Rating: 
Summary: Great read
Review: I think Hugh Hewitt has a lot of insight into what it means to live in this world while serving Christ in many aspects of our lives. Work setting is definitely the place to influence the world, however, the actual transformation of lives occurs by not just being involved in workplaces, but in the actual lives of the people. Even though I have to refute a few points on his recommendations of being ambitious, it is definitely a good read for young professionals.
Rating:
Summary: Great for young people!!!
Review: I'm 23 year old young Christian and even though there were some things I disagreed about, the book was a fantastic read. Hugh presents great advice on how to lead a good clean life and also how to succeed. I recommend this book to any young individual seeking some general help and guidance.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book
Review: In a number of short, easy to read chapters, the author lays out some very basic steps you can take to make a difference in this world. It is best for those who are in or about to enter college as he goes into what fields to go in to at length.It is not a perfect book, and I don't agree with all of what he says, but overall, he has some wonderful advice to offer on being an influential Christian in a secular world.
Rating:
Summary: Useful
Review: In a number of short, easy to read chapters, the author lays out some very basic steps you can take to make a difference in this world. It is best for those who are in or about to enter college as he goes into what fields to go in to at length. It is not a perfect book, and I don't agree with all of what he says, but overall, he has some wonderful advice to offer on being an influential Christian in a secular world.
Rating:
Summary: Getting Into *In, But Not Of*
Review: In our world, the golden rule is less the Christian ethic of doing good unto others and more in line with "he who has the gold makes the rules." It's about power. It's about influence. It's about being able to get what you want in the world and making the world what you want it to be. Is such a position of influence and power possible for Christians, with our added requirements on how to live and the ever-present admonition to be in the world but not of the world? Is it even appropriate for Christians to desire to affect the world by gaining power and influence in the world's eyes? In his new book, In, But of Of, Hugh Hewitt's contention is not only that Christians should seek positions of worldly power and influence, but he gives a well-traveled perspective on how. He begins his book of lifetime advice with a brief analysis of the most influential people of the last century, particularly focusing on their propensity to keep the big picture in mind and viewing every chapter of their life in that light. Christians, likewise, should hold for themselves high ambitions and high dreams, and pursue them. They have an "obligation to equip themselves for their greatest impact and seek every opportunity to increase that impact." Yet, Hewitt fears that the available pool of talent in today's church is dwindling. He says: Christians seem to be losing the ability to
penetrate the culture. Some have lost their
drive. Still others simply lack the skills. The church is running out of talent or steam
or both. For the church is in retreat. Unless
individuals resolve to engage the world and
lead it, the record hinted at by these examples
will quickly become eclipsed by the reality of
the post-Christian world. The remainder of his book is divided into sections of advice on how to live, to find a job, to keep a job, to leave a job, and how to live in such a way - both on and off the clock - that, when followed, will help the reader build a life of world-changing influence. The first section of advice focuses on preparing the reader for their career, particularly focusing on their education. Offering such advice as what advanced degrees to pursue, what extra-curricular activities to pursue and what not to, what books to read and even whether to have tattoo's or credit cards (don't), Hewitt seeks to help young Christians prepare for lives that will change the world before they're even close to entering the working world. The remaining sections focus on the rest of adult life, both professionally and personally. While on the job, which he contends goes beyond the so-called "9 to 5," Hewitt admonishes the reader to have multiple jobs, make good connections, keep in touch, never burn bridges, study interesting topics, stay humble, do favors (frequently), face your weaknesses and errors, remember who you owe, never speak ill of someone else, always stay interesting to others, and keep an intelligent perspective on your life in light of both the rest of the secular world and the eternal. Off the job, the Christian seeking influence should stay involved in church, hobnob with interesting people, manage their vices and flaws, stay humble, ask questions, encourage, flatter, refuse to be offended, stay fit, face conflict head-on, don't bad-mouth anyone, and collect only valuable information. Hewitt's advice reads like grandfather Solomon passing down sage wisdom of a life well-lived. Most of his advice is delivered in short, simple statements that read more like the proverbs than academic arguments. And despite his proof for his arguments is often little more than reliance on his own experience, the reader is inclined to accept them for their clarity and sensibility. And though most of his admonitions are logical and clear - almost simple - extensions of Christian living, Hewitt is quick to deliver them from the perspective of achieving success in a secular world. He doesn't avoid, whitewash, or try to diminish the Christian's requirements in any way; rather, he draws an obvious connection between living the Christian life and the corresponding success it can bring in the secular world. In what should be required reading for any Christian college freshman and young adult, Hewitt gives a simple outline of what it takes to succeed - and why Christians' success is necessary. Someday, as a result of one successful young Christian reading Hewitt's book, all of Christianity may thank this sage political guru, lawyer, professor, journalist, talk radio host and writer for coming out of writing retirement with his recipe for and encouragement to achieve influence, ambition, and success in the world. (review also at jeof.net)
