of the people who read this will look at some of these and say, “Wait, doesn’t the Bible say….?” or “That statement is meant to comfort. How can it be damaging?” Hamilton methodically breaks down these common Christianisms and shows that the Bible “doesn’t really say that” and that these can be incredibly damaging.
Take a family who loses a bright, loving teenager to a drunk driver, or perhaps a family who brings a child into the world only to have her die hours later. Can you honestly look those parents in the eye and say “everything happens for a reason?” Seriously, what reason could God have for blessing parents with a new baby and snatching it away after a few minutes our hours? What reason could God possibly have to let a drink driver kill a young teen or mother of three? Why would God send Hurricane Katrina to kill the elderly and disabled in the Lower Ninth Ward? Hamilton does believe that God can make good things arise out of these circumstances, but to say that these things happen according to His will or that God wouldn’t let it happen if we couldn’t handle it is utterly absurd and not biblical.
“Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin.” This is often said by Christians who are actually trying to be more inclusive. I confess I’ve uttered it myself. However, since when did Jesus say it was ok to call other people sinners? I seem to remember Jesus saying something about taking a log out of your eye before you take a speck out your brother’s. Yeah there it is, in Matthew 7:5. (News Flash: You’re never going to get the log out of your eye, so don’t bother with your brother’s.) Plus, since when did Jesus say it was ok to “hate sin,” and who gets to decide what’s a sin? I don’t think that’s in our job description.
“God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” Really? There are over 200 verses in the Bible that sanction slavery. Do you still believe in those? Heck, maybe some of you do, but come on now. Hamilton drops the mic quite loudly on that one.
“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.” Guess what, it’s not in the Bible. While God does desire that we work hard in life and strive to be able to take care of ourselves, and others, Hamilton talks about the cold, hard, fact that many people are disadvantaged through no fault of their own, but have just been victims of circumstances. Our church is starting to participate in a service that will provide shelter to families who have become homeless after the parents or guardians have lost a job. That situation happens EVERY DAY in the United States. People lose a job or have a serious medical condition and lose everything. Of course this arises out of what I like to call “Puritanism on Steroids,” this belief that everyone who his poor or unemployed is just lazy. Many are disabled, elderly, or even mentally ill. Jesus calls us to help these people and all who are poor, not kick them to the curb because we can’t fathom giving up a dollar of what’s ours.
Of course these are just simple summaries of Hamilton’s points, but you get the drift. It’s another A+ effort from him, and I wish every Christian would read it (and some non-Christians too) especially in this messed up election year.
Hamilton tackles 5 of these “Half Truths” in the book. See if you’ve ever heard, or perhaps even uttered, any of these supposedly Christian maxims:
“Everything Happens For a Reason”
“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.”
“God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle.”
“God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It.”
“Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin.”
My guess is that a few of the people who read this will look at some of these and say, “Wait, doesn’t the Bible say….?” or “That statement is meant to comfort. How can it be damaging?” Hamilton methodically breaks down these common Christianisms and shows that the Bible “doesn’t really say that” and that these can be incredibly damaging.
Take a family who loses a bright, loving teenager to a drunk driver, or perhaps a family who brings a child into the world only to have her die hours later. Can you honestly look those parents in the eye and say “everything happens for a reason?” Seriously, what reason could God have for blessing parents with a new baby and snatching it away after a few minutes our hours? What reason could God possibly have to let a drink driver kill a young teen or mother of three? Why would God send Hurricane Katrina to kill the elderly and disabled in the Lower Ninth Ward? Hamilton does believe that God can make good things arise out of these circumstances, but to say that these things happen according to His will or that God wouldn’t let it happen if we couldn’t handle it is utterly absurd and not biblical.
“Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin.” This is often said by Christians who are actually trying to be more inclusive. I confess I’ve uttered it myself. However, since when did Jesus say it was ok to call other people sinners? I seem to remember Jesus saying something about taking a log out of your eye before you take a speck out your brother’s. Yeah there it is, in Matthew 7:5. (News Flash: You’re never going to get the log out of your eye, so don’t bother with your brother’s.) Plus, since when did Jesus say it was ok to “hate sin,” and who gets to decide what’s a sin? I don’t think that’s in our job description.
“God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” Really? There are over 200 verses in the Bible that sanction slavery. Do you still believe in those? Heck, maybe some of you do, but come on now. Hamilton drops the mic quite loudly on that one.
