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He Saw That It Was Good: Reimagining Your Creative Life to Repair a Broken World
A deep exploration of the intersection of faith, creativity, and justice from acclaimed hip-hop artist and creative polymath Sho Baraka
“Sho has the courage to say what many are thinking and the candor to say what many are not. His words have positively influenced me for years—now this book gives the world that influence.”—Lecrae
You were created to help bring truth and beauty into this broken world. God made you with an imagination and a yearning for justice. No matter your calling or vocation, you can help shape a better world around you through your creativity.
But that doesn’t mean it will be easy. We are surrounded by toxic stories and bad cultural thinking. We’re held back by incomplete theology.
But does it have to be like that? Is frustration the end of the story?
In the face of confusion and injustice, we can lose sight of our true narrative—the one that started in a garden and wants to make our real lives better today.
In He Saw That It Was Good, activist and recording artist Sho Baraka wrestles deeply and honestly with these questions, gives you permission to do the same, and shows a hard-earned path to creative change. With Sho, you’ll engage with art, justice, and history. Learn from the powerful principles of historic movements, explore why it’s important to cultivate your creative calling (no matter what you do!), and discover a fresh look at how the gospel can transform how you see God, your neighbor, your work, and your world.
You’ll return to your biggest and truest story. Your life (and your world) need never be the same.
“Sho has the courage to say what many are thinking and the candor to say what many are not. His words have positively influenced me for years—now this book gives the world that influence.”—Lecrae
You were created to help bring truth and beauty into this broken world. God made you with an imagination and a yearning for justice. No matter your calling or vocation, you can help shape a better world around you through your creativity.
But that doesn’t mean it will be easy. We are surrounded by toxic stories and bad cultural thinking. We’re held back by incomplete theology.
But does it have to be like that? Is frustration the end of the story?
In the face of confusion and injustice, we can lose sight of our true narrative—the one that started in a garden and wants to make our real lives better today.
In He Saw That It Was Good, activist and recording artist Sho Baraka wrestles deeply and honestly with these questions, gives you permission to do the same, and shows a hard-earned path to creative change. With Sho, you’ll engage with art, justice, and history. Learn from the powerful principles of historic movements, explore why it’s important to cultivate your creative calling (no matter what you do!), and discover a fresh look at how the gospel can transform how you see God, your neighbor, your work, and your world.
You’ll return to your biggest and truest story. Your life (and your world) need never be the same.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 18, 2021
52 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 10, 2021
Full review here: https://dearstrangethings.substack.co...
July 3, 2021
Powerful book! I felt both encouraged and convicted. There are things I need to continue in my life, but with even more zeal and commitment, and there are areas I need to change and work on. I pray for courage to do both!
May 17, 2021
Baraka self describes his book as mostly “musings about people, events, movements, and ideas that I believe could help us cultivate good work and creativity.” (297/335) The core of the book, he writes, is “how the stories we live shape the world around us.” (42/355) I found the book to be insightful and thought provoking, even if a bit rambling in its content.
I'll share some observations and conclusions, noting that I am a white Christian having had experiences in the evangelical, Charismatic, and nondenominational tribes of Christianity. Baraka challenges readers to understand the importance of our tribe in forming our stories and how those stories shape up. He encourages us to have our stories begin with the image of God, forming the basis. He challenges our theology and shares his experiences in Reformed doctrine, appreciating the theological growth but noting the disconnectedness from his heritage. He notes that the church should include consideration of people from all economic and social areas. Christianity is not a religion for only the privileged. “Christianity cannot work for the palace and not the peasant.” (186/355) The church needs the powerful and diverse expressions of faith, from a variety of people and tribes.
Baraka is a controversial artist. He believes writers and artists are to be honest about their expression of the world. This includes language some might feel offensive. Some of his music has been banned from Christian retail outlets because of the language used. He uses some of that language in this book too, noting it is not for shock value but as an honest expression of life.
This book is a rambling collection of Baraka's thoughts on a variety of subjects. I thought it would be more about being a creating Christian. He does give seven principles that he says will move people to a blessed creative life near the end of the book. These include such concepts as understanding God has given us gifts for the benefit of others and that we are to be content. His writing is more about our lives being a creative expression of who we are than about the traditional concept of being creative, such as in art or music.
I found this book to be a jarring wake up call to those of us living comfortably within our fold of evangelical exceptionalism. He writes here, and has recorded songs, reflecting his honest feelings about racism and misogyny. This book will be an uncomfortable read for Christians who want to sanitize their understanding of Christian life.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I'll share some observations and conclusions, noting that I am a white Christian having had experiences in the evangelical, Charismatic, and nondenominational tribes of Christianity. Baraka challenges readers to understand the importance of our tribe in forming our stories and how those stories shape up. He encourages us to have our stories begin with the image of God, forming the basis. He challenges our theology and shares his experiences in Reformed doctrine, appreciating the theological growth but noting the disconnectedness from his heritage. He notes that the church should include consideration of people from all economic and social areas. Christianity is not a religion for only the privileged. “Christianity cannot work for the palace and not the peasant.” (186/355) The church needs the powerful and diverse expressions of faith, from a variety of people and tribes.
Baraka is a controversial artist. He believes writers and artists are to be honest about their expression of the world. This includes language some might feel offensive. Some of his music has been banned from Christian retail outlets because of the language used. He uses some of that language in this book too, noting it is not for shock value but as an honest expression of life.
This book is a rambling collection of Baraka's thoughts on a variety of subjects. I thought it would be more about being a creating Christian. He does give seven principles that he says will move people to a blessed creative life near the end of the book. These include such concepts as understanding God has given us gifts for the benefit of others and that we are to be content. His writing is more about our lives being a creative expression of who we are than about the traditional concept of being creative, such as in art or music.
I found this book to be a jarring wake up call to those of us living comfortably within our fold of evangelical exceptionalism. He writes here, and has recorded songs, reflecting his honest feelings about racism and misogyny. This book will be an uncomfortable read for Christians who want to sanitize their understanding of Christian life.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 18, 2021
Wow! A friend of mine quoted this book in his sermon and the quote registered with me instantly. Sho displays wisdom on numerous fronts in this book. It is theologically sound while dealing with calling/vocation, race, creativity, and the power of narrative. The narratival/storytelling elements reminded me a bit of Donald Miller, although I liked this better.
The book has a gritty realism to it while still building on a foundation of underlying optimism. He attempts to paint a more beautiful picture of how the world ought to be.
I listened to the audiobook which was 10/10, but there were so many things that I wanted to underline that I bought a physical copy for a re-read.
The book has a gritty realism to it while still building on a foundation of underlying optimism. He attempts to paint a more beautiful picture of how the world ought to be.
I listened to the audiobook which was 10/10, but there were so many things that I wanted to underline that I bought a physical copy for a re-read.
August 26, 2021
I really loved this book. It was a beautiful encouragement to live and work and create with eyes fixed on Jesus. Each chapter focused on some aspect of what it means to be “good” reflecting the goodness of God. Standout chapters for me were ch 2 Good Call, ch 4 Gud folks dis’gree too, and ch 7 You good?, but I really enjoyed the book as a whole. It reminded me of Dorothy Sayers and Flannery O’Conner in so many ways.
June 15, 2021
Read best in short chunks or as individual chapters to meditate on, Sho’s book spoke some needed perspective into my current development and calling as an “artist” in the evangelical space.
From critiquing bit christian business to pointing out the different views of Jesus between ethnicities and calling the reader to Biblical truth, this book fulfills its purpose by showing that God is good and what He has made is good.
Participating in the church, community discipleship, and the gospel’s fulfillment of man so can we shine a light into the darkness of a sinful and fallen world.
From critiquing bit christian business to pointing out the different views of Jesus between ethnicities and calling the reader to Biblical truth, this book fulfills its purpose by showing that God is good and what He has made is good.
Participating in the church, community discipleship, and the gospel’s fulfillment of man so can we shine a light into the darkness of a sinful and fallen world.
August 18, 2022
I really enjoyed learning more about the history of black artisans in America and Sho’s articulate thoughts on Christian faith and art were woven with truth and love. I resonated with many of the points he made and enjoyed his writing once I got used to the memoir/musing writing style of his book which at first felt a bit rambly.
April 12, 2021
I honestly did not know what to expect with this book, but the title and premise caught me up in my tracks. I had never heard of Sho Baraka, as I don't typically listen to music that falls in the christian rap genre. (Although I know of Lecrae and Andy Mineo). Aside from this.... the subtitle "how your creative life can change a broken world" is the reason why artists, authors, poets, musicians do what we do. Any & every book on the market which mends faith & art is something I will DEVOUR. "He Saw That It Was Good" did not disappoint - just WOW!
We were made to create as we reflect the image of a creative God..... Sho Baraka's prose, storytelling, experiences, and honest incisive view into the life of a Christian faith as a creator of art... is just, WOW. From social injustices & personal mishaps you will be empowered to use resistance as an opportunity for creative expression and breakthrough; to learn greater of God, your own art in the world, and yourself. You will be CHALLENGED.
In these pages, he wrestles with the complexity of humanity, and as he puts it, finds redemption in the dysfunction. A book about stories and how they shape society...a book about honesty and how we manipulate what is "good." An incredibly thought provoking, challenging, edifying read, no matter you background or current-ground. (Is that a phrase, a word?). Passionate, thoughtful, generous, he truly lives what he writes.
Not your ordinary CCM artist nor your watered down sunday school teachings.... If that's what you expect in these pages, you will not find that here. It was really interesting to read of some of his experiences as a recording artist...asked to cut and edit out the bulk of some of his music, to take the raw depravity of humanity out of it for the sake of "what sells." But what if what we all need is someone to just show us ourselves? As the author puts it... "Relevance isn't based on how much you speak. It's measured by how much people listen when you speak. Is there gravity to your words?" Certainly, certainly that is found here. Also, my favorite may have been when he wrote about rest, contentment.... because "A lack of rest kills creativity." Fun fact, I made over 320 highlights in my kindle.
A few more favorite quotes.
"To be great in our work is to be humble"
"When we don't control our lives and work, they control us. When we are no longer being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we become worshippers of our work."
"I find Christianity even more compelling because of its beneficial worldview. It keeps me motivated to operate in a world of corrupted ideals, systems, and people in need of a heavenly hope."
"Are we being honest? Or are we creating fragile Christians who don't know how to handle obstacles and pain? When they experience these things, they end up thinking the church was a liar the whole time."
"Our art replicates either the shallowness or the depth of our relationships with God and people."
"The more we sanitize the world, the more likely we are to be traumatized by its evil."
"If we never let light into the darkest places of our hearts and culture, our eyes will never have a chance to adjust. We will remain is a state of perpetual adolescence."
"The gospel is both confrontational and unifying. Let's remember that, whether in the palace or in the desert, we may still be orphans."
"The gospel is real when we find ourselves loving our neighbors who don't fit our careful constructs. Our goal shouldn't be uniformity. It should be dignified tension and learning. On both sides."
.....And many, many more profound nuggets, if you will. Thank you to the kindle for the highlights feature that is easily stored in the notebook!
Drawing from the creation narrative of Genesis, this book is 10000/100. I cannot say enough about the words printed on these pages (or typed in your kindle, as I read it) HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! Grateful to Netgalley & Waterbrook for an early copy to review.