Rating:
Summary: Getting Into *In, But Not Of*
Review: In our world, the golden rule is less the Christian ethic of doing good unto others and more in line with "he who has the gold makes the rules." It's about power. It's about influence. It's about being able to get what you want in the world and making the world what you want it to be. Is such a position of influence and power possible for Christians, with our added requirements on how to live and the ever-present admonition to be in the world but not of the world? Is it even appropriate for Christians to desire to affect the world by gaining power and influence in the world's eyes? In his new book, In, But of Of, Hugh Hewitt's contention is not only that Christians should seek positions of worldly power and influence, but he gives a well-traveled perspective on how. He begins his book of lifetime advice with a brief analysis of the most influential people of the last century, particularly focusing on their propensity to keep the big picture in mind and viewing every chapter of their life in that light. Christians, likewise, should hold for themselves high ambitions and high dreams, and pursue them. They have an "obligation to equip themselves for their greatest impact and seek every opportunity to increase that impact." Yet, Hewitt fears that the available pool of talent in today's church is dwindling. He says: Christians seem to be losing the ability to
penetrate the culture. Some have lost their
drive. Still others simply lack the skills. The church is running out of talent or steam
or both. For the church is in retreat. Unless
individuals resolve to engage the world and
lead it, the record hinted at by these examples
will quickly become eclipsed by the reality of
the post-Christian world. The remainder of his book is divided into sections of advice on how to live, to find a job, to keep a job, to leave a job, and how to live in such a way - both on and off the clock - that, when followed, will help the reader build a life of world-changing influence. The first section of advice focuses on preparing the reader for their career, particularly focusing on their education. Offering such advice as what advanced degrees to pursue, what extra-curricular activities to pursue and what not to, what books to read and even whether to have tattoo's or credit cards (don't), Hewitt seeks to help young Christians prepare for lives that will change the world before they're even close to entering the working world. The remaining sections focus on the rest of adult life, both professionally and personally. While on the job, which he contends goes beyond the so-called "9 to 5," Hewitt admonishes the reader to have multiple jobs, make good connections, keep in touch, never burn bridges, study interesting topics, stay humble, do favors (frequently), face your weaknesses and errors, remember who you owe, never speak ill of someone else, always stay interesting to others, and keep an intelligent perspective on your life in light of both the rest of the secular world and the eternal. Off the job, the Christian seeking influence should stay involved in church, hobnob with interesting people, manage their vices and flaws, stay humble, ask questions, encourage, flatter, refuse to be offended, stay fit, face conflict head-on, don't bad-mouth anyone, and collect only valuable information. Hewitt's advice reads like grandfather Solomon passing down sage wisdom of a life well-lived. Most of his advice is delivered in short, simple statements that read more like the proverbs than academic arguments. And despite his proof for his arguments is often little more than reliance on his own experience, the reader is inclined to accept them for their clarity and sensibility. And though most of his admonitions are logical and clear - almost simple - extensions of Christian living, Hewitt is quick to deliver them from the perspective of achieving success in a secular world. He doesn't avoid, whitewash, or try to diminish the Christian's requirements in any way; rather, he draws an obvious connection between living the Christian life and the corresponding success it can bring in the secular world. In what should be required reading for any Christian college freshman and young adult, Hewitt gives a simple outline of what it takes to succeed - and why Christians' success is necessary. Someday, as a result of one successful young Christian reading Hewitt's book, all of Christianity may thank this sage political guru, lawyer, professor, journalist, talk radio host and writer for coming out of writing retirement with his recipe for and encouragement to achieve influence, ambition, and success in the world. (review also at jeof.net)
Rating:
Summary: In, But Not Of
Review: In, But Not Of is a wonderful guide and advisor ,directed to young Christians who want to make a difference in the world, today.It should be a graduation /wedding gift to all young people.
I just wish I had read it 40 years ago.
David M Fox
Houston
Rating:
Summary: "Christ-like Ambition"
Review: My review takes the form of a letter I recently wrote to the author:
Good morning, Mr. Hewitt. I am delighted and increased by your writing and your radio show; you have my humble thanks and my admiration! I recently completed your book, _In But Not Of_, given to me by my father. I enjoyed the read, immensely! Yet, I was disturbed throughout by a niggling conviction that there is something at the heart of your argument that runs contrary to our Lord's own practical advice. It seems clear that your book asserts as a premise that power and influence are to be sought for the sake of the Gospel. (You except ministers.) Given this premise, you present some practical advice to aid in that search.
My own thoughts come after this short paragraph, but first, perhaps the best expression of my questions for you was made by Francis Shaeffer. The following is a sermon by him and a marvellous read. Does it pose any difficulties for the import of your book?? (...)
So, I'm struggling to reconcile your words, principially, with: a. God chooses those among His people who will have influence/power on His behalf; they don't choose it/seek it on their own. God is sovereign b. God chooses, and has an established pattern of choosing, the humble, the ridiculously lowly to fill these positions of worldly power, over and again throughout Scripture. c. Christ specified that the very essence of His Kingdom on earth is this exaltation of the lowly and a glorification of humility. d. we are all ministers of the Gospel, and all equally in the world. You have drawn a false dichotomy betwixt world leaders and church leaders.
These verses come to mind: Matt 19:30, 20:16, Mk 9:35, 10:31, Lk 13:30, 1 Cor 1:*, 2:14, 3:19, Matt 5:39, Lk 6:29, Lamentations 3. I guess my confusion starts with the fact that Christ preached abnegation, not worldly ambition. God sets the same pattern in the Old Testament. While of course we shall do whatever God demands, go wherever he puts us, our Lord's city on this earth is contrary to the city of man in almost every concievable way. He loves humility. He preaches diminution. Our message to the world is to be diminution for His sake. His people in the Old Testament were given their very regulated, humble ways of life precisely in order to be a witness for Him among the nations. You commend ambition for influence for Christ; Christ and Paul preach ambition for Christ and the accomplishment of that via personal decrease. But, not only is this clearly God's will for His people in the New Testament, but it was in the Old, as well. God's kings and judges, those with the most influence, were _brought_ (not seldom unwilling) to that power and influence by His specific selection out of absurdly, irrationally humble circumstances.
Witness David, the 'man after God's own heart'; David's own father, brothers, even Samuel himself thought God was loony for selecting the little shepherd boy that he did. Solomon , given the choice of every attractive thing, pleased God by choosing wisdom. Witness Christ. Witness Samuel. Witness Elisha & Elijah. Witness Abraham. Witness Noah. If we go throught the role-call of the faithful in Hebrews 11, I am buggered if I find even one who sought worldly influence among them. How about Moses, whom God placed as baby in the most exalted status in the most exalted culture in the land, yet he was gradually more and more diminished in worldly terms.
I would be very grateful if you could give me a Scriptural model for worldly ambition.
Rating:
Summary: A Delightful and Worthwhile Read!
Review: This book could have been subtitled "The Wit and Wisdom of Hugh Hewitt." The author, a man of varied experience and fasicinating insight, offers invaluable wisdom for living with purpose in today's world. But unlike many who want to help us live better and more worthwhile lives, Hewitt isn't heavy handed or pedantic. He's a delightful writer who takes ideas seriously, but not himself. As you read, sometimes you'll chuckle. Often you'll say, "I wish I'd thought of that." And there will be plenty of times when you'll think, "I'm going to start doing this today." This book has something for everyone. You'll find Hewitt's musings on Plato and his relevance for those who want to make a difference today. Then you'll be encouraged to "know what you don't know" or to avoid getting tattoos. Even if one of the book's short, pithy chapters doesn't speak directly to you, you'll be sure to think of somebody who needs to read it. And you'll enjoy it too. This book is a fantastic gift. With graduation season just around the corner, its release couldn't be more timely. Every high school, college, and grad school graduate needs to read this book. I'm 45 years old and there's much here I wish I had read a half-life ago. Hewitt is a Christian and he writes as a Christian. But his writing reminds of C. S. Lewis -- helpful to Christian readers but equally valuable for non-believers. Buy this book for yourself. Buy this book for your friends. And be sure to buy this book for every graduate you can think of.
Rating:
Summary: A Delightful and Worthwhile Read!
Review: This book could have been subtitled "The Wit and Wisdom of Hugh Hewitt." The author, a man of varied experience and fasicinating insight, offers invaluable wisdom for living with purpose in today's world. But unlike many who want to help us live better and more worthwhile lives, Hewitt isn't heavy handed or pedantic. He's a delightful writer who takes ideas seriously, but not himself. As you read, sometimes you'll chuckle. Often you'll say, "I wish I'd thought of that." And there will be plenty of times when you'll think, "I'm going to start doing this today." This book has something for everyone. You'll find Hewitt's musings on Plato and his relevance for those who want to make a difference today. Then you'll be encouraged to "know what you don't know" or to avoid getting tattoos. Even if one of the book's short, pithy chapters doesn't speak directly to you, you'll be sure to think of somebody who needs to read it. And you'll enjoy it too. This book is a fantastic gift. With graduation season just around the corner, its release couldn't be more timely. Every high school, college, and grad school graduate needs to read this book. I'm 45 years old and there's much here I wish I had read a half-life ago. Hewitt is a Christian and he writes as a Christian. But his writing reminds of C. S. Lewis -- helpful to Christian readers but equally valuable for non-believers. Buy this book for yourself. Buy this book for your friends. And be sure to buy this book for every graduate you can think of.
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