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Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World
This resource uncovers the presence of worldliness and helps believers learn to relate to the world while resisting its influence in their lives.
People today are saturated in technology and prosperity. They are bombarded with endless clothes to wear, cars to buy, vacations to take, entertainment to enjoy. Yet this world, which offers so many pleasures, is actively opposed to God and the truth of His Word. How, then, is the believer to relate to the world in which he or she lives?
Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World uncovers the presence of worldliness-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has or does. Worldliness then reveals how Christians are to engage a fallen world and boldly preach the gospel, yet not be conformed and ultimately seduced by the system of this world.
As readers learn to identify the presence of worldliness in the areas of media, modesty, music, and material possessions, they can begin to resist its influence in their lives and instead pursue eternal godliness.
People today are saturated in technology and prosperity. They are bombarded with endless clothes to wear, cars to buy, vacations to take, entertainment to enjoy. Yet this world, which offers so many pleasures, is actively opposed to God and the truth of His Word. How, then, is the believer to relate to the world in which he or she lives?
Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World uncovers the presence of worldliness-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has or does. Worldliness then reveals how Christians are to engage a fallen world and boldly preach the gospel, yet not be conformed and ultimately seduced by the system of this world.
As readers learn to identify the presence of worldliness in the areas of media, modesty, music, and material possessions, they can begin to resist its influence in their lives and instead pursue eternal godliness.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2007
88 people are currently reading
1548 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Mahaney
38 books193 followersC.J. Mahaney leads Sovereign Grace Ministries in its mission to establish and support local churches. He spent 27 years pastoring Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
He currently co-hosts the Together for the Gospel conference with Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan and Albert Mohler and serves on the Council of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, and on the boards of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation.
He currently co-hosts the Together for the Gospel conference with Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan and Albert Mohler and serves on the Council of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, and on the boards of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 18, 2025
A couple of the chapters, specifically media, music, and stuff really convicted me and hit me hard. I had to take a break from the book because it was so convicting🙂↔️ But, I would highly recommend the book! It truly was super helpful in seeing where my heart was.
One thing, I wanted the clothing chapter to be a bit more on the value we put in clothes as our identity instead of on modesty. I thought it would address how we find our identity in clothing and go into that but it was all about modesty, which felt unfitting for the book. The need for modesty is great, it is a heart posture. It placed a little too much emphasis on girls and women only, when I think guys can also have areas to grow in modesty wise as well. But overall great book! One kicker from the last chapter said this,
“‘Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world’ (Galatians 6:14). For Paul, the cross was the singular, decisive, existence-altering reality of his life. No category of Paul’s existence remained untouched by Christ’s atoning death on his behalf.”
One thing, I wanted the clothing chapter to be a bit more on the value we put in clothes as our identity instead of on modesty. I thought it would address how we find our identity in clothing and go into that but it was all about modesty, which felt unfitting for the book. The need for modesty is great, it is a heart posture. It placed a little too much emphasis on girls and women only, when I think guys can also have areas to grow in modesty wise as well. But overall great book! One kicker from the last chapter said this,
“‘Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world’ (Galatians 6:14). For Paul, the cross was the singular, decisive, existence-altering reality of his life. No category of Paul’s existence remained untouched by Christ’s atoning death on his behalf.”
February 19, 2017
Any book entitled Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World promises not to be your average book on the shelf of today's Christian bookstore. The subject of worldliness, or love for the values of this fallen world, is not a popular theme.
The contributors of this book, start off by asking if 1 John 2:15 ["Do not love the world or anything in the world":], is really in most Christian's Bibles. All of us are guilty of worldliness. But how do we go about avoiding this sin? C.J. Mahaney explains:
The book goes on to try to navigate between these two extremes and call today's church to a healthy carefulness about how we interact with the world at large. With chapters on movies, music, money and modesty, the book aims to guide believers as they think critically about the myriad of choices facing us in today's culture.
As one who came out of a very strict fundamentalist background, this book especially interested me. I was encouraged to see contemporary evangelical Christians warning about the social dangers that abound. And I noted that the book did not offer a list of rules which I should follow more closely than Scripture. Instead the authors were careful to encourage discernment and teach general guiding principles.
To some the book will seem quite strict. Think "radical", instead. The authors aim to glorify God in everything they do. That will come across as totally radical, and will require a unique focus on the temptations and opportunities that surround us.
While the discussion on media (movies) and music was quite good, the chapter on money and modesty wasn't quite as captivating for me. I'd heard a lot of Mahaney's stuff on modesty before, so maybe that's why. But any lull in those chapters was more than made up by Mahaney's opening chapter and the closing one by Jeff Purswell.
That final chapter focused on how to love the world. We are to love God's creation and the people He has made. We are placed within His world and called to serve for its good. Perhaps since externals were over emphasized in my fundamentalist roots, this chapter on healthy interaction with the world resonated with me so well. In any case, Purswell paints a glorious picture of God's covenant dealings with all the earth.
Moving from God's overarching redemption plan, he elevates our mundane day-to-day duties as part of that plan. He closes his section on work with this appeal:
Purswell calls us to enjoy, engage and evangelize the world. "We receive God's earthly gifts, pursue God's purposes in earthly life, and work for the salvation of people made in God's image. All of life lived for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31)".
The final chapter exposes the tension once again. While we are to be in the world and working for its good, we are also not to love what it loves and prize what it prizes. Once again, the book stresses two bents which typify Christians:
The answer finally is the cross of Christ. The cross tells us who we are, interprets the world we live in, transforms our view of people and gives our lives purpose. Finding our place in God's story of redemption is the ultimate cure for a love of this world's desires.
This book has the potential to transform your view of the Christian life. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The contributors of this book, start off by asking if 1 John 2:15 ["Do not love the world or anything in the world":], is really in most Christian's Bibles. All of us are guilty of worldliness. But how do we go about avoiding this sin? C.J. Mahaney explains:
Some people try to define worldliness as living outside a specific set of rules or conservative standards. If you listen to music with a certain beat, dress in fashionable clothes, watch movies with a certain rating...surely you must be worldly.
Others, irritated and repulsed by rules that seem arbitrary, react to definitions of worldliness, assuming it's impossible to define. Or they think legalism will inevitably be the result, so we shouldn't even try.
...Both views are wrong. For by focusing exclusively on externals or dismissing the importance of externals, we've missed the point.... the real location of worldliness is internal. It resides in our hearts.
The book goes on to try to navigate between these two extremes and call today's church to a healthy carefulness about how we interact with the world at large. With chapters on movies, music, money and modesty, the book aims to guide believers as they think critically about the myriad of choices facing us in today's culture.
As one who came out of a very strict fundamentalist background, this book especially interested me. I was encouraged to see contemporary evangelical Christians warning about the social dangers that abound. And I noted that the book did not offer a list of rules which I should follow more closely than Scripture. Instead the authors were careful to encourage discernment and teach general guiding principles.
