Descending into Greatness

Rating:
Summary: Not one of Bill's best
Review: After reading this book I have only one question: Why in the world did he write it. In it Hybels weaves a sermon based on Philippians 2 with anecdotal stories of the meaning of childlike humility. It is Hybels' thesis that only through the intentional decision to move down in the world's eyes does one achieve true greatness.

Despite a grand biblical them the book is fatally flawed and full of contradictions in its interpretation of the so-called decade of "greed and decadence" of the 1980's. Here are just a few of the problems:

When he speaks of the poor getting poorer, could not this be the result of the failed polices of 30 years of liberalism? Could not the breakdown of lifestyle he bemoans be traced back to the advent of the pill, the sexual revolution and liberal social engineering rather than Reagan's economic policies? Does he think that we would have faired better under the economic policies of Jimmy Carter with an 18% inflation rate and a failed economy? What would be the plight of the poor under those conditions? Does everybody in this book suffer from codependency? Could the miracle of Willow Creek happen without the decade of greed and decadence? Was not the church built on the tithes and offerings of all those greedy Yuppies?

During the `80's Hybels was drawing a salary of $50,000. Why didn't he cut his salary in half if he was so concerned about greed and decadence?

Do yourself a favor and your blood pressure (if you are a Ronald Reagan fan) and read some other book. It is not one of Bill's best.

Rating:
Summary: Not one of Bill's best
Review: After reading this book I have only one question: Why in the world did he write it. In it Hybels weaves a sermon based on Philippians 2 with anecdotal stories of the meaning of childlike humility. It is Hybels' thesis that only through the intentional decision to move down in the world's eyes does one achieve true greatness.

Despite a grand biblical them the book is fatally flawed and full of contradictions in its interpretation of the so-called decade of "greed and decadence" of the 1980's. Here are just a few of the problems:

When he speaks of the poor getting poorer, could not this be the result of the failed polices of 30 years of liberalism? Could not the breakdown of lifestyle he bemoans be traced back to the advent of the pill, the sexual revolution and liberal social engineering rather than Reagan's economic policies? Does he think that we would have faired better under the economic policies of Jimmy Carter with an 18% inflation rate and a failed economy? What would be the plight of the poor under those conditions? Does everybody in this book suffer from codependency? Could the miracle of Willow Creek happen without the decade of greed and decadence? Was not the church built on the tithes and offerings of all those greedy Yuppies?

During the '80's Hybels was drawing a salary of $50,000. Why didn't he cut his salary in half if he was so concerned about greed and decadence?

Do yourself a favor and your blood pressure (if you are a Ronald Reagan fan) and read some other book. It is not one of Bill's best.

Rating:
Summary: Down-to-Earth Principles on True Success
Review: Hybels presents a fine definition of true, godly success in this work. He begins by describing the downward path to Christian success as opposed to the upward path to secular success. He then addresses various principles of success or greatness: power, commitment, servanthood, humility, obedience, and joy. Following an explanation of each principle and its biblical basis, Hybels includes a current-life illustration to drive his point home. He concludes his work by sharing his own personal story of descending into greatness, appealing to the reader to follow the biblical pattern. His conclusion is the most powerful part of the entire book.

I wholehearted recommend this book to all Christians, but especially to Christian leaders who are pursuing success. As the Scriptures say, and as Hybels says, being great is found not in becoming the head of the pack, but in becoming the servant of all.

Rating:
Summary: Down-to-Earth Principles on True Success
Review: Hybels presents a fine definition of true, godly success in this work. He begins by describing the downward path to Christian success as opposed to the upward path to secular success. He then addresses various principles of success or greatness: power, commitment, servanthood, humility, obedience, and joy. Following an explanation of each principle and its biblical basis, Hybels includes a current-life illustration to drive his point home. He concludes his work by sharing his own personal story of descending into greatness, appealing to the reader to follow the biblical pattern. His conclusion is the most powerful part of the entire book.

I wholehearted recommend this book to all Christians, but especially to Christian leaders who are pursuing success. As the Scriptures say, and as Hybels says, being great is found not in becoming the head of the pack, but in becoming the servant of all.

Rating:
Summary: True Discipleship
Review: In this incredible book Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins put contemporary flesh on the biblical truth that he would lead must first make himself nothing. (Chapters are paired, one teaching a principle and its partner showing how it is playing out in the life of real people.) It's a powerful reminder that true Christianity centers on the advancing of the Kingdom of God, not in the advancement of ourselves. This book will change your life. It's a well written, soul scraping challenