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Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life
Many people know what to believe and why to hold to those beliefs. But the majority of them don’t know how to do when it comes to the countless decisions we must make that the Bible doesn’t specifically address.
Chasing Elephants carefully examines the biblical subject of freedom in Christ. Taking into account values, priorities, accountability, and cultural issues, Author Brent Crowe extracts a set of principles to act as a theology of belief for the seemingly gray areas of life.
With these principles as a guide, you will be prepared to handle the moral or ethical decisions you will face in life.
Chasing Elephants carefully examines the biblical subject of freedom in Christ. Taking into account values, priorities, accountability, and cultural issues, Author Brent Crowe extracts a set of principles to act as a theology of belief for the seemingly gray areas of life.
With these principles as a guide, you will be prepared to handle the moral or ethical decisions you will face in life.
- GenresChristian
181 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2010
11 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 19, 2024
grace demands more.
I won't write a super long review, but this was really such an awesome and impactful book! hearing from Brent Crowe at SLU is always amazing, and the chasing elephants session was one of my favorites, so I bought this book to kinda follow up on that topic! It's full of super useful and practical info, and I love that Brent was able to look at the issues with scripture! it was really cool to read! I loved that we got a chapter for a few main issues! overall, this is an awesome book to grow your relationship with Jesus and biblical worldview!!
Pages: 172
Language: n/a
TW⚠️: n/a
Genre: Self help/Christian
Format I read: Paperback
Would I recommend to others: Yes!
I won't write a super long review, but this was really such an awesome and impactful book! hearing from Brent Crowe at SLU is always amazing, and the chasing elephants session was one of my favorites, so I bought this book to kinda follow up on that topic! It's full of super useful and practical info, and I love that Brent was able to look at the issues with scripture! it was really cool to read! I loved that we got a chapter for a few main issues! overall, this is an awesome book to grow your relationship with Jesus and biblical worldview!!
Pages: 172
Language: n/a
TW⚠️: n/a
Genre: Self help/Christian
Format I read: Paperback
Would I recommend to others: Yes!
October 8, 2024
read this book with my bible study over the past few month
unfortunately i felt like the author was saying a lot without really saying anything, and the stuff he did say i didn’t agree with
but we had some good conversations come out of it so at least there’s that
unfortunately i felt like the author was saying a lot without really saying anything, and the stuff he did say i didn’t agree with
but we had some good conversations come out of it so at least there’s that
April 29, 2025
Grace demands more. While every topic in the book may not be foremost to everyone, I really appreciate the challenge to believers to test everything by the Word of God, to confront our beliefs and especially our attitudes when it comes to those wrestling with different sins, and the overall call to really look deep and see if you’re allowing your life to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, and if you’re bearing Holy Spirit fruit in your life.
January 8, 2020
Really well done. The first half of the book sets up the second half, which is the four gray areas addressed in a chapter each, titled Elephant 1- 4. The gray areas include Homosexuality, Drinking, Entertainment, and Humanitarian efforts. Its a look at what the Bible says and also what the Christian thought process should be. It is done really kindly.
Brent has come to my church before to talk about leadership and he is a great speaker as well. I felt the dive into these subjects incredibly Scripture based and easy to understand.
Brent has come to my church before to talk about leadership and he is a great speaker as well. I felt the dive into these subjects incredibly Scripture based and easy to understand.
March 2, 2021
i have heard Brent Crowe speak at SLU in previous years. this book gave a whole different perspective on approaching those gray or difficult areas in life that never really get talked about. in every chapter i learned something more that has had a lasting impact on my relationship with God. i very much recommend reading this book.
November 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This revolves around the grey areas of life and how we as Christians are to determine what is right biblically for ourselves in these grey areas.
His set up is good & he lays out many questions with solid biblical ground that we can ask of each grey area to help us each determine what is right for us. I enjoyed this aspect and will definitely be taking and using some of these questions to help determine things in my own walk.
On the other hand, we have another set of chapters after this going over supposed “grey areas” to give us examples of how to apply the questions with how the author did. This is where my big problem of the book came in. One of these chapters that is a supposed ‘grey area’ was homosexuality. This is in no way a grey area, that isn’t clearly laid out in the Bible. This fact brought down my rating quite a little bit.
❔I don’t know if I would personally recommend this one. If you could just take out the problematic chapter and a few little other things he said I would recommend it, and if you struggle with knowing how to determine what to do/ how to approach grey areas, you could probably gain some helpful knowledge from this. Just go into it with a bit of a grain of salt perhaps.