To some the book will seem quite strict. Think "radical", instead. The authors aim to glorify God in everything they do. That will come across as totally radical, and will require a unique focus on the temptations and opportunities that surround us.
While the discussion on media (movies) and music was quite good, the chapter on money and modesty wasn't quite as captivating for me. I'd heard a lot of Mahaney's stuff on modesty before, so maybe that's why. But any lull in those chapters was more than made up by Mahaney's opening chapter and the closing one by Jeff Purswell.
That final chapter focused on how to love the world. We are to love God's creation and the people He has made. We are placed within His world and called to serve for its good. Perhaps since externals were over emphasized in my fundamentalist roots, this chapter on healthy interaction with the world resonated with me so well. In any case, Purswell paints a glorious picture of God's covenant dealings with all the earth.
Moving from God's overarching redemption plan, he elevates our mundane day-to-day duties as part of that plan. He closes his section on work with this appeal:
So don't just "go to work" and "do your job"--see your job as a way to imitate God, serve God, and love others. This doesn't mean work will never be difficult or frustrating or tedious; the curse ensures that it will be at times. But God's creational purposes and Christ's redeeming work infuse our work with meaning, and promise God-glorifying fruit as a result.
Purswell calls us to enjoy, engage and evangelize the world. "We receive God's earthly gifts, pursue God's purposes in earthly life, and work for the salvation of people made in God's image. All of life lived for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31)".
The final chapter exposes the tension once again. While we are to be in the world and working for its good, we are also not to love what it loves and prize what it prizes. Once again, the book stresses two bents which typify Christians:
Some have strictly spiritual preoccupations. For them the present is of little consequence, pleasures are periolous, spirituality means self-denial...
Others relish life in this world. Their delight in God's temporal gifts is unrestrained, their enjoyment of their physical existence untempered, their hope in earthly endeavors absolute....
The answer finally is the cross of Christ. The cross tells us who we are, interprets the world we live in, transforms our view of people and gives our lives purpose. Finding our place in God's story of redemption is the ultimate cure for a love of this world's desires.
This book has the potential to transform your view of the Christian life. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
January 2, 2018
Only through the power of the cross can we resist the seduction of a fallen world. This book is a powerful Christ-centred look at engaging the world and worldliness...
My dear friend sent this to me for a late birthday present, and I devoured it in the course of about 3 days. And I was just so encouraged by it! This book is a look at worldliness, and how Christians should interact with it. I think it’s really aimed more for adults, or even pastors, but this 16 yr old home-edder sure enjoyed it and gleaned a lot of wisdom from it! Each chapter is by a different author, and deals with a different subject: e.g. God, my Heart and Media/and Stuff/and Clothes. I think that each one may have been a sermon that has been put into chapter-form, but I’m not sure on that one so don’t quote me. It’s all edited by C.J. Mahaney, and he also writes a chapter. And boy, this book was just seriously so good! It’s chock-full of Biblical wisdom and encouragement, and I just love how each chapter focuses back on Jesus and the Cross. After all, that should be the centre of the Christian life!
My dear friend sent this to me for a late birthday present, and I devoured it in the course of about 3 days. And I was just so encouraged by it! This book is a look at worldliness, and how Christians should interact with it. I think it’s really aimed more for adults, or even pastors, but this 16 yr old home-edder sure enjoyed it and gleaned a lot of wisdom from it! Each chapter is by a different author, and deals with a different subject: e.g. God, my Heart and Media/and Stuff/and Clothes. I think that each one may have been a sermon that has been put into chapter-form, but I’m not sure on that one so don’t quote me. It’s all edited by C.J. Mahaney, and he also writes a chapter. And boy, this book was just seriously so good! It’s chock-full of Biblical wisdom and encouragement, and I just love how each chapter focuses back on Jesus and the Cross. After all, that should be the centre of the Christian life!
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May 1, 2012C. J. Mahaney and friends, men I trust, have written an excellent treatment of a vital and recently neglected subject. The difference between the world and the church is eroding at an alarming rate, and we need help with holiness. This book is biblically grounded and Christ-centered, full of grace and truth. Every chapter raises the bar of Christian living without falling into legalism. Worldliness is one of the most timely and much-needed books I’ve read in years. I highly recommend it.
January 11, 2022
My highlighter is officially running out of ink after going through these pages! This book is a compilation of different chapters on different areas of life being affected by worldliness, written by different authors. Although this book was slightly outdated in terms of technology (talked about CDS, ipods etc) the message was so convicting and timely.This book is a must read for any Christian that either struggles with, or fails to realize, how worldliness has pervaded their life and witness.Below are some of the sections I highlighted throughout each chapter.
Chapter 1: "Is this verse in your Bible?"
Basically an introduction to the book, citing 1 John 2:15- "do not love the world, or anything in the world". C. J. Mahaney asks the reader if worldiness has gradually crept into their life- are they aware, or are they too apathetic to stop it? He higlights that a negative change in our behaviour doesn't just come from being in the world, but the world being in our soul.
"Today, the greatest challenge facing American evangelicals is not persecution by the world, but seduction by the world".
"One reason why the church of God has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church"- Charles Spurgeon
" A sinful craving is when a legitimate desire for financial success becomes a silent demand; an interest in clothes and fashion becomes a preoccupation; love of music morphs into an obsession with the hottest band; or the desire to enjoy a good movie becomes a need to see the latest blockbuster".
"When someone sets his affections upon the cross and the love of Christ, he crucifies the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin" - John Owen
Chapter 2: God, My Heart, and Media
Talks about how to glorify God in what we watch, and how to guard our hearts and take holiness seriously in all aspects of life- including entertainment.
"The greatest hazard is thoughtless watching. Glorifying God is an intentional pursuit. We don't accidentally drift into holiness; rather, we mature gradually and purposefully, one choice at a time".
"The drift toward worldiness is subtle, gradual and internal. And if we assume we're immune to it, that's a sure sign the drift has begun."
The chapter also discusses that in order to write compelling narratives that are true to life, sin will feature- there many be mention of adultery, murder etc. but you have to make sure that the show is not GLORIFYING this sin.
Chapter 3: God, My heart and Music
Talks about how the lyrics are actually very important in our music- music is a gift from God, but can so easily influence us negatively if we don't watch what we listen to.
"It's not uncommon for Christians on Sunday morning to worship Jesus for his substitutuionary death on the cross, then sing songs during the week that exalt the very sins he died for."
Chapter 4: God, My Heart and Stuff
Discusses how consumerism and attachment to stuff is one of the lesser discussed but extremely relevant ways that worldliness afffect us.
"The sin of covetousness is not that we have stuff; it's that our stuff owns us."
"In my experiences, 95 percent of the believers who face the test of persecution pass it, while 95 percent who face the test of prosperity fail it."