“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.” Guess what, it’s not in the Bible. While God does desire that we work hard in life and strive to be able to take care of ourselves, and others, Hamilton talks about the cold, hard, fact that many people are disadvantaged through no fault of their own, but have just been victims of circumstances. Our church is starting to participate in a service that will provide shelter to families who have become homeless after the parents or guardians have lost a job. That situation happens EVERY DAY in the United States. People lose a job or have a serious medical condition and lose everything. Of course this arises out of what I like to call “Puritanism on Steroids,” this belief that everyone who his poor or unemployed is just lazy. Many are disabled, elderly, or even mentally ill. Jesus calls us to help these people and all who are poor, not kick them to the curb because we can’t fathom giving up a dollar of what’s ours.
Of course these are just simple summaries of Hamilton’s points, but you get the drift. It’s another A+ effort from him, and I wish every Christian would read it (and some non-Christians too) especially in this messed up election year.
September 30, 2016
They are simple phrases. They sound Christian--like something you might find in the Bible. We've all heard these words. Maybe we've said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways.
Join Adam Hamilton in searching for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichEs to the message and ministry of Jesus. The clichEs include:
Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won't give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin. Half Truths is also part of a small-group experience complete that includes a DVD, Leader Guide, and a youth study.
--My thoughts. Adam is always spot on with these books. I love adding them to my shelf and recommending them to people. This one is a quick read. Simply put, do your studies, but a lot of the sayings today are half truths. Hamilton is so right. I loved the statement, "Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes the reason is your stupid." -- I don't think that is a word for word but it is true. I always love his books and this one was no different.
Join Adam Hamilton in searching for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichEs to the message and ministry of Jesus. The clichEs include:
Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won't give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin. Half Truths is also part of a small-group experience complete that includes a DVD, Leader Guide, and a youth study.
--My thoughts. Adam is always spot on with these books. I love adding them to my shelf and recommending them to people. This one is a quick read. Simply put, do your studies, but a lot of the sayings today are half truths. Hamilton is so right. I loved the statement, "Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes the reason is your stupid." -- I don't think that is a word for word but it is true. I always love his books and this one was no different.
October 14, 2016
This book is a quick read with a solid theological foundation. Rev. Hamilton humbly admits to having fallen back on many of the half truths he invites readers to reject and does his best to critique these "truths" without judging the reader for their beliefs. It was an extremely quick read.
My criticisms are slight at best. I found a few of his explanations muddled with new half truths added after the original premise of the chapter is introduced. This is intended to fully explain the layers of truth but I found some of the connections distracting from the main point. Additionally, I thought some of his explanations were significantly stronger than others (again, this may be related to personal biases). As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in church and Bible study, I was expecting more complexity, but the book's brevity makes it very approachable.
I believe we can all learn something from this book even if you aren't a practicing Christian. I plan to share!
My criticisms are slight at best. I found a few of his explanations muddled with new half truths added after the original premise of the chapter is introduced. This is intended to fully explain the layers of truth but I found some of the connections distracting from the main point. Additionally, I thought some of his explanations were significantly stronger than others (again, this may be related to personal biases). As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in church and Bible study, I was expecting more complexity, but the book's brevity makes it very approachable.
I believe we can all learn something from this book even if you aren't a practicing Christian. I plan to share!
May 22, 2022
Second read: I stand by my original review (below). I don’t remember why I read this book the first time around, but this time I used it for my Sunday school class, in which most members are older and very theologically conservative (mentioning that just for context). They really enjoyed this study and found it thought-provoking. As usual, Hamilton does a great job of being gently challenging to bad theology.
“Everything happens for a reason," "God won't give you more than you can handle," "Love the sinner, hate the sin."
These are just a few examples of phrases that are part of the culture of Christianity, but are they actually Biblical? Pastor Adam Hamilton takes readers through an easy, compassionate, and respectful exploration of how these Christian cliches distort the understanding of God and our faith that is found in the Bible.
“Everything happens for a reason," "God won't give you more than you can handle," "Love the sinner, hate the sin."
These are just a few examples of phrases that are part of the culture of Christianity, but are they actually Biblical? Pastor Adam Hamilton takes readers through an easy, compassionate, and respectful exploration of how these Christian cliches distort the understanding of God and our faith that is found in the Bible.
August 26, 2017
This book was read and recommended by a Goodreads friend, and it intrigued me because advice given to me has often come to me as several of these five half-truths, and I have often repeated the same cliches when I was at a loss for words to others.
The five half-truths discussed in this book are:
1. Everything happens for a reason.
2. God helps those who help themselves.
3. God won't give you more than you can handle.
4.God said it, I believe it, That settles it.
5. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Hamilton analyzes the half-truth for Biblical verses that others might use to support it, suggests some different interpretations, and gives us choices about phrases that might be better when we try to offer comfort and support.
I recommend this book for all readers and book clubs that have an interest in discussing the topics.
The five half-truths discussed in this book are:
1. Everything happens for a reason.
2. God helps those who help themselves.
3. God won't give you more than you can handle.
4.God said it, I believe it, That settles it.
5. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Hamilton analyzes the half-truth for Biblical verses that others might use to support it, suggests some different interpretations, and gives us choices about phrases that might be better when we try to offer comfort and support.
I recommend this book for all readers and book clubs that have an interest in discussing the topics.
February 7, 2017
I'm giving 4 stars, 1 for each of the first 4 chapters. I found them to be eye-opening and thought-provoking. I also found that some of the half truths, such as "God only gives you what you can handle" are things I say often when I want to comfort others or myself. It was fascinating to have these broken down and have my beliefs challenged to a certain degree. I did not get the same feeling from the fifth chapter. I felt it was the weakest, and, although the author tried to convey a more "liberal" belief about homosexuality, ultimately the subtext was still that it's a sin. I don't agree with that, and it turned me off to the whole chapter because of that implication.
February 9, 2017
This little book is really good. It has 5 chapters . This made it a good springboard for a Winter Bible Study. We were able to start at the beginning of October (after people had time to settle down from back-to-school) and be done well before holiday pressure could interfere with attendance. Mr. Hamilton seems to have done his research and to be a good teacher. I'll be investigating more of his books for short-term studies. I recommend other study leaders do the same.
May 26, 2016
These are some of the sometime hurtful things we say to others, thinking we are quoting scripture.
There are only five in this book, and I can think of several more, but these seem to be used the most. Whenever I read an Adam Hamilton book, it always leads me to want to read another of his books. "Making Sense of the Bible" will be my next read.
There are only five in this book, and I can think of several more, but these seem to be used the most. Whenever I read an Adam Hamilton book, it always leads me to want to read another of his books. "Making Sense of the Bible" will be my next read.
November 12, 2017
This is a thought provoking book about some of the sayings -- often attributed to the Bible -- which we misread or misinterpret, giving a totally different meaning. The problem is, the incorrect meaning can often lead us in the wrong direction as far as biblical truth or healthy life options are concerned. It reminds me not to take as truth something just because it has become an everyday saying.
February 1, 2025
I thought the author made some very good and Biblical points. However, there were a few areas where I thought his thinking was very flawed. If I interpreted what he was saying correctly, it seems he doesn't believe that ALL scripture is what God actually said to the authors who wrote it. At times it was a little confusing what he truly believes.
June 7, 2016
Amen to this book! Adam Hamilton through his faith in God's word is an inspiration for all of us!
Read
July 15, 2016Every Christian should read this book. I feel it's so important, I've written a sermon series based on it. Thank you for this, Adam Hamilton!
October 14, 2016
Eye-opening Read
This book forced me to rethink some things I had once said or believed. Our church did a study on this, and reading the book along with it was helpful.
This book forced me to rethink some things I had once said or believed. Our church did a study on this, and reading the book along with it was helpful.
August 20, 2017
Our youth group used this book as a summer study. I felt it was good for discussion and for the students to think for themselves as to what is really true based on the Bible.
March 17, 2019
Quick read. I also participated in a Sunday school that used this book as a template for the lesson, which I believe is a great way to churn through this book.
The book analyzes five phrases we throw around in Christendom that are effectively un-true (Hamilton calls them half-true, I think they are 0% true). They key point is that behind each phrase there are assumptions about how the world, God, and we are that require dissecting. Love the sinner, hate the sin, for example, assumes that you need to hate first, but carve our your love for the person whose sinning as an act of grace. This is in error, Hamilton says, because you should first start with love, regardless of sin or no sin. The phrase calls into question the unfailing love God calls us to have for each other because it is assumed we will hate sin and that it will be difficult to love the sinner, so the phrase reminds us.
Read once, GREAT book for discussing amongst friends (or Sunday school), and take a step back and look at the words, phrases, and idioms we sometimes don't challenge.
The book analyzes five phrases we throw around in Christendom that are effectively un-true (Hamilton calls them half-true, I think they are 0% true). They key point is that behind each phrase there are assumptions about how the world, God, and we are that require dissecting. Love the sinner, hate the sin, for example, assumes that you need to hate first, but carve our your love for the person whose sinning as an act of grace. This is in error, Hamilton says, because you should first start with love, regardless of sin or no sin. The phrase calls into question the unfailing love God calls us to have for each other because it is assumed we will hate sin and that it will be difficult to love the sinner, so the phrase reminds us.
Read once, GREAT book for discussing amongst friends (or Sunday school), and take a step back and look at the words, phrases, and idioms we sometimes don't challenge.
July 11, 2019
Pastor Hamilton's common sense take on how Christians misconstrue "half truths" and common sayings which are NOT in the Bible and are breathlessly insensitive, hurtful and uninformed.
December 4, 2025
Bible study book this fall. Absolutely fantastic. Explores platitudes that are often said but have little to no basis in Scripture.
August 5, 2016
Adam Hamilton in his new book, “Half Truths” published by Abingdon Press gives us God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn’t Say.
From the back cover: Many of us have simple phrases that we’ve heard over the years and may believe, say to others, and even count on, yet we’ve not carefully examined them. They often sound Christian–like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. These are half-truths.
Join bestselling author and pastor Adam Hamilton in this search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in scripture. Along with Adam Hamilton, consider these common sayings:
Everything happens for a reason.
God helps those who help themselves.
God won’t give you more than you can handle.
God said it, I believe it, that settles it.
Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Use of these phrases can lead people to avoid complex issues, be unintentionally hurtful, or even push people away from faith. By taking a clear-eyed look at these half-truths in light of The Bible, we can play a role in encouraging the greater truths found in Jesus Christ.
Have you ever heard, or even said, something believing it to be Biblical truth, then found out the Bible didn’t say that, or anything even close? Pastor Hamilton looks at five sayings that we might consider to be truths from The Bible but are not. Pastor Hamilton is asking us to question these sayings that we may have held deeply and possibly repeated often. Doing so may unnerve and irritate you but it will not make our faith crumble. The good news is by questioning these sayings it may actually grow our faith. I recommend this book for everyone. Have friends and family members that you want to give a gift then this is the book to give them. Everyone should have this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Abingdon Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Many of us have simple phrases that we’ve heard over the years and may believe, say to others, and even count on, yet we’ve not carefully examined them. They often sound Christian–like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. These are half-truths.
Join bestselling author and pastor Adam Hamilton in this search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in scripture. Along with Adam Hamilton, consider these common sayings:
Everything happens for a reason.
God helps those who help themselves.
God won’t give you more than you can handle.
God said it, I believe it, that settles it.
Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Use of these phrases can lead people to avoid complex issues, be unintentionally hurtful, or even push people away from faith. By taking a clear-eyed look at these half-truths in light of The Bible, we can play a role in encouraging the greater truths found in Jesus Christ.
Have you ever heard, or even said, something believing it to be Biblical truth, then found out the Bible didn’t say that, or anything even close? Pastor Hamilton looks at five sayings that we might consider to be truths from The Bible but are not. Pastor Hamilton is asking us to question these sayings that we may have held deeply and possibly repeated often. Doing so may unnerve and irritate you but it will not make our faith crumble. The good news is by questioning these sayings it may actually grow our faith. I recommend this book for everyone. Have friends and family members that you want to give a gift then this is the book to give them. Everyone should have this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Abingdon Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 17, 2017
I appreciated this thought-provoking book by a well-respected pastor who questions 5 common sayings that have found their way into our "Christian" conversations:
1. Everything happens for a reason.
2. God helps those who help themselves.
3. God won't give you more than you can handle.
4. God said it, I believe it, that settles it.
5. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
He discusses why he believes these statements are not all true and how they hurt the witness of the church and people who may be seeking to grow in their faith. In contrast, he offers:
1. Whatever happens, God is able to work through it, redeem it, and bring good from it.
2. The very definition of grace and mercy is that God helps those who cannot help themselves.
3. God will help us handle all the adversity that life will give us.
4. God speaks through the words of Scripture in order to teach, guide, shape and encourage us, and we can wrestle with what God is saying to us in these verses.
5. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, and to hate our own sins.
1. Everything happens for a reason.
2. God helps those who help themselves.
3. God won't give you more than you can handle.
4. God said it, I believe it, that settles it.
5. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
He discusses why he believes these statements are not all true and how they hurt the witness of the church and people who may be seeking to grow in their faith. In contrast, he offers:
1. Whatever happens, God is able to work through it, redeem it, and bring good from it.
2. The very definition of grace and mercy is that God helps those who cannot help themselves.
3. God will help us handle all the adversity that life will give us.
4. God speaks through the words of Scripture in order to teach, guide, shape and encourage us, and we can wrestle with what God is saying to us in these verses.
5. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, and to hate our own sins.
February 16, 2017
This is a very helpful and easy to access book looking at sayings about our Christian faith which are commonly used but are not actually found in the Bible. Half Truths does a good job of negating many items about the Half Truths as well as looking at the full truths which can be found based on interpreting the Bible. This book of 175 short pages is well worth your time!
"Adam Hamilton exposes well-worn cliches that lead us down unfaithful and sometimes dangerous paths. Most importantly, he points to what Scripture really says, and how that truth can set us free." -Christine Chakoian, cohost of Covenant Bible Study: Pastor, First Presbyterian Church in Lake Forest
The following Half Truths are addressed in this book:
-Everything Happens for a Reason
-God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
-God Won't Give you More Than You Can Handle
-God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It
-Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin
"Adam Hamilton exposes well-worn cliches that lead us down unfaithful and sometimes dangerous paths. Most importantly, he points to what Scripture really says, and how that truth can set us free." -Christine Chakoian, cohost of Covenant Bible Study: Pastor, First Presbyterian Church in Lake Forest
The following Half Truths are addressed in this book:
-Everything Happens for a Reason
-God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
-God Won't Give you More Than You Can Handle
-God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It
-Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin
April 25, 2016
This book explains the truth behind those well known 'Christian' sayings God helps those who help themselves, God won't give you more than you can handle, God said it, I believe it, that settles it and love the sinner, hate the sin and helps us see that although they might sound Christian that they are in fact not truths at all or if they are in a very small way.
To take the last issue as an example and very briefly we are told to love our neighbour and not to judge others. If we see others as sinners then we don't see them as people and neighbours.
I found this a very valuable resource and well worth a read. I have only marked it down as I felt it was too short and would have liked more examples - room for another book on the same topic?
ARC from NetGalley
To take the last issue as an example and very briefly we are told to love our neighbour and not to judge others. If we see others as sinners then we don't see them as people and neighbours.
I found this a very valuable resource and well worth a read. I have only marked it down as I felt it was too short and would have liked more examples - room for another book on the same topic?
ARC from NetGalley
July 29, 2016
This is a great, short, book about shibboleths of the Christian religion which are deemed by the author to be half truths. An example is predeterminism, God wills it. He does not buy into this and neither do I. I am not a Deist, the other end of the spectrum in respect to God's involvement in our lives. I believe there are times when God helps us, leads us in small ways through life's minefields. But I do not believe he put the minefields there to begin with. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The pastor is clear, concise, uses language which can be understood easily, backs up his assertions with scriptures, gives the reader the chance to really digest and think about his words. It was easy to give this one a five star rating.
December 31, 2016
I really like Adam Hamilton's writings. Most of his books I have read have challenged me, made me think and changed me. Some of his have been simply amazing. His writing is approachable, rooted in the Bible and presented with a pastor's heart. This book while very good, is not in that league. Maybe it is because he has addressed most of the issues in prior books, but nothing here seems that revolutionary, as many of his writings are. I certainly recommend this book, but others are better. "Making Sense of the Bible" is amazing; "Why?: Making Sense Of God's Will" is amazing; "Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go " is amazing; this one is just very good.
February 5, 2017
Half Truths was a Wonderful Book for Our Sunday School Class to Study
I write this review tonight as I prepare to teach the final Sunday School lesson from chapter 5 in this book. We are an adult Sunday School class in a United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas. We may be considered progressive Christians by some.
In any case, we learned a lot from this book which takes five common phrases, repeated by a lot of Christians and uses them as chapter headings to shows the truth and perhaps the error in them.
We like a lot of discussion in our class, and this book engendered that.
I write this review tonight as I prepare to teach the final Sunday School lesson from chapter 5 in this book. We are an adult Sunday School class in a United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas. We may be considered progressive Christians by some.
In any case, we learned a lot from this book which takes five common phrases, repeated by a lot of Christians and uses them as chapter headings to shows the truth and perhaps the error in them.
We like a lot of discussion in our class, and this book engendered that.
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