This revolves around the grey areas of life and how we as Christians are to determine what is right biblically for ourselves in these grey areas.
His set up is good & he lays out many questions with solid biblical ground that we can ask of each grey area to help us each determine what is right for us. I enjoyed this aspect and will definitely be taking and using some of these questions to help determine things in my own walk.
On the other hand, we have another set of chapters after this going over supposed “grey areas” to give us examples of how to apply the questions with how the author did. This is where my big problem of the book came in. One of these chapters that is a supposed ‘grey area’ was homosexuality. This is in no way a grey area, that isn’t clearly laid out in the Bible. This fact brought down my rating quite a little bit.
❔I don’t know if I would personally recommend this one. If you could just take out the problematic chapter and a few little other things he said I would recommend it, and if you struggle with knowing how to determine what to do/ how to approach grey areas, you could probably gain some helpful knowledge from this. Just go into it with a bit of a grain of salt perhaps.
April 28, 2021
3.5 stars
I don’t really wrestle with the issues mentioned in the book, but it’s probably a good resource for young adults just starting out on their own.
I don’t really wrestle with the issues mentioned in the book, but it’s probably a good resource for young adults just starting out on their own.
July 9, 2021
I liked it. I just really wish I had a highlighter with me because there were so many great points in it. I really like his way of writing.
June 1, 2011
Every felt sure about how you stand on basic Christian topics,but maybe have a discussion on the computer or in real life and find yourself, asking yourself, "Are you sure you really know how you feel about a challenging topic".
[pullquote]Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life by Brent Crowe;
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: NavPress (September 5, 2010)
[/pullquote]
As shared by the publisher's description, "Many people know what to believe and why to hold to those beliefs. But the majority of them don’t know how to do when it comes to the countless decisions we must make that the Bible doesn’t specifically address.
Chasing Elephants carefully examines the biblical subject of freedom in Christ. Taking into account values, priorities, accountability, and cultural issues, Author Brent Crowe extracts a set of principles to act as a theology of belief for the seemingly gray areas of life.
With these principles as a guide, you will be prepared to handle the moral or ethical decisions you will face in life.
Broken down into really two parts, "Chasing Elephants" begins with a discussion of often hard to controversial topics that often not only come up for discussion, but are controversial enough to cause heated discussions and with careful skill, the author, Brent Crowe, shares how to carefully navigate tricky topics that for many, its easier to avoid than to address.
The first half essential talks about, what does it exactly mean to be free and to have freedom in Christ and through use of scripture and topical writing that doesn't talk down or seek to divide, asks the reader, often challenging questions of not only what they may think, but how they would encounter and scripture to look and pray over and about.
Brent Crowe's writing style is very effective, because its not written in a way that can be seen as wishy-washy nor can it be seen as worldy or taking sides, but carefully seeks to create a balance of, this is what the world is like and what the average Christian is likely to encounter and what does Scripture has to say about often difficult topics.
The strong points for this book is that the author achieves his purpose by not only asking what is freedom in Christ,but it really challenges Christians to explore and understand from a Scriptural point of view what our Father in Heaven is trying to convey.
The book is something I would recommend to Christians who seek to walk the fence or find themselves, often unsure of what to think or how to approach difficult topics, while at the same time, how to apply biblical principles to the "elephants standing in the room".
Some of the weak points is that the first part of the book, seems to be a constant repetition of points, but I feel that the author is also trying to solidify what he is trying to share from a biblical viewpoint and instead of appearing to just touch and go on a subject, really impress on the reader, what he is trying to convey regarding having freedom in Christ and what isn't freedom in Christ.
A thought provoking book for those who like to be challenged or maybe being challenged by topical "elephants in the room", "Chasing Elephants" is well worth looking into.
~~~Thank you to Navpress for the complimentary book in exchange for my honest and personal review.~~~
[pullquote]Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life by Brent Crowe;
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: NavPress (September 5, 2010)
[/pullquote]
As shared by the publisher's description, "Many people know what to believe and why to hold to those beliefs. But the majority of them don’t know how to do when it comes to the countless decisions we must make that the Bible doesn’t specifically address.
Chasing Elephants carefully examines the biblical subject of freedom in Christ. Taking into account values, priorities, accountability, and cultural issues, Author Brent Crowe extracts a set of principles to act as a theology of belief for the seemingly gray areas of life.
With these principles as a guide, you will be prepared to handle the moral or ethical decisions you will face in life.
Broken down into really two parts, "Chasing Elephants" begins with a discussion of often hard to controversial topics that often not only come up for discussion, but are controversial enough to cause heated discussions and with careful skill, the author, Brent Crowe, shares how to carefully navigate tricky topics that for many, its easier to avoid than to address.
The first half essential talks about, what does it exactly mean to be free and to have freedom in Christ and through use of scripture and topical writing that doesn't talk down or seek to divide, asks the reader, often challenging questions of not only what they may think, but how they would encounter and scripture to look and pray over and about.
Brent Crowe's writing style is very effective, because its not written in a way that can be seen as wishy-washy nor can it be seen as worldy or taking sides, but carefully seeks to create a balance of, this is what the world is like and what the average Christian is likely to encounter and what does Scripture has to say about often difficult topics.
The strong points for this book is that the author achieves his purpose by not only asking what is freedom in Christ,but it really challenges Christians to explore and understand from a Scriptural point of view what our Father in Heaven is trying to convey.
The book is something I would recommend to Christians who seek to walk the fence or find themselves, often unsure of what to think or how to approach difficult topics, while at the same time, how to apply biblical principles to the "elephants standing in the room".
Some of the weak points is that the first part of the book, seems to be a constant repetition of points, but I feel that the author is also trying to solidify what he is trying to share from a biblical viewpoint and instead of appearing to just touch and go on a subject, really impress on the reader, what he is trying to convey regarding having freedom in Christ and what isn't freedom in Christ.
A thought provoking book for those who like to be challenged or maybe being challenged by topical "elephants in the room", "Chasing Elephants" is well worth looking into.
~~~Thank you to Navpress for the complimentary book in exchange for my honest and personal review.~~~
July 30, 2011
MY REVIEW:
Challenging. Convicting. Thought-provoking. Freeing. Beneficial. Implemental.
The intriguing title and cover are the first things to draw you into an intense, yet exhilarating probe of our freedom in Christ in the so-called gray areas of life. Brent has done a fabulous job at writing a book that sticks to the point, isn't full of big words and hard to grasp ideas, and stays true to the Word of God. In the first few chapters He presents the ground work of our freedom in Christ and in the last chapters he provides examples and "case studies" of what it all looks like fleshed out. In chapter five He presents sixteen questions as tools to aid you in establishing your freedom in Christ in gray areas.
Overall I really liked and appreciated this book. It's a comprehensive, yet simple and straight-forward book that the average person can both understand and enjoy. I was reading it in review before our teens in youth group begin to read it as part of this year's selected reading and while I think it's a great book, I do think it's possibly a little on the older side for some teens. However, that said, I still encourage them to at least try to read it as it does get easier as you go along. Brent has taken a hard issue and made it manageable - like eating an elephant one bite at a time! - and so I highly recommend teens and adults read this book and that parents work through it with their teenagers for maximum impact. It doesn't hold "all the answers" but it does give you food for thought that will help you think through gray issues using Scripture as your guide.
Challenging. Convicting. Thought-provoking. Freeing. Beneficial. Implemental.
The intriguing title and cover are the first things to draw you into an intense, yet exhilarating probe of our freedom in Christ in the so-called gray areas of life. Brent has done a fabulous job at writing a book that sticks to the point, isn't full of big words and hard to grasp ideas, and stays true to the Word of God. In the first few chapters He presents the ground work of our freedom in Christ and in the last chapters he provides examples and "case studies" of what it all looks like fleshed out. In chapter five He presents sixteen questions as tools to aid you in establishing your freedom in Christ in gray areas.
Overall I really liked and appreciated this book. It's a comprehensive, yet simple and straight-forward book that the average person can both understand and enjoy. I was reading it in review before our teens in youth group begin to read it as part of this year's selected reading and while I think it's a great book, I do think it's possibly a little on the older side for some teens. However, that said, I still encourage them to at least try to read it as it does get easier as you go along. Brent has taken a hard issue and made it manageable - like eating an elephant one bite at a time! - and so I highly recommend teens and adults read this book and that parents work through it with their teenagers for maximum impact. It doesn't hold "all the answers" but it does give you food for thought that will help you think through gray issues using Scripture as your guide.