We were made to create as we reflect the image of a creative God..... Sho Baraka's prose, storytelling, experiences, and honest incisive view into the life of a Christian faith as a creator of art... is just, WOW. From social injustices & personal mishaps you will be empowered to use resistance as an opportunity for creative expression and breakthrough; to learn greater of God, your own art in the world, and yourself. You will be CHALLENGED.
In these pages, he wrestles with the complexity of humanity, and as he puts it, finds redemption in the dysfunction. A book about stories and how they shape society...a book about honesty and how we manipulate what is "good." An incredibly thought provoking, challenging, edifying read, no matter you background or current-ground. (Is that a phrase, a word?). Passionate, thoughtful, generous, he truly lives what he writes.
Not your ordinary CCM artist nor your watered down sunday school teachings.... If that's what you expect in these pages, you will not find that here. It was really interesting to read of some of his experiences as a recording artist...asked to cut and edit out the bulk of some of his music, to take the raw depravity of humanity out of it for the sake of "what sells." But what if what we all need is someone to just show us ourselves? As the author puts it... "Relevance isn't based on how much you speak. It's measured by how much people listen when you speak. Is there gravity to your words?" Certainly, certainly that is found here. Also, my favorite may have been when he wrote about rest, contentment.... because "A lack of rest kills creativity." Fun fact, I made over 320 highlights in my kindle.
A few more favorite quotes.
"To be great in our work is to be humble"
"When we don't control our lives and work, they control us. When we are no longer being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we become worshippers of our work."
"I find Christianity even more compelling because of its beneficial worldview. It keeps me motivated to operate in a world of corrupted ideals, systems, and people in need of a heavenly hope."
"Are we being honest? Or are we creating fragile Christians who don't know how to handle obstacles and pain? When they experience these things, they end up thinking the church was a liar the whole time."
"Our art replicates either the shallowness or the depth of our relationships with God and people."
"The more we sanitize the world, the more likely we are to be traumatized by its evil."
"If we never let light into the darkest places of our hearts and culture, our eyes will never have a chance to adjust. We will remain is a state of perpetual adolescence."
"The gospel is both confrontational and unifying. Let's remember that, whether in the palace or in the desert, we may still be orphans."
"The gospel is real when we find ourselves loving our neighbors who don't fit our careful constructs. Our goal shouldn't be uniformity. It should be dignified tension and learning. On both sides."
.....And many, many more profound nuggets, if you will. Thank you to the kindle for the highlights feature that is easily stored in the notebook!
Drawing from the creation narrative of Genesis, this book is 10000/100. I cannot say enough about the words printed on these pages (or typed in your kindle, as I read it) HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! Grateful to Netgalley & Waterbrook for an early copy to review.
March 28, 2021
I knew very little about author, Sho Baraka, before reading this book. I did know he was a Christian rapper/musician. I found out he is also an excellent communicator, well-read, a poet, and a thinker/theologian.
This book is primarily about creativity and work/art. The opening of Baraka’s book was stellar. In spite of it being a fairly short book, there are so many quotes I would love to share. I’ll choose a few and you’ll just have to read the book yourself to not miss out on the others. I’ll begin with a quote that gives a general overview.
“The creative life seeks to produce or restore the blessings of a truth that benefits more than just ourselves. It seeks to reform our souls and society. It recognizes the evils around us while not allowing them to paralyze us. To do this work well, we must always be doing inventory on our hearts and hands...The creative life honors the Spirit that inspires us while fixing our eyes on a redemptive future in which God has invited us to participate.”
We must have a sober view of ourselves and others. Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, sinned against God and others. We need to tell the whole truth in our art, not just pieces of the truth.
“Everyone’s hero has the potential to be a villain to others. Work that seems good to you may be a curse to others. We must understand the complex composition of our lives. We have the propensity to be both heroes and villains. It is very possible for you to be an oppressor and a liberator...We sing the songs and praises of David. We read the gems of Paul. However, I’m sure Uriah’s relatives felt anger at the very mention of the king. I’m sure the family members of those persecuted by Paul had some contempt for his letters. Individuals are complex, and their legacies are complicated. How we tell their stories can have a bigger impact than the bloodshed itself.”
“Our work is spiritual because of how we work, not where we work.” Our daily faithfulness is of utmost importance. We must be faithful with little before we are ready to be faithful with much. Small things matter and compound over time. “People don’t wake up heroes; they decide to participate in daily practices that push them toward heroism.”
If you are a writer, artist or enjoy theology, you will appreciate this book. I received an ARC copy from the publisher and net galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is primarily about creativity and work/art. The opening of Baraka’s book was stellar. In spite of it being a fairly short book, there are so many quotes I would love to share. I’ll choose a few and you’ll just have to read the book yourself to not miss out on the others. I’ll begin with a quote that gives a general overview.
“The creative life seeks to produce or restore the blessings of a truth that benefits more than just ourselves. It seeks to reform our souls and society. It recognizes the evils around us while not allowing them to paralyze us. To do this work well, we must always be doing inventory on our hearts and hands...The creative life honors the Spirit that inspires us while fixing our eyes on a redemptive future in which God has invited us to participate.”
We must have a sober view of ourselves and others. Even King David, a man after God’s own heart, sinned against God and others. We need to tell the whole truth in our art, not just pieces of the truth.
“Everyone’s hero has the potential to be a villain to others. Work that seems good to you may be a curse to others. We must understand the complex composition of our lives. We have the propensity to be both heroes and villains. It is very possible for you to be an oppressor and a liberator...We sing the songs and praises of David. We read the gems of Paul. However, I’m sure Uriah’s relatives felt anger at the very mention of the king. I’m sure the family members of those persecuted by Paul had some contempt for his letters. Individuals are complex, and their legacies are complicated. How we tell their stories can have a bigger impact than the bloodshed itself.”
“Our work is spiritual because of how we work, not where we work.” Our daily faithfulness is of utmost importance. We must be faithful with little before we are ready to be faithful with much. Small things matter and compound over time. “People don’t wake up heroes; they decide to participate in daily practices that push them toward heroism.”
If you are a writer, artist or enjoy theology, you will appreciate this book. I received an ARC copy from the publisher and net galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 2, 2022
Excellent and practical meditation on the call to work, create, make, and restore as agents of a good Creator in a fallen world, finely woven with explorations of redemptive art from the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary hip-hop.
May 24, 2021
Sho covers a lot of ground in this book, and he does so creatively, insightfully, and helpfully. The stories we tell, the narratives that run through our heads, the idea of "good," the "Evangelical Edit," and more...I thoroughly enjoyed the encouragement and challenges the book delivers.
Additionally, Sho's narration (with contributions from (foreword writer) Chris Broussard, Nasia Woods and Tadashii ) is outstanding. An effective and lovely presentation of the book.
(full disclosure: the literary agency I'm a part of represents Sho and this book)
Additionally, Sho's narration (with contributions from (foreword writer) Chris Broussard, Nasia Woods and Tadashii ) is outstanding. An effective and lovely presentation of the book.
(full disclosure: the literary agency I'm a part of represents Sho and this book)
August 17, 2021
I appreciate his ideas, but this book is all over the place. The subtitle is altogether misleading, as the book is just a series of reflections on the author's experiences and ideas about lots of different topics.
July 21, 2021
Wow. Wow. Wow. I’ve never heard much of the historical context that Baraka offers for his views on creativity, race, and culture!
I greatly appreciated his perspective on flawed heroes, helping me to answer the question of, “How can you revere flawed people?” It was also great timing that I was reading “Jesus and John Wayne” at the same time as he describes his journey through CCM and the decision he made to drop association with the label because of the conservative Christian product industry.
If you want to have a better relationship with God via understanding your creativity, this is the read for you!
Here are my favorite lines:
“When progress rejects the past, we all lose…we all want our work to matter. We all want to create from a deep place, a GOOD place. And this is how we start well: it should be a daily practice to look back with wisdom while looking forward with optimism.”
“Each of us is creative. Each of our lives becomes a canvas displaying what our idea of good is, but without humility, we make terrible gods.”
“To do this work well, we must always be doing inventory on our hearts and hands. Why are we making and what are we making? The creative life honors the spirit that inspires us while fixing our eyes on a redemptive future in which God has invited us to participate.”
“I dare not make any false equivalents, but I must also recognize that some of my favorite thinkers can be chided for their shadows. G.K. Chesterton was hesitant to support the suffrage movement. Alexander Cromwell held discriminatory views of native Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. was outed by the FBI as a womanizer. W.E.B. Du Bois wrote a glowing eulogy for Joseph Stalin despite his atrocious war crimes. We should not ignore the shadows of those we love. This is not an endorsement or condemnation of iconoclasm, but I hope it’s a sober reminder that we are messy people living in a messy society. When our humility is low and our anger is high and we are certain our ideology is right, we are capable of doing substantial damage.”
“Those people around us make up our tribes. Those tribes we belong to teach us how to paint God. They shape our values and imagination. They give us the colors, the canvas, the backdrop that we apply to our creativity, to our liberty, to our shaping of a good life.”
“As apart of our growth, we all have to begin questioning the stories we were given about ourselves, about the world, about God. We have to compare what we have inherited with the stories Jesus told about a humanity being redeemed.”
“The question we must ask ourselves is this: what is the story that I am telling with my life and work? Or asked another way, how do my life and work paint what I believe about God? You see, we live the story we believe.”
“I believe the Gospel is not just a redemption of our activity; it is ultimately a redemption of our identity.”
“Identity formation is not a closed gate but a revolving door. Many times we are unaware of who enters the corridors to instruct us, but neither are we are of thr impact of our contributions, the power of our own creative impact on the world.”
“No matter who we are, the Gospel should challenge us.”
“The farther you move from the flames, the harder it is to discern heat. Cultural distance has made Christians cold and stiff.”
“Our art replicates either the shallowness or the depth of our relationships with God and people. If when we gather in accountability circles, our most arduous fight is against socially acceptable sins like pride or procrastination, then haven’t we lied to God and ourselves? We’re ashamed to confess violent thoughts, lustful desires, prejudices, and the depths of our selfish inclinations. It’s possible that I’m the chief of sinners like Paul and I stand as the lone Christian among sinners. Or my Christian culture has created groups of perpetual liars?”
“In Exodus 35, Moses said that those who didn’t observe the sabbath will be put to death. Let this be a metaphorical rebuke to us today when we find ourselves disregarding rest and pursuing relevance. A lack of rest can lead to death.”
I greatly appreciated his perspective on flawed heroes, helping me to answer the question of, “How can you revere flawed people?” It was also great timing that I was reading “Jesus and John Wayne” at the same time as he describes his journey through CCM and the decision he made to drop association with the label because of the conservative Christian product industry.
If you want to have a better relationship with God via understanding your creativity, this is the read for you!
Here are my favorite lines:
“When progress rejects the past, we all lose…we all want our work to matter. We all want to create from a deep place, a GOOD place. And this is how we start well: it should be a daily practice to look back with wisdom while looking forward with optimism.”
“Each of us is creative. Each of our lives becomes a canvas displaying what our idea of good is, but without humility, we make terrible gods.”
“To do this work well, we must always be doing inventory on our hearts and hands. Why are we making and what are we making? The creative life honors the spirit that inspires us while fixing our eyes on a redemptive future in which God has invited us to participate.”
“I dare not make any false equivalents, but I must also recognize that some of my favorite thinkers can be chided for their shadows. G.K. Chesterton was hesitant to support the suffrage movement. Alexander Cromwell held discriminatory views of native Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. was outed by the FBI as a womanizer. W.E.B. Du Bois wrote a glowing eulogy for Joseph Stalin despite his atrocious war crimes. We should not ignore the shadows of those we love. This is not an endorsement or condemnation of iconoclasm, but I hope it’s a sober reminder that we are messy people living in a messy society. When our humility is low and our anger is high and we are certain our ideology is right, we are capable of doing substantial damage.”
“Those people around us make up our tribes. Those tribes we belong to teach us how to paint God. They shape our values and imagination. They give us the colors, the canvas, the backdrop that we apply to our creativity, to our liberty, to our shaping of a good life.”
“As apart of our growth, we all have to begin questioning the stories we were given about ourselves, about the world, about God. We have to compare what we have inherited with the stories Jesus told about a humanity being redeemed.”
“The question we must ask ourselves is this: what is the story that I am telling with my life and work? Or asked another way, how do my life and work paint what I believe about God? You see, we live the story we believe.”
“I believe the Gospel is not just a redemption of our activity; it is ultimately a redemption of our identity.”
“Identity formation is not a closed gate but a revolving door. Many times we are unaware of who enters the corridors to instruct us, but neither are we are of thr impact of our contributions, the power of our own creative impact on the world.”
“No matter who we are, the Gospel should challenge us.”
“The farther you move from the flames, the harder it is to discern heat. Cultural distance has made Christians cold and stiff.”
“Our art replicates either the shallowness or the depth of our relationships with God and people. If when we gather in accountability circles, our most arduous fight is against socially acceptable sins like pride or procrastination, then haven’t we lied to God and ourselves? We’re ashamed to confess violent thoughts, lustful desires, prejudices, and the depths of our selfish inclinations. It’s possible that I’m the chief of sinners like Paul and I stand as the lone Christian among sinners. Or my Christian culture has created groups of perpetual liars?”
“In Exodus 35, Moses said that those who didn’t observe the sabbath will be put to death. Let this be a metaphorical rebuke to us today when we find ourselves disregarding rest and pursuing relevance. A lack of rest can lead to death.”
February 11, 2023
I really respect a book of this nature, especially a Christian one, that seeks to deconstruct and redefine what it means to be "broken". It is well engrained in my mind that as a human being I am sinful and wretched. Yet in this book the author acknowledges this fact but still clings to the innate creativity and raw expression that the human being can produce. I find that the author does a good effort of doing this through illustrating his own shortcomings and how he has evolved as a person. Broken people are broken but also geniuses but also make poor decisions. I find that as an Evangelical, this is an important yet sobering reminder. This book encourages open mindedness.
I also really enjoyed the theology of this book, focusing on Black voices that contribute to the topic and giving me plenty of new reads down the line including David Walker, Vince Bantu and George Washington Carver. I feel compelled to follow up to have a more well-rounded theology myself, as this book reminded me of the importance of. The highlight for me would be the poems that come at the end of each chapter. My favorite is "Where is Prudence?" and I would be glad to read a whole heap of poetry from the author.
My only gripes concern my own expectations of what it means to use your creative life to fix a broken world. The creativity aspect is examined through the lens of reclaiming
our creative identity, and less so with the authors own creative processes. I was expecting this to be more in focus than it was, though the last chapter does have seven principles to apply to engage effectively with Gods intended purpose for our life. I just wish the authors own creative insights were more at the forefront. But the direction this book goes is both helpful and riveting, and I would recommend it.
I also really enjoyed the theology of this book, focusing on Black voices that contribute to the topic and giving me plenty of new reads down the line including David Walker, Vince Bantu and George Washington Carver. I feel compelled to follow up to have a more well-rounded theology myself, as this book reminded me of the importance of. The highlight for me would be the poems that come at the end of each chapter. My favorite is "Where is Prudence?" and I would be glad to read a whole heap of poetry from the author.
My only gripes concern my own expectations of what it means to use your creative life to fix a broken world. The creativity aspect is examined through the lens of reclaiming
our creative identity, and less so with the authors own creative processes. I was expecting this to be more in focus than it was, though the last chapter does have seven principles to apply to engage effectively with Gods intended purpose for our life. I just wish the authors own creative insights were more at the forefront. But the direction this book goes is both helpful and riveting, and I would recommend it.
October 18, 2022
Poetic, artistic, and heavily leaning woke.
He was bad at making clear arguments and used a lot of unthoughtful assumptions. I was able to slice through his theories and assumptions easily, and I am a very uncritically minded person. The good parts of what he was trying to say have been said so much better in so many other places— he didn’t “carry on the conversation” of great authors or old, but wrote as if he just figured it all out and wanted to grace the untaught world about his discoveries. This came across to me as naive and self absorbed. His arguments were coming from a position of modern American right-wing thinking, and dripped with the current themes of the day that are way over done in politics and society. There was no originality, and nothing that spurred me on to want to read old great writings. I couldn't recommend this book.
And what's with the cover image?
He was bad at making clear arguments and used a lot of unthoughtful assumptions. I was able to slice through his theories and assumptions easily, and I am a very uncritically minded person. The good parts of what he was trying to say have been said so much better in so many other places— he didn’t “carry on the conversation” of great authors or old, but wrote as if he just figured it all out and wanted to grace the untaught world about his discoveries. This came across to me as naive and self absorbed. His arguments were coming from a position of modern American right-wing thinking, and dripped with the current themes of the day that are way over done in politics and society. There was no originality, and nothing that spurred me on to want to read old great writings. I couldn't recommend this book.
And what's with the cover image?
June 30, 2022
Did not enjoy. This author loosely combined historical African American Events with Bible passages and verses. Many references from everyone from Richard Pryor to Zora Neale Hurston. I did not enjoy the way the book was organized. It would have been more useful as a daily reflection for meditation as the authors writing style is more of musing about ideas than chapters that follow a logical pattern. The “reimagine your creative life” in the title is misleading. His 7 points of engagement at the end of the book were simple and unimaginative.
December 21, 2021
Part history, part cultural analysis, part autobiography, some short stories and poems, as well as principles for "good" and honest storytelling.
Beyond those who think of themselves as creatives, all people are telling a story with their lives about what is good. How can we work, create, love, and rest in a way that proclaims what is good and causes flourishing for all?
Beyond those who think of themselves as creatives, all people are telling a story with their lives about what is good. How can we work, create, love, and rest in a way that proclaims what is good and causes flourishing for all?
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March 30, 2022I felt the subtitle was misleading to what was actually written, not that what was written was bad (the first few chapters offered some really good questions to ponder for sure), it just wasn't what I was expecting or wanting to read about at this moment. I think at a different time I would have enjoyed it much more.
November 24, 2021
I’ll be rereading this again and again to absorb.
December 31, 2023
What a powerful read and full of so many gems! Great info, history, writing and delivery!
July 12, 2021
“I see the gospel as a portrait—a picture of God’s own image that offers a return to our intended wholeness.”
“We need not only a theology of the poor but also a theology by the poor.”
Powerful. Brilliant. Refreshing.
One of my gripes over newly released Christian nonfiction is on how much of it feels like “self-help” - a genre I despise because of its capitalist principles. Baraka’s book is refreshing in that it is genre-bending, a mix of theology, history, sociology, memoir, and fiction with lyrical writing. This book is his musings of people, places, events, and experiences, including being a Black man in america and being a Christian creative in evangelical white spaces. My favourite parts of this work include his insights into hero worship, the critiques on capitalism and its exploitative nature, and the gospel. The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, saturated every chapter. If you loved I am Restored by Lecrae, I highly recommend this one as well!
“We need not only a theology of the poor but also a theology by the poor.”
Powerful. Brilliant. Refreshing.
One of my gripes over newly released Christian nonfiction is on how much of it feels like “self-help” - a genre I despise because of its capitalist principles. Baraka’s book is refreshing in that it is genre-bending, a mix of theology, history, sociology, memoir, and fiction with lyrical writing. This book is his musings of people, places, events, and experiences, including being a Black man in america and being a Christian creative in evangelical white spaces. My favourite parts of this work include his insights into hero worship, the critiques on capitalism and its exploitative nature, and the gospel. The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, saturated every chapter. If you loved I am Restored by Lecrae, I highly recommend this one as well!
March 14, 2021
Wow, wow, wow, this is full of some truth. Challenging, clear, compassionate, creative. Everyone should read this.
June 21, 2021
Love a book that leaves me uncomfortable, curious, and at the same time eager to create! Some of my favorite quotes…
“We self edit when we feel we are inferior. We hold ourselves back because we’re afraid if we don’t, others will. We stop ourselves from living our full creative life and telling the stories we were created to tell.”
“Our goal should not be uniformity it should be dignified tension and learning on both sides.”
“When I’ve sought the approval of people I’ve often found that I become a terrible version of them.”
“Every community is depraved beneath it’s veneer. Some communities and households have their brokenness on display through homelessness, gang violence, and drug addiction, but how many other communities hide similar dysfunction behind posh homes and fancy clothes. Some are afraid of the dark and others are entangled by it. The more we sanitize the world the more likely we are to be traumatized by evil.”
“We self edit when we feel we are inferior. We hold ourselves back because we’re afraid if we don’t, others will. We stop ourselves from living our full creative life and telling the stories we were created to tell.”
“Our goal should not be uniformity it should be dignified tension and learning on both sides.”
“When I’ve sought the approval of people I’ve often found that I become a terrible version of them.”
“Every community is depraved beneath it’s veneer. Some communities and households have their brokenness on display through homelessness, gang violence, and drug addiction, but how many other communities hide similar dysfunction behind posh homes and fancy clothes. Some are afraid of the dark and others are entangled by it. The more we sanitize the world the more likely we are to be traumatized by evil.”
January 26, 2022
The book was fine, but the subtitle is misleading.
This is a collection of essays and reflective wanderings from the author. There's no real directives on how the reader's creative life can be change a broken world. I did appreciate Baraka's perspectives and thoughts on the Church, American culture, and the intersection of theology and race. None of the book is sugar-coated, but I especially appreciated the pieces that called out specific things in the white, evangelical church like Lifeway removing his music for his use of certain words or his experiences in overintellectualizing churches. I think it's important to consider these things in uncomfortable ways and I think Sho Baraka forces readers to do this in a helpful way.
Favorite line:
In regards to the political divide: "As Christians, we don't have the luxury of assigning all evil to one ideology"
This is a collection of essays and reflective wanderings from the author. There's no real directives on how the reader's creative life can be change a broken world. I did appreciate Baraka's perspectives and thoughts on the Church, American culture, and the intersection of theology and race. None of the book is sugar-coated, but I especially appreciated the pieces that called out specific things in the white, evangelical church like Lifeway removing his music for his use of certain words or his experiences in overintellectualizing churches. I think it's important to consider these things in uncomfortable ways and I think Sho Baraka forces readers to do this in a helpful way.
Favorite line:
In regards to the political divide: "As Christians, we don't have the luxury of assigning all evil to one ideology"
December 6, 2021
This book shares some interesting reflections on Black history and the author's personal experiences, but even though I enjoyed it for what it is, this is not at all what I was expecting. The title and premise indicate that this book will focus on creative advice within a redemptive framework and Black cultural perspective, but this is mainly just an essay collection about the author's personal experiences, inspirations from Black historical figures, and reflections about social issues. People who are looking for practical advice about their creative work, and for a robust theological vision of the meaning and impact of their art, should look elsewhere.
August 23, 2021
This book spoke to my heart as well as my mind. I found myself nodding in places because I understood in my marrow. Yet other sections were eye-opening for me. There's plenty to absorb and chew over in this joyfully written narrative.
Highly recommended. Pure joy to read a book unlike anything I've read before.
Highly recommended. Pure joy to read a book unlike anything I've read before.
May 22, 2021
"This is not an endorsement or a condemnation of iconoclasm, but I hope it's a sober reminder that we are messy people living in a messy society. When our humility is low, our anger is high and we are certain our ideology is right; we are capable of doing substantial damage."
"He saw that it was good. In that simple statement, we can find our beginning and our purpose. And this purpose begins with us being like God."
"What is good work? What does it mean to bring creativity into our calling? What are the stories - true or false - that our culture tells us about work? And how can we bring what we do every day - no matter how humble - into the story of creation and redemption that God is writing so we can join him in healing this broken world?"
"We must see good not solely as what is good for me but as what is good according to the narrative of God."
"When work is about making a living, we turn a blind eye to what doesn't benefit our bottom line. But making a life sees the whole picture - including how others could be pushed to the margins as an effect of our success."
"Is there one law of submission and non-resistance for the black man, and another law of rebellion and conflict for the white man? When it is the whites who are trodden in the dust, does Christ justify them in taking up arms to vindicate their rights? And when it is the blacks who are thus treated, does Christ require them to be patient, harmless, long-suffering, and forgiving? Are there two Christs?" - William Lloyd Garrison
"You may happen to have a fortune and comfort, but is it any good? Do your fortune and power make you more charitable and loving? Next to your stack of resources, is there a stack of opportunities for others? Or do you lock away your resources and keep the combination secure from God?"
"People who just want to 'fix things' can move in and destroy a whole local culture by 'helping' it."
Connect your heart to your head "in the beautiful fullness of the gospel".
"We give our platforms to those who are the most successful in the eyes of the world. Conferences and lectures are dominated by individuals who are far removed from the felt needs of many in our communities. Christianity cannot work for the palace and not the peasant. We need not only a theology of the poor but also a theology by the poor."
"But rather than adapting and preaching on the 'unknown God' as Paul did, many Christians preferred to create their own insular gated communities. To sculpt their own small and inoffensive statues. The farther you move from the flames, the harder it is to discern heat."
"Evangelical exceptionalism often hypocritically implies that grace is afforded only to those who are without error."
"And if we ignore these realities, we are irresponsible artists. I believe the artist must take these risks."
"In this passage, Jesus revealed that our best protection from the world is not isolation but the truth of God."
"Before we can be effective in engagement, we must present our bodies (work, calling, and gifts) as sacrifices. They do not belong to us; therefore, we should be wise but not miserly with them."
Romans 12:3 - By the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
"Monday through Friday, we are causing chaos through our vocations, politics, and actions, but then we want to throw on a cape, do missions, and save the world."
"At the end of the journey, we will find that our hearts were worrying for no reason. Worry added no years to our lives, nor did it solve down our heart rate."
Rest over relevance: "...three things happen: 1. Relevance becomes my god. 2. I don't truly believe my talents will make room for me. 3. My work is lazy and generic."
"He saw that it was good. In that simple statement, we can find our beginning and our purpose. And this purpose begins with us being like God."
"What is good work? What does it mean to bring creativity into our calling? What are the stories - true or false - that our culture tells us about work? And how can we bring what we do every day - no matter how humble - into the story of creation and redemption that God is writing so we can join him in healing this broken world?"
"We must see good not solely as what is good for me but as what is good according to the narrative of God."
"When work is about making a living, we turn a blind eye to what doesn't benefit our bottom line. But making a life sees the whole picture - including how others could be pushed to the margins as an effect of our success."
"Is there one law of submission and non-resistance for the black man, and another law of rebellion and conflict for the white man? When it is the whites who are trodden in the dust, does Christ justify them in taking up arms to vindicate their rights? And when it is the blacks who are thus treated, does Christ require them to be patient, harmless, long-suffering, and forgiving? Are there two Christs?" - William Lloyd Garrison
"You may happen to have a fortune and comfort, but is it any good? Do your fortune and power make you more charitable and loving? Next to your stack of resources, is there a stack of opportunities for others? Or do you lock away your resources and keep the combination secure from God?"
"People who just want to 'fix things' can move in and destroy a whole local culture by 'helping' it."
Connect your heart to your head "in the beautiful fullness of the gospel".
"We give our platforms to those who are the most successful in the eyes of the world. Conferences and lectures are dominated by individuals who are far removed from the felt needs of many in our communities. Christianity cannot work for the palace and not the peasant. We need not only a theology of the poor but also a theology by the poor."
"But rather than adapting and preaching on the 'unknown God' as Paul did, many Christians preferred to create their own insular gated communities. To sculpt their own small and inoffensive statues. The farther you move from the flames, the harder it is to discern heat."
"Evangelical exceptionalism often hypocritically implies that grace is afforded only to those who are without error."
"And if we ignore these realities, we are irresponsible artists. I believe the artist must take these risks."
"In this passage, Jesus revealed that our best protection from the world is not isolation but the truth of God."
"Before we can be effective in engagement, we must present our bodies (work, calling, and gifts) as sacrifices. They do not belong to us; therefore, we should be wise but not miserly with them."
Romans 12:3 - By the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
"Monday through Friday, we are causing chaos through our vocations, politics, and actions, but then we want to throw on a cape, do missions, and save the world."
"At the end of the journey, we will find that our hearts were worrying for no reason. Worry added no years to our lives, nor did it solve down our heart rate."
Rest over relevance: "...three things happen: 1. Relevance becomes my god. 2. I don't truly believe my talents will make room for me. 3. My work is lazy and generic."
January 29, 2024
The lasting immense value of this book is in the final chapter. To get there, Baraka guides the reader on a beautiful journey, one worth taking. He writes authentically and confessionally. He narrates a world in which urban, hip-hop, black sensibilities are the norm, the starting point. This is valuable for all readers, and has a special blessing for white readers. White readers who come from suburban and rural spaces, where their sensibilities are and always have been their norm and starting point, will quickly feel like visitors in Baraka's space, but invited, welcomed visitors. And if we whites will accept the world from the author's vantagepoint, we will gain empathy and perspective. We'll see ourselves more clearly and more importantly, we'll understand the gospel of Jesus Christ more deeply.
Then, when we finally reach the deep teaching in chapter 7, we'll see that we aren't actually visitors. We're with Sho Baraka in the Kingdom of God, under the shadow of the cross. What we learn is the kingdom is so much more than we realized.
Barak's seven essentials of effective engagement are not unique to him, but it is beautiful to think of these essentials in the world as he's observed it. And he's right. These practices and postures are are essential.
I'm struck by a sentence he writes under his seventh essential, "Pursue Excellence." He writes, "Excellence lives beyond your death" (p.177). Literally, as I wrote this, I got a text from my sister that our dad is moving into hospice care. I knew this was coming because he has been in decline for months with a rare blood cancer. The outpouring of care and love he's received is a testament declaring he has lived excellently.
When Baraka says "Pursue Excellence" he's not referring to the fanatical competitiveness that drives people like Michael Jordan and Jim Harbaugh. He means excellence in following after Jesus. My dad, without intending to, has lived his faith in a people-building way, so that his excellence will do exactly what Baraka said. His excellence will live beyond his death.
I hope this review is not unnecessarily maudlin. I intended it as an appreciation for Baraka's brilliant thoughts, and also as an appreciation for how my dad's life is one expression of what Baraka was getting at.
Then, when we finally reach the deep teaching in chapter 7, we'll see that we aren't actually visitors. We're with Sho Baraka in the Kingdom of God, under the shadow of the cross. What we learn is the kingdom is so much more than we realized.
Barak's seven essentials of effective engagement are not unique to him, but it is beautiful to think of these essentials in the world as he's observed it. And he's right. These practices and postures are are essential.
I'm struck by a sentence he writes under his seventh essential, "Pursue Excellence." He writes, "Excellence lives beyond your death" (p.177). Literally, as I wrote this, I got a text from my sister that our dad is moving into hospice care. I knew this was coming because he has been in decline for months with a rare blood cancer. The outpouring of care and love he's received is a testament declaring he has lived excellently.
When Baraka says "Pursue Excellence" he's not referring to the fanatical competitiveness that drives people like Michael Jordan and Jim Harbaugh. He means excellence in following after Jesus. My dad, without intending to, has lived his faith in a people-building way, so that his excellence will do exactly what Baraka said. His excellence will live beyond his death.
I hope this review is not unnecessarily maudlin. I intended it as an appreciation for Baraka's brilliant thoughts, and also as an appreciation for how my dad's life is one expression of what Baraka was getting at.
May 7, 2021
Sho Baraka's book, He Saw That it Was Good, is an honest look at some of the tough questions in our world. Baraka explores how people, created by God, can live in His world using their gifts and creativity to better their lives and the lives of others. I received this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah as part of their launch team in exchange for an honest review. I really didn't know what to think of Baraka's book when I first picked it up. I was not familiar with his work and the topic was rather vague. However, after reading just a few pages I began to really appreciate his concept and the writing. Simple truths continued to be revealed as I read which inspired me to keep reading. The first thought that hooked me was, "If our lives are music, stories are the instruments that arrange it." Baraka's words inspired me to think. Stories tell our tales, they inspire and motivate. Just as music does. Another quote that spoke to me was when he said, "If we passively float through life, reacting only to the actions of others, our story is likely to be far from its full potential. But if we believe what God said about us, how we were made in the image of the Creator himself--well, wouldn't that change everything? Wouldn't that set us free to live our true story, our true creative life?" Hard questions like this, ones that make us think are what drive Baraka's book. For anyone who enjoys spending time questioning the world and God's creation, take the time to read Baraka's book. You won't be disappointed.
December 12, 2021
This is an exceptional book that is important for audiences way beyond what Baraka might have intended. I read this through the lens of a creative (in a very different way than the author) and learned how to create for a wider audience. I read this as an educator and saw better ways to teach and to lead. I read this as a multi-ethnic church member and learned more about how to humbly engage in that space. I read this as a follower of Jesus and learned more about how to obey and follow him.
Two specific things stand out in this book that are exceptional. First, the discussion of story and the image of God is one of the best looks at the phrase image of God I have ever read. What it means that we are all made in the image of God has been the topic of many books and much debate and thought. Baraka adds to that and his addition is worth paying attention to. Second, he does not leave you hanging with no ideas about what to do. In the vein of books like Celebration of Discipline or The Life You've Always Wanted Baraka has practical advice for readers on how to live a life aligned with the Bible.
I am thankful to Sho Baraka for sharing this work with the world.
Two specific things stand out in this book that are exceptional. First, the discussion of story and the image of God is one of the best looks at the phrase image of God I have ever read. What it means that we are all made in the image of God has been the topic of many books and much debate and thought. Baraka adds to that and his addition is worth paying attention to. Second, he does not leave you hanging with no ideas about what to do. In the vein of books like Celebration of Discipline or The Life You've Always Wanted Baraka has practical advice for readers on how to live a life aligned with the Bible.
I am thankful to Sho Baraka for sharing this work with the world.
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