Chapter 5: God, My heart and clothes
Although this chapter was convicting and important, the fact that ONLY women are addressed left me very dissapointed. Many Christians believe that modesty is only important for women, and that women are primarily responsible for "not leading men astray" and men escape some personal responsiblity. This is NOT what this book says. However, the fact that male modesty or women's tempation was not mentioned in this chapter was disheartening.
"All respectable apparel is the result of a godly heart, where modesty and self control originate. Your wardrobe is a public statement of your personal and private motivation.... Immodesty, then, is much more thatn wearing a short skirt or low- cut top; it's the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It's pride, on display by what you wear."
"Paul is very clear about what makes a godly woman attractive. "Good works" are to be what's noticeable about women who profess godliness. Not her wardrobe, but her good works- and observable lifestyle of serving others."
Chapter 6- How to Love the World
Sounds counterintuitive, right? But this chapter speaks about how we interact with the world as we are commanded to in Scripture- and even how to enjoy what God has given us in the world!
"Of all people, it is the Christian who should appreciate aesthetics, discerning with renewed powers of perception the handiwork of God in Creation".
"We're all plagued by the tendency to compartmentalize some aspects of our lifes as spiritual, good, and holy and others as unspiritual, unimportant, and amoral....Such thinking demeans Christ's lordship and impoverishes our spiritual life, rendering our faith irrelevant to 98% of our daily existence. No wonder so many lack passion in their Christian lives... Every second of life is significant....Every sphere is charged with potential, every activity providing an opportunity to serve God, encounter God, obey God, enjoy God, testify to God, and bring glory to God."
WOW. What a book.
Chapter 1: "Is this verse in your Bible?"
Basically an introduction to the book, citing 1 John 2:15- "do not love the world, or anything in the world". C. J. Mahaney asks the reader if worldiness has gradually crept into their life- are they aware, or are they too apathetic to stop it? He higlights that a negative change in our behaviour doesn't just come from being in the world, but the world being in our soul.
"Today, the greatest challenge facing American evangelicals is not persecution by the world, but seduction by the world".
"One reason why the church of God has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church"- Charles Spurgeon
" A sinful craving is when a legitimate desire for financial success becomes a silent demand; an interest in clothes and fashion becomes a preoccupation; love of music morphs into an obsession with the hottest band; or the desire to enjoy a good movie becomes a need to see the latest blockbuster".
"When someone sets his affections upon the cross and the love of Christ, he crucifies the world as a dead and undesirable thing. The baits of sin lose their attraction and disappear. Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin" - John Owen
Chapter 2: God, My Heart, and Media
Talks about how to glorify God in what we watch, and how to guard our hearts and take holiness seriously in all aspects of life- including entertainment.
"The greatest hazard is thoughtless watching. Glorifying God is an intentional pursuit. We don't accidentally drift into holiness; rather, we mature gradually and purposefully, one choice at a time".
"The drift toward worldiness is subtle, gradual and internal. And if we assume we're immune to it, that's a sure sign the drift has begun."
The chapter also discusses that in order to write compelling narratives that are true to life, sin will feature- there many be mention of adultery, murder etc. but you have to make sure that the show is not GLORIFYING this sin.
Chapter 3: God, My heart and Music
Talks about how the lyrics are actually very important in our music- music is a gift from God, but can so easily influence us negatively if we don't watch what we listen to.
"It's not uncommon for Christians on Sunday morning to worship Jesus for his substitutuionary death on the cross, then sing songs during the week that exalt the very sins he died for."
Chapter 4: God, My Heart and Stuff
Discusses how consumerism and attachment to stuff is one of the lesser discussed but extremely relevant ways that worldliness afffect us.
"The sin of covetousness is not that we have stuff; it's that our stuff owns us."
"In my experiences, 95 percent of the believers who face the test of persecution pass it, while 95 percent who face the test of prosperity fail it."
Chapter 5: God, My heart and clothes
Although this chapter was convicting and important, the fact that ONLY women are addressed left me very dissapointed. Many Christians believe that modesty is only important for women, and that women are primarily responsible for "not leading men astray" and men escape some personal responsiblity. This is NOT what this book says. However, the fact that male modesty or women's tempation was not mentioned in this chapter was disheartening.
"All respectable apparel is the result of a godly heart, where modesty and self control originate. Your wardrobe is a public statement of your personal and private motivation.... Immodesty, then, is much more thatn wearing a short skirt or low- cut top; it's the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It's pride, on display by what you wear."
"Paul is very clear about what makes a godly woman attractive. "Good works" are to be what's noticeable about women who profess godliness. Not her wardrobe, but her good works- and observable lifestyle of serving others."
Chapter 6- How to Love the World
Sounds counterintuitive, right? But this chapter speaks about how we interact with the world as we are commanded to in Scripture- and even how to enjoy what God has given us in the world!
"Of all people, it is the Christian who should appreciate aesthetics, discerning with renewed powers of perception the handiwork of God in Creation".
"We're all plagued by the tendency to compartmentalize some aspects of our lifes as spiritual, good, and holy and others as unspiritual, unimportant, and amoral....Such thinking demeans Christ's lordship and impoverishes our spiritual life, rendering our faith irrelevant to 98% of our daily existence. No wonder so many lack passion in their Christian lives... Every second of life is significant....Every sphere is charged with potential, every activity providing an opportunity to serve God, encounter God, obey God, enjoy God, testify to God, and bring glory to God."
WOW. What a book.
April 16, 2012
Should we be concerned with “worldliness” today? Churches are trying to look more and more like the culture around us, they strive to be more “relevant,” so is “worldliness” a thing of the past? Is 1 John 2:15 still true today?
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)
(Quote from: Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World, Edited by C. J. Mahaney)
“Charles Spurgeon, writing 150 years ago, nevertheless speaks poignantly to the problem in the church today: ‘I believe,’ he asserted, ‘that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church,’
Further substantiating his claim, he calls history as a witness:
‘Put your finger on any prosperous page in the Church’s history, and I will find a little marginal note reading thus: ‘In this age men could readily see where the Church began and where the world ended.’ Never were there good times when the Church and the world were joined in marriage with one another. The more the Church is distinct from the world in her acts and in her maxims, the more true is her testimony for Christ, and the more potent is her witness against sin.’
The greater our difference from the world, the more true our testimony for Christ–and the more potent our witness against sin. But sadly, today, there’s not much difference. The lines have blurred. The lack of clarity between the church and the world has undercut our testimony for Christ and undermined our witness against sin. In Spurgeon’s words once again: ‘Worldliness is growing over the church; she is mossed with it.’” (.p 23)
“While remaining in the world, we’re not to become like the world. In the words of John Stott, we must be ‘neither conformed to [the world] nor contaminated by it.’ But this sinful, fallen world is right in our face. Our affluent and technologically advance society brings the world to our doorstep, into our homes, into our very presence…They deliver endless opportunities to pursue pleasure without regard to God and his Word, endless opportunities to be seduced by this fallen world, to succumb to the sin of worldliness.
Every moment of every day we’re making choices–whether we realize it or not–between love for a world that opposes God and love for the risen Christ.
Worldliness, then, is a love for this fallen world. It’s loving the values and pursuits of the world that stand opposed to God….it is to gratify and exalt oneself to the exclusion of God. It [worldliness] rejects God’s rule and replaces it with our own.” (p. 26-27)
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)
(Quote from: Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World, Edited by C. J. Mahaney)
“Charles Spurgeon, writing 150 years ago, nevertheless speaks poignantly to the problem in the church today: ‘I believe,’ he asserted, ‘that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church,’
Further substantiating his claim, he calls history as a witness:
‘Put your finger on any prosperous page in the Church’s history, and I will find a little marginal note reading thus: ‘In this age men could readily see where the Church began and where the world ended.’ Never were there good times when the Church and the world were joined in marriage with one another. The more the Church is distinct from the world in her acts and in her maxims, the more true is her testimony for Christ, and the more potent is her witness against sin.’
The greater our difference from the world, the more true our testimony for Christ–and the more potent our witness against sin. But sadly, today, there’s not much difference. The lines have blurred. The lack of clarity between the church and the world has undercut our testimony for Christ and undermined our witness against sin. In Spurgeon’s words once again: ‘Worldliness is growing over the church; she is mossed with it.’” (.p 23)
“While remaining in the world, we’re not to become like the world. In the words of John Stott, we must be ‘neither conformed to [the world] nor contaminated by it.’ But this sinful, fallen world is right in our face. Our affluent and technologically advance society brings the world to our doorstep, into our homes, into our very presence…They deliver endless opportunities to pursue pleasure without regard to God and his Word, endless opportunities to be seduced by this fallen world, to succumb to the sin of worldliness.
Every moment of every day we’re making choices–whether we realize it or not–between love for a world that opposes God and love for the risen Christ.
Worldliness, then, is a love for this fallen world. It’s loving the values and pursuits of the world that stand opposed to God….it is to gratify and exalt oneself to the exclusion of God. It [worldliness] rejects God’s rule and replaces it with our own.” (p. 26-27)
July 14, 2014
As a general primer in the idea of living a Christian life without being focused on the trappings of the here-and-now, this book was okay. There were no really profound insights, but the book was presented as an aid in giving young believers a good general understanding of the difference between enjoying the world around them and having an ungodly attachment to it. If you've ever been in a conservative church group, you've probably heard everything the book says. It occasionally wades into the territory of checklist holiness, but the writers warn the reader against substituting love for Christ with following a set of rules. They are clearly trying to make a practical guide for something that is abstract, and I don't want to judge them too harshly for that. Essentially it brings nothing new to the table, but it's a simply packaged counseling tool for people who are new to Christianity.
I deducted a star for Mahaney's chapter on clothing. His statement that modesty is humility reflected in clothing choices was good, and would have been a fine subject had he had genuinely pursued it. Unfortunately, the entire discussion concerned women dressing non-provocatively. Could he honestly think of no way that males have expressed godlessness in their clothing? There are plenty of young men who choose clothes that are intended to make them appear powerful or dangerous or wealthy. Is there nothing to consider regarding godliness in their appearance?
Furthermore, Mahaney repeats the common error of placing the responsibility of male lust on the shoulders of the women they are lusting after. This is ego-centric to say the least. While some individuals choose to exhibit their sexuality, it is rarely confined to clothing choices and should not be presumed on a woman just because a male sees her wearing something that is suggestive to him personally. He is wrong for thinking that of her. Him. He's wrong, and as long as we keep preaching that the solution is to cover those women up and tell the men to just pick one and don't look at the rest, we not only relieve him of the power to control his own reactions, but we perpetuate the attitude that women are merely accessories to be viewed through the male lense.
I deducted a star for Mahaney's chapter on clothing. His statement that modesty is humility reflected in clothing choices was good, and would have been a fine subject had he had genuinely pursued it. Unfortunately, the entire discussion concerned women dressing non-provocatively. Could he honestly think of no way that males have expressed godlessness in their clothing? There are plenty of young men who choose clothes that are intended to make them appear powerful or dangerous or wealthy. Is there nothing to consider regarding godliness in their appearance?
Furthermore, Mahaney repeats the common error of placing the responsibility of male lust on the shoulders of the women they are lusting after. This is ego-centric to say the least. While some individuals choose to exhibit their sexuality, it is rarely confined to clothing choices and should not be presumed on a woman just because a male sees her wearing something that is suggestive to him personally. He is wrong for thinking that of her. Him. He's wrong, and as long as we keep preaching that the solution is to cover those women up and tell the men to just pick one and don't look at the rest, we not only relieve him of the power to control his own reactions, but we perpetuate the attitude that women are merely accessories to be viewed through the male lense.
October 8, 2015
This book was easily digestible but also suitable punchy. It doesn't dictate a bunch of specific don't do this and don't do that, but rather gets you to realise things by asking you questions. Questions like "Do I care what God thinks of what I look at/wear/listen to/own/etc? Who is my priority: myself and what I want or God and what he wants? There would be those who would cry out "Legalism!" when confronted with the removal of what they might perceive to be their Christian liberties. But this book cannot be legitimately accused of legalism, because the whole book is about the Christian's heart and how that affects their actions, not just dictating a bunch of rules to follow. This book is gently confronting of the things that can easily sidetrack the affluent Christian into idolatry (of stuff, wealth, music, movies, clothes, or anything else - basically of self). And by affluent, I mean those that don't have to beg or live in a gutter or wonder if they'll eat today. Which, if you have access to the internet, probably includes you. "In my experience, 95 percent of the believers who face the test of persecution pass it, while 95 percent who face the test of prosperity fail it." - a leader of the persecuted church in Romania as quoted by Randy Alcorn and referenced by the author.
I would recommend this book to any Christian who wants to really look at themselves as followers of Christ and examine if they are really living externally what they profess internally. Which should be all of us. Suffice to say, just because we know we should be doing something... that's not the same as doing it, and it's often really hard. But worth it.
Obviously, for a non believer, while this book has a lot of good things to say about not letting your possessions own you instead of the other way around, and being able to recognise how your values affect your actions and how your actions affect other people, the true depth of this book isn't relevant to you (not yet anyway, maybe).
So, to the Christians, even if you don't read this book... take stock of your faith. Is the enormity of what has been done for you informing your every choice? And if analysing yourself like that seems a daunting task, then this book will be helpful.
I would recommend this book to any Christian who wants to really look at themselves as followers of Christ and examine if they are really living externally what they profess internally. Which should be all of us. Suffice to say, just because we know we should be doing something... that's not the same as doing it, and it's often really hard. But worth it.
Obviously, for a non believer, while this book has a lot of good things to say about not letting your possessions own you instead of the other way around, and being able to recognise how your values affect your actions and how your actions affect other people, the true depth of this book isn't relevant to you (not yet anyway, maybe).
So, to the Christians, even if you don't read this book... take stock of your faith. Is the enormity of what has been done for you informing your every choice? And if analysing yourself like that seems a daunting task, then this book will be helpful.
April 27, 2011
Short review:: I really do like several of Mahaney's books, but I think this one really missed the mark. There were some very good parts of it. But taken as a whole, the editorial decisions to focus on external sins (like music, media and how to dress) instead of internal issues of worldliness. Worldliness is both internal and external and focusing on the external creates a false sense of what inappropriate love of the world really is. The chapter on modesty was very inappropriate for the books. It was consciously focused on young women without any real understanding that lust (which they say they are trying to prevent) is a sin of those that are lusting, not a sin of the people being lusted after. This is a blame the victim issue. Then he went on a tangent about wedding dresses often being the most inappropriate thing that women wear and that all fathers should go shopping for wedding dresses to insure they are properly modest.
My full review on my blog is at http://bookwi.se/worldliness-mahaney/
__________
I was provided a copy of the audiobook from christianaudio.com for purposes of review.
My full review on my blog is at http://bookwi.se/worldliness-mahaney/
__________
I was provided a copy of the audiobook from christianaudio.com for purposes of review.
January 12, 2015
Worldliness is a good overview of how to relate to the world -- how to be in the world but not of it. It had some great points and some poor points, in my opinion.
What I liked:
The chapters on music and clothing were practical yet non-legalistic. They provided more of an opportunity for self-evaluation than a black and white list of rules.
The overall perspective of the book. I think this book is full of wisdom and truth.
What I didn't like:
The chapters were written by a few different authors, and one of the chapters I found almost unreadable. The writing styles of all the authors were quite conversational -- whether or not you like this is a matter of preference.
Nothing about this book was astoundingly deep. It was good, but I was hoping for stronger messages to come through.
What I liked:
The chapters on music and clothing were practical yet non-legalistic. They provided more of an opportunity for self-evaluation than a black and white list of rules.
The overall perspective of the book. I think this book is full of wisdom and truth.
What I didn't like:
The chapters were written by a few different authors, and one of the chapters I found almost unreadable. The writing styles of all the authors were quite conversational -- whether or not you like this is a matter of preference.
Nothing about this book was astoundingly deep. It was good, but I was hoping for stronger messages to come through.
June 24, 2024
The first 5 chapters of this book are excellent and super convicting—wish I could give those a 5 star! I think, unfortunately, the book does inevitably suffer from having 6 separate authors but for what it is each of the pastors does a good job showing how their topic ties into the overall theme of the book. I love how practical the tips in the media and music chapter were and it gives great questions to think through for yourself or the people you may disciple.
I went through this book with a small group and it was pretty good for discussion. The questions they provide in the book are okay but I would recommend coming up with some on your own for better and deeper discussion. The last chapter is also unfortunately where the book falls flat. I don’t fault Jeff Purswell since I think he did have the hardest topic to encapsulate. But the last chapter is long and fails to deliver the convicting punch the rest of the book had. It felt unnecessary and didn’t really add anything we didn’t learn earlier in the book. All of that said, excellent resource on the topic of worldliness and how to think through facing the world as a Christian today. Obviously a lot of the media topics are a little out of date (I.e., discussing CD players and mp3s lol) but it still applies since sin never changes. High recommend!!
Extra note: I really appreciated the resource at the end about modesty in searching for your wedding dress. It came at an apt time for me and I do think it needs to be more of a discussion amongst Christian women.
I went through this book with a small group and it was pretty good for discussion. The questions they provide in the book are okay but I would recommend coming up with some on your own for better and deeper discussion. The last chapter is also unfortunately where the book falls flat. I don’t fault Jeff Purswell since I think he did have the hardest topic to encapsulate. But the last chapter is long and fails to deliver the convicting punch the rest of the book had. It felt unnecessary and didn’t really add anything we didn’t learn earlier in the book. All of that said, excellent resource on the topic of worldliness and how to think through facing the world as a Christian today. Obviously a lot of the media topics are a little out of date (I.e., discussing CD players and mp3s lol) but it still applies since sin never changes. High recommend!!
Extra note: I really appreciated the resource at the end about modesty in searching for your wedding dress. It came at an apt time for me and I do think it needs to be more of a discussion amongst Christian women.
April 30, 2019
Really good read! At my school we had to read this for Bible class and was definitely an eye opening read. This books touches on topics very nicely with each chapter written by an individual who has delt/knows about each topic personally. So it's not like don't do this without any context and your kinda just left with nothing.
My favorite chapter was probably about Modesty and how really some woman in the church just don't know or realize how they effect men. I have never really been the type of girl to dress up showing myself off, but this chapter really did help me realize I need to serve my brothers in church.
But idk if your a new Christian and need a book to help you start living out the Gospel here yeah go! Awesome start and loved this book! ✝️💕
My favorite chapter was probably about Modesty and how really some woman in the church just don't know or realize how they effect men. I have never really been the type of girl to dress up showing myself off, but this chapter really did help me realize I need to serve my brothers in church.
But idk if your a new Christian and need a book to help you start living out the Gospel here yeah go! Awesome start and loved this book! ✝️💕
November 16, 2024
4.25⭐️
This was a quite enjoyable read, a lot of really good and rich stuff in this. I think if I read this a few years ago it may of been a bit closer to a 5⭐️, but I had already applied a good bit of this book, when I first started having kids. It’s a great reminder and definitely something you can continually come back to and review year after year.
I will say there were a few things throughout that I’m not sure whether the author just didn’t word it right, but the way it was worded I didn’t agree with. Only a few parts, and again it could have just been the way it was worded, just a fair warning.
I’m interested to read more from this author though, I enjoyed this read.
This was a quite enjoyable read, a lot of really good and rich stuff in this. I think if I read this a few years ago it may of been a bit closer to a 5⭐️, but I had already applied a good bit of this book, when I first started having kids. It’s a great reminder and definitely something you can continually come back to and review year after year.
I will say there were a few things throughout that I’m not sure whether the author just didn’t word it right, but the way it was worded I didn’t agree with. Only a few parts, and again it could have just been the way it was worded, just a fair warning.
I’m interested to read more from this author though, I enjoyed this read.
November 26, 2023
Great book for discipleship. A great foundation for godly living in a fallen world. The author does a great job of not falling into legalism or fundamentalism but keeps it centered on Christ and His word.
July 13, 2020
A collection of essays on how the gospel should impact our day-t0-day lives. An excellent read!
June 25, 2011
This book does an excellent job of delving into four key areas of worldliness impacting believers in USA: media, music, stuff, and clothes. Each of these chapters is written by a different author. However, the book is unified by being centered on loving Christ and the gospel. The book is careful to avoid legalism AND license. It is full of helpful, penetrating diagnostic questions to evaluate one's heart and lifestyle in light of Scripture. It's hard to imagine any Christian not benefitting from this book--it's short, practical, readable, and will challenge your life and life choices.
The chapter on clothes was the most profitable. The author says that the chapter is intended primarily for women, but it is useful for men as well. I especially appreciated the discussion "considering modesty on your wedding day." My wife and I have discussed why, during weddings and other formal occasions--Christian women often down-shift their modesty standards. Somehow, if it's a black-tie event it's OK to put a Christian woman's body on display?! This book challenges women who have yet to marry with practical advice and wisdom in choosing a wedding dress. E.g., have your dad (or other godly male leader) see you in the dress (both bride & bridesmaids) before purchasing it. Mahaney includes anonymous journals from men which will help _women_ understand the battle of lust that every godly man wages. These journals will be illuminating for young and unmarried women.
Appendix A, "modesty Heart Check" can be viewed here:
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/fi...
Quotes:
Regarding media, "What if the standard was looking for what might be beneficial instead of what might simply be permissible?" (60)
Regarding music, "(1) Does the music you listen to lead you to love the Savior more or cause your affections for Christ to diminish? (2) Does your music lead you to value an eternal perspective or influence you to adopt the mindset of this "present evil age?" (81)
Regarding clothes, "Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?" (174)
"Coveting is desiring stuff too much or desiring too much stuff." (95)
The chapter on clothes was the most profitable. The author says that the chapter is intended primarily for women, but it is useful for men as well. I especially appreciated the discussion "considering modesty on your wedding day." My wife and I have discussed why, during weddings and other formal occasions--Christian women often down-shift their modesty standards. Somehow, if it's a black-tie event it's OK to put a Christian woman's body on display?! This book challenges women who have yet to marry with practical advice and wisdom in choosing a wedding dress. E.g., have your dad (or other godly male leader) see you in the dress (both bride & bridesmaids) before purchasing it. Mahaney includes anonymous journals from men which will help _women_ understand the battle of lust that every godly man wages. These journals will be illuminating for young and unmarried women.
Appendix A, "modesty Heart Check" can be viewed here:
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/fi...
Quotes:
Regarding media, "What if the standard was looking for what might be beneficial instead of what might simply be permissible?" (60)
Regarding music, "(1) Does the music you listen to lead you to love the Savior more or cause your affections for Christ to diminish? (2) Does your music lead you to value an eternal perspective or influence you to adopt the mindset of this "present evil age?" (81)
Regarding clothes, "Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?" (174)
"Coveting is desiring stuff too much or desiring too much stuff." (95)
June 23, 2015
This book helps us evaluating if we are being unduly influenced by the world instead of by Christ by asking some good questions about media, music, stuff, and clothing. "What dominates your mind? Do you covet the esteem and crave the approval of those around you?" "Does this program or film tempt me with sexually impure thoughts or actions?" "Why do I want to watch this program or film?" What do I find entertaining about it? Do I secretly want to view something in it that is sinful? What worldview or philosophy of life does this program or film present?" Then it has a section on clothing, mostly for women, and it encourages fathers to help their daughters to dress modestly. (I'll be getting to this stage soon ...) "Modesty is humility expressed in dress.” “What statement do my clothes make about my heart? Whose attention do I desire and who approval do I crave? Am I seeking to impress God or others? Who are you trying to imitate or be like in your dress? Do my clothes expose intimate parts of the body or emphasize private our alluring parts of the body?"
Other good quotes from the book. "We will be shaped by the world without intentional efforts not to be." "[Warnings against worldliness] are not legalistic restrictions from an irritated God who doesn't want us to enjoy ourselves ... they are for our good, to protect us from sin and it's consequences." "The essence of worldliness is in the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does." The evil in our desires often lies not in what we want, but that we want it too much." "We must fight worldliness because it dulls our affections for Christ and distracts our attention from Christ." "Materialism is what happens when coveting has cash to spend." "95% of the believers who face the test of persecution pass it, while 95% who face the test of prosperity fail it." "Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin."
Other good quotes from the book. "We will be shaped by the world without intentional efforts not to be." "[Warnings against worldliness] are not legalistic restrictions from an irritated God who doesn't want us to enjoy ourselves ... they are for our good, to protect us from sin and it's consequences." "The essence of worldliness is in the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does." The evil in our desires often lies not in what we want, but that we want it too much." "We must fight worldliness because it dulls our affections for Christ and distracts our attention from Christ." "Materialism is what happens when coveting has cash to spend." "95% of the believers who face the test of persecution pass it, while 95% who face the test of prosperity fail it." "Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin."
December 19, 2013
While the Bible charges us not to love the world or the things in the world, our culture and our flesh often tempts us to love the world, even if just a little. In Worldliness, CJ Mahaney and friends look at multiple categories of ways for us to battle the pull of the world in our Christian lives.
This book is short, sweet, and to-the-point. It is certainly not guilty of empty and meaningless repetition as so many larger works can be. The combination of multiple authors addressing separate issues is refreshing. It is simply nice to read different voices as different issues arise. The authors do a nice job of helping readers think more clearly and biblically about issues like music, dress, possessions, etc.; and they do so without driving the reader into a legalistic framework of “do this” and “never do that.”
I would recommend this work with no major reservations. IT would make a fine tool for a small group Bible study or Sunday School class. The short chapters and different authors should help students of most ages remain engaged.
** For this review, I listened to the audio version which I received for free from Christian Audio. As usual, this book was read well and clearly.
This book is short, sweet, and to-the-point. It is certainly not guilty of empty and meaningless repetition as so many larger works can be. The combination of multiple authors addressing separate issues is refreshing. It is simply nice to read different voices as different issues arise. The authors do a nice job of helping readers think more clearly and biblically about issues like music, dress, possessions, etc.; and they do so without driving the reader into a legalistic framework of “do this” and “never do that.”
I would recommend this work with no major reservations. IT would make a fine tool for a small group Bible study or Sunday School class. The short chapters and different authors should help students of most ages remain engaged.
** For this review, I listened to the audio version which I received for free from Christian Audio. As usual, this book was read well and clearly.
June 27, 2015
I enjoyed this book and learned from it. I appreciate their approach and end goal of pointing Christians to Christ and the gospel as our drive and desire for why we shouldn't be "worldly." I suppose they had to have chapters in there about music/dress/entertainment and many good thoughts were shared, though I felt at times the authors were just overthinking everything. I understand their hearts though and mostly agreed with them. The chapter on music was refreshing. Overall, a great read though I felt like it was a little bit too repetitive in some respects and a bit shallow as far as some of their explanations about worldliness. They mostly did a good job at referencing scripture when making a point which I always appreciate. I learned that in the end, worldliness is a mindset that influences your choices. Care for your heart and relationship with God and those other details will be fine.
September 17, 2016
A helpful treatment of 1 Jn 2:15 and the implications. I would argue, like others have, that this doesn't fully develop the biblical understanding of love for the world. However, this book addresses some much needed patterns we accept as Christians living in today's society. I think some parts, like dress, should be taken with caution. They should leave some of those things up for liberty of conscience.
April 9, 2019
Didn't finish, both because it is a bit clunky of a read and because of SGM's current reputation. It has some good parts though. It is an important concept, but needs to come from a voice that is trustworthy (I would attach SGM's recent failures to worldliness) and winsome (the book isn't really compelling like a Tim Keller, James KA Smith, David Wells, Albert Mohler, etc., etc. usually are).
January 19, 2024
A little outdated with references, but the principles are still there. Good overall and convicting, just not my favorite book
July 23, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really pushed me to see Christ as supremely glorious and better than the world has to offer.
The book is an edited work, with only six chapters.
The first chapter explains the idea of worldliness from 1 John 2 having to do with desires, and it shows why worldliness is such a big deal, namely, because Christ is so glorious and that worldliness dulls our affections for him. This was a great chapter. My favorite quotes are, "Worldliness is so serious because Christ is so glorious", and, "We must fight worldliness because it dulls our affections for Christ and distracts our attention from Christ" (35).
The second chapter then digs specifically into the media. The book is written in 2007, so some of it is dated, but the author's insights and balance are applicable today too. He carefully shows how one doesn't need to be a media glutton to share the gospel (46) and that most of the media we engage in isn't good for our affections for Christ. It might be permissible, but it isn't helpful. We're just so used to it all. He of course shows that some media can be enjoyed for the glory of God, but that much of it simply isn't helpful or promotes sin in a detrimental way. I really enjoyed this chapter too.
Chapter three is about music. This was very similar to the chapter above about media, but specifically focused on what music conveys to us (in lyrics, advertising, music videos, etc.). He shows that even though we might not think music has much effect, it definitely does.
The fourth chapter is about 'stuff'. This was an excellent, eye-opening chapter as I live in the affluent, consumeristic America. The chapter was a good reminder about how appealing stuff can be, but how it doesn't bring happiness and often separates our affections from Christ.
The second to last chapter then is about clothes, specifically modesty. It is written by Mahaney and addressed specifically to women. I think he does a great job navigating the tough topic of modesty. His daughters, who contribute to the book, agree with him, which is a great sign.
The last chapter is about enjoying and engaging the world. I didn't think this chapter was anything to special, but it properly showed that due to the storyline of the Bible, there is truth to the fact that we are to enjoy God's creation.
With all that said, it was a book which rightly showed how worldly I have become in many ways, simps because it is so normal these days. It is a great call back to radical, biblical Christianity in which one focuses on Christ instead of the world for the sake of self and, ironically, for the world which so desperately needs him.
The book is an edited work, with only six chapters.
The first chapter explains the idea of worldliness from 1 John 2 having to do with desires, and it shows why worldliness is such a big deal, namely, because Christ is so glorious and that worldliness dulls our affections for him. This was a great chapter. My favorite quotes are, "Worldliness is so serious because Christ is so glorious", and, "We must fight worldliness because it dulls our affections for Christ and distracts our attention from Christ" (35).
The second chapter then digs specifically into the media. The book is written in 2007, so some of it is dated, but the author's insights and balance are applicable today too. He carefully shows how one doesn't need to be a media glutton to share the gospel (46) and that most of the media we engage in isn't good for our affections for Christ. It might be permissible, but it isn't helpful. We're just so used to it all. He of course shows that some media can be enjoyed for the glory of God, but that much of it simply isn't helpful or promotes sin in a detrimental way. I really enjoyed this chapter too.
Chapter three is about music. This was very similar to the chapter above about media, but specifically focused on what music conveys to us (in lyrics, advertising, music videos, etc.). He shows that even though we might not think music has much effect, it definitely does.
The fourth chapter is about 'stuff'. This was an excellent, eye-opening chapter as I live in the affluent, consumeristic America. The chapter was a good reminder about how appealing stuff can be, but how it doesn't bring happiness and often separates our affections from Christ.
The second to last chapter then is about clothes, specifically modesty. It is written by Mahaney and addressed specifically to women. I think he does a great job navigating the tough topic of modesty. His daughters, who contribute to the book, agree with him, which is a great sign.
The last chapter is about enjoying and engaging the world. I didn't think this chapter was anything to special, but it properly showed that due to the storyline of the Bible, there is truth to the fact that we are to enjoy God's creation.
With all that said, it was a book which rightly showed how worldly I have become in many ways, simps because it is so normal these days. It is a great call back to radical, biblical Christianity in which one focuses on Christ instead of the world for the sake of self and, ironically, for the world which so desperately needs him.
November 28, 2017
This book is simply amazing! It is the best I have ever read on the topic of Worldliness.
The first chapter is about 1 John 2:15, I found it really compelling when C.J. Mahaney talks about the Jefferson Bible and how today's Christians are doing the exact same thing when they just ignore some verses in the Bible, such as 1 John 2:15.
The next chapter is about Media (social media, movies, TV series) and how the Christians must not allow their eyes to be entertained by movies that can tempt them to lustful thoughts.
The third chapter is about music and is written, of course, by Bob Kauflin. Every song we hear must pass the Philippians 4:8 test.
In other chapter, it addresses stuff and how our hearts must be captive only to Christ.
And there is a chapter only about clothes and modesty, which, I believe, every christian girl should read. This chapter is kind of a written version of the sermon The Soul of Modesty by C.J. Mahaney. "Modesty is humility expressed in clothes."
The final chapter is on How We Can Love The World, and talks about family, sleep, and work, all in a biblical perspective.
The Appendixes are about modesty and some practical ways for women to know if what they are wearing is modest. I believe it to be really helpful.
The book is purely biblical. I highly recommend. It truly is a Christ honoring book!
The first chapter is about 1 John 2:15, I found it really compelling when C.J. Mahaney talks about the Jefferson Bible and how today's Christians are doing the exact same thing when they just ignore some verses in the Bible, such as 1 John 2:15.
The next chapter is about Media (social media, movies, TV series) and how the Christians must not allow their eyes to be entertained by movies that can tempt them to lustful thoughts.
The third chapter is about music and is written, of course, by Bob Kauflin. Every song we hear must pass the Philippians 4:8 test.
In other chapter, it addresses stuff and how our hearts must be captive only to Christ.
And there is a chapter only about clothes and modesty, which, I believe, every christian girl should read. This chapter is kind of a written version of the sermon The Soul of Modesty by C.J. Mahaney. "Modesty is humility expressed in clothes."
The final chapter is on How We Can Love The World, and talks about family, sleep, and work, all in a biblical perspective.
The Appendixes are about modesty and some practical ways for women to know if what they are wearing is modest. I believe it to be really helpful.
The book is purely biblical. I highly recommend. It truly is a Christ honoring book!
May 6, 2025
|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||
This was a great, practical discussion about what it looks like to be in the world but not of it, especially in these modern times. The authors lay out some of the areas of life in which followers of Christ can and should be radically opposed and resistant to the sin and temptation ravaging this world. I appreciated the fresh perspectives on each of the various topics. This theme of battling sin was also balanced out with the reminder that even in a dark and fallen world, God has still provided so many wonderful things for us to enjoy, and we are to enjoy the gifts He has given us with a mindset of constant awe and adoration towards our Creator. Nature proclaims His creativity, goodness and care. There is so much in God’s world to learn about and master, reflecting the brilliance and complexity of God’s mind. The beauty that God instilled in His creation is also a great evangelistic tool.
Knowing our Creator personally empowers us to resist the evil pull of the world, while also enhancing every beautiful thing because it points to the beauty of God. A lifetime of walking with Christ is a challenging one, but a rich one.
This was a great, practical discussion about what it looks like to be in the world but not of it, especially in these modern times. The authors lay out some of the areas of life in which followers of Christ can and should be radically opposed and resistant to the sin and temptation ravaging this world. I appreciated the fresh perspectives on each of the various topics. This theme of battling sin was also balanced out with the reminder that even in a dark and fallen world, God has still provided so many wonderful things for us to enjoy, and we are to enjoy the gifts He has given us with a mindset of constant awe and adoration towards our Creator. Nature proclaims His creativity, goodness and care. There is so much in God’s world to learn about and master, reflecting the brilliance and complexity of God’s mind. The beauty that God instilled in His creation is also a great evangelistic tool.
Knowing our Creator personally empowers us to resist the evil pull of the world, while also enhancing every beautiful thing because it points to the beauty of God. A lifetime of walking with Christ is a challenging one, but a rich one.
August 21, 2017
This was a surprisingly good read. This book contains six chapters written by five different pastors. Each chapter tackles the subject of worldliness in these different areas: media, possessions, music, and dress. While I didn't agree with the end stance in the chapter on music, I found all the subjects very strong in their encouragement to aim higher. To do all things, own all things, listen to all things, wear all things, to the glory of God. There is no corner of our lives that God does not care about and does not have a principle for.
By far my favorite thing about this book was the Modesty Heart Check and the Wedding Day Modesty appendices in the back. It is quite rare to hear specifics on modesty these days without a legalistic attitude behind them, or the other extreme of not enough. The lists given (compiled by the women in these pastors' lives) were specific but only to the point of helping brothers not to struggle. They were written by women who themselves face the struggle of dressing beautifully but without compromising biblical principles of modesty. I really appreciated the effort and care put into this part of the book.
Overall, definitely a good read for anyone! It's a short read, too, making it a nice addition to morning devotions.
By far my favorite thing about this book was the Modesty Heart Check and the Wedding Day Modesty appendices in the back. It is quite rare to hear specifics on modesty these days without a legalistic attitude behind them, or the other extreme of not enough. The lists given (compiled by the women in these pastors' lives) were specific but only to the point of helping brothers not to struggle. They were written by women who themselves face the struggle of dressing beautifully but without compromising biblical principles of modesty. I really appreciated the effort and care put into this part of the book.
Overall, definitely a good read for anyone! It's a short read, too, making it a nice addition to morning devotions.
July 30, 2017
Such a good book edited by C.J. Mahaney. This is another compilation book written by several authors, 4 authors pen the 6 chapters with a forward by John Piper. It's a relatively short book, only 6 chapters but those chapter pack a bunch regarding how we relate to the world around us.
Mahaney begins the book by challenging us to not remove parts of the Bible, to not look over verses we don't like. Craig Cabaniss challenges us on our use of media, how we watch TV and Movies and what guide we use to be discerning in the genres we watch. Bob Kauflin takes a look at our music listening habits and how easily music seeps into our hearts. Dave Harvey tackles our stuff and Mahaney comes back to challenge what clothes we wear and why. Jeff Purswell closes the book with how we SHOULD relate to the word and how we SHOULD love the world.
A small book but LOTS to think about and process through.
Mahaney begins the book by challenging us to not remove parts of the Bible, to not look over verses we don't like. Craig Cabaniss challenges us on our use of media, how we watch TV and Movies and what guide we use to be discerning in the genres we watch. Bob Kauflin takes a look at our music listening habits and how easily music seeps into our hearts. Dave Harvey tackles our stuff and Mahaney comes back to challenge what clothes we wear and why. Jeff Purswell closes the book with how we SHOULD relate to the word and how we SHOULD love the world.
A small book but LOTS to think about and process through.
August 9, 2018
A picture of discernment toward worldliness.
I think you'll either love this book or hate it. You are either fleeing worldliness or running towards it. The author explores some examples such as music and clothing while also defining legalism. I have met many who abandon discernment in fear of legalism. However, if you know the definition of legalism, you should have no problem pursuing holiness. I especially appreciated the section on modesty geared towards women. It really is so difficult for brothers in Christ, and Sundays should not be one of those challenging times! Men need all the help they can get here.
I didn't personally find this book shocking or very influential to what I already know, but I would possibly recommend it to a new believer who is pursuing a new way to live.
I think you'll either love this book or hate it. You are either fleeing worldliness or running towards it. The author explores some examples such as music and clothing while also defining legalism. I have met many who abandon discernment in fear of legalism. However, if you know the definition of legalism, you should have no problem pursuing holiness. I especially appreciated the section on modesty geared towards women. It really is so difficult for brothers in Christ, and Sundays should not be one of those challenging times! Men need all the help they can get here.
I didn't personally find this book shocking or very influential to what I already know, but I would possibly recommend it to a new believer who is pursuing a new way to live.
May 29, 2021
The general message is good, but everything said in this book wasn't very deep or inspirational. It focused a lot on what we do externally, yet stated we shouldn't be about performing. I felt it missed the mark on internal sins and how guarding our hearts and taking every thought captive is much more important than blaming media, how young women dress, and how those around us act. Seriously, the chapter on how young women are to dress so men don't lust is bordering on blaming victims, and not the men who actually lust. The world will always be the sinful way it is, and Chrsitians need to guard their hearts and mind in humble worship to God. We do not need to focus on the externals as much.
I also, disliked the writing and the various styles used in the book. The overall concept of this message was fantastic, but the book was not.
I also, disliked the writing and the various styles used in the book. The overall concept of this message was fantastic, but the book was not.
June 24, 2024
Overall, this is a clear and helpful call to believers. Worldliness is a threat, and the book is on target about the essence of worldliness. It’s not about externals, but the heart condition. This book presents a convicting call to examine how we live and readjust our motives. Personally, the most impactful chapters were the ones on entertainment and possessions. With that said, I was disappointed in two elements. First, there are some misapplications of Scripture; some verses are used to support a point that isn’t in the text. Also, the chapter on dress uncharacteristically seemed to lay on guilt and shame, and might even motivate by fear. Granted, this is a sensitive area that needs to be addressed, but I believe the author went too far. But those objections aside, this is a book that points us to Christ and urges us to live out the call He places on our lives.
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