December 18, 2010
This book, written by Brent Crowe, gives a very clear list of 16 ways to examine each "elephant" we confront on a daily basis. As Christians, we have freedom to act certain ways on certain issues. However, the Bible commands us to be sensitive to those who are at different stages in their Christian walk and not to cause a brother or sister to stumble. The author states that each issue must be carefully examined - some by a few of the 16 questions and some by more than a few. The questions are based on passages of scripture (which are included in the book).
Five "elephants" are discussed in the book, but there are many things that we could examine by this 16 question grid. An elephant is anything that we avoid discussing because we know that it will cause conflict and disagreement.
While reading I examined my own life regarding how I respond to issues. I don't want to be a Pharisee, but I do want to obey God's commands.
One C.S. Lewis quote that I enjoyed from the book is: "We were talking about cats and dogs the other day and decided that both have consciences but the dog, being an honest, humble person, always has a bad one, but the cat is a Pharisee and always has a good one. When he sits and stares at you out of countenance he is thanking God that he is not as these dogs, or these humans, or even as these other cats!" I pray that I will never act like a cat.
This book will be very helpful to me when I confront issues in my life and need to examine them in light of what the scripture says. It's a great future reference.
Five "elephants" are discussed in the book, but there are many things that we could examine by this 16 question grid. An elephant is anything that we avoid discussing because we know that it will cause conflict and disagreement.
While reading I examined my own life regarding how I respond to issues. I don't want to be a Pharisee, but I do want to obey God's commands.
One C.S. Lewis quote that I enjoyed from the book is: "We were talking about cats and dogs the other day and decided that both have consciences but the dog, being an honest, humble person, always has a bad one, but the cat is a Pharisee and always has a good one. When he sits and stares at you out of countenance he is thanking God that he is not as these dogs, or these humans, or even as these other cats!" I pray that I will never act like a cat.
This book will be very helpful to me when I confront issues in my life and need to examine them in light of what the scripture says. It's a great future reference.
March 11, 2011
This book is a must read for anyone who would like to form a Biblical view point on some of the "gray areas" that surround us in life. Much of this info. is really worth taking into account if you would like to engage in culture and express an accurate Christian world view (do we really have a choice??) For a long time I didn't really want to make a decision on topics like this..I mean it was so constricting to me...and to be fair, I don't think I've had adequate guidance on my own to even begin to land in an accurate place on topics like this. I've heard all the cliche's and typical "arguments" for what to do and what not to do...none of which made a whole lot of sense in the long run. This book, and the way it was designed to help us look through the grid of Scripture, was very helpful and has really got me thinking! Actually I haven't completely formulated my opinions yet, but as I consider what I've read, I feel I must!! I can't play dumb anymore on these issues, and the info here, backed up by Scripture compels me to know what I believe and believe what I know. If more Christians sought to know what God says in a balanced desire to learn and formulate their opinions, we'd be a lot better off in connecting with a hurting world that we normally do. Instead, I see a lot of Christians who use God's Words to try to back up THEIR opinions, and then try to set the world straight..and it's sad and misguided. This book was super helpful to me!! I highly recommend it.
June 18, 2012
Chasing Elephants was an interesting read and took no time for me to get through it.
The main focus of the book – while we may know what we believe on the black and white topics of the Bible, there are many gray areas of life that require a little more research. Crowe begins his book with several introductory chapters, discussing such matters as freedom in Christ and grace, and then launches into chapter-length discussions of homosexuality, the cyber world, social drinking, entertainment and humanitarian efforts.
I found that I agreed with much of Crowe’s arguments, and learned more about myself — and was even convicted in a few areas – in the process. I liked how he incorporated both Scripture and writings from other Christians as part of the discussion.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The main focus of the book – while we may know what we believe on the black and white topics of the Bible, there are many gray areas of life that require a little more research. Crowe begins his book with several introductory chapters, discussing such matters as freedom in Christ and grace, and then launches into chapter-length discussions of homosexuality, the cyber world, social drinking, entertainment and humanitarian efforts.
I found that I agreed with much of Crowe’s arguments, and learned more about myself — and was even convicted in a few areas – in the process. I liked how he incorporated both Scripture and writings from other Christians as part of the discussion.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 24, 2011
good book on grace and how to make decisions on todays great debates: homosexuality, cyberworld, social drinking, entertainment and humanitarian efforts. Conclusion: Grace demands more.
June 7, 2012
At the beginning of this book, I really enjoyed it. The last few chapters not so much. I wish Brent Crowe went into the humanitarian efforts a little more. Overall it was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews