Common Sense Not Needed

by Corrie ten Boom

This book will be of interest and encouragement to all who have care of the mentally handicapped, and will prove afresh that with God all things are indeed possible. In this book Corrie recounts something of what she learned and experienced while carrying on this work.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Biography, Nonfiction, Religion

45 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

About the author

Corrie ten Boom and her family were Christians who were active in social work in their home town of Haarlem, the Netherlands. During the Nazi occupation, they chose to act out their faith through peaceful resistance to the Nazis by active participation in the Dutch underground. They were hiding, feeding and transporting Jews and underground members hunted by the Gestapo out of the country. It is estimated they were able to save the lives of 800 Jews, in addition to protecting underground workers.

On Feb. 28, 1944, they were betrayed and Corrie and several relatives were arrested. The four Jews and two underground workers in the house at the time of the arrest were not located by the Nazis and were extricated by the underground 47 hours after they fled to the tiny hiding place (located in Corrie's room).

The ten Boom family members were separated and transferred to concentration camps. Corrie was allowed to stay with her precious sister, Betsy. Corrie's father (Casper), her sister (Betsy) and one grandchild (Kik) perished. Corrie was released in December of 1944.

These acts of heroism and sacrifice became the foundation for Corrie ten Boom's global writing and speaking career which began after she was released.

Ten Boom has received numerous awards for her writing and speaking. Notably, she was honored by the State of Israel for her work in aid of the Jewish people by being invited to plant a tree in the famous Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, near Jerusalem. She was also knighted by the Queen of the Netherlands in recognition of her work during the war, and a museum in the Dutch city of Haarlem is dedicated to her and her family.

Reviews

[Kameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet look at what it means to share the Gospel with those who are mentally handicapped. Corrie ten Boom worked with these dear souls extensively and includes many stories demonstrating how those the rest of the world may think are incapable of understanding the Gospel and the need for a Savior can actually have a child-like faith and understand.

[Lynda Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really a booklet, not a book. But, I will read anything by Corrie Ten Boom!

[Kiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

To start this "book" as mentioned in other reviews is very short. Corrie Ten Boom was such an amazing woman, and I am inspired by her faith. However, I did give only 3 Stars because I felt like some of the verbage and viewpoints were slightly antiquated. As a special education teacher, I appreciated how she advocated for these people to be taught the love of Jesus as everyone else, but I also think that some of the viewpoints and tactics could be improved.

[Frank W. Shope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Corrie years ago and heard her stories. She was a great spokeswomen for Christ. Her book is no less as great a witness

I met Corrie years a go. The encounter made a difference in y life. I am thankful for this short read and the spot light it shines on those mentally challenged and their need to hear the Gospel.

[Sunny Petkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Много хубава книга за това как можем да занесем Благата вест на ВСИЧКИ, без изключение, дори и на умствено изостаналите и онези, които имат някакви психични проблеми.
Наистина, не е нужно да имаш здрав разум, за да може Бог да ти се разкрие и да Го приемеш.

[Sandra Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

God's word and God's love is for those in memory care too.

Often I see the empty part of a memory care patient filled with hopeless and despair. God can always turn despair into joy. We must never give up.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little book about sharing the gospel with the intellectually disabled. One star off for some outdated references and ideology on the disabled, but the heart of the message was right on. It’s a topic I wish more would consider.

[Jodi Leck · Rating 5 out of 5]

When God's people serve - the heavens sing! Short sweet and full of care for the mentally challenged.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing the ability of special needs people to learn to trust Jesus to forgive them.

[Emma Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book! favorite chapters were who is called?, hypnosis?, and joy in heaven.

[Vicente William Saenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read.

I have always enjoyed everything that is written by Corrie Tenboom.
This book would be a good read for someone who watches little children, or teaches children. My sister teaches preschoolers and some are children that are at all different learning levels. I plan on recommending this book to her.

[Susan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Sense not Needed

Even though this was a short book it is filed with Wisdom. Helping those who have learning disabilities is just as important as helping those with great gifts, maybe even more so.

[Jared Donis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very short... almost no practical guides. Just her personal reflections, but it's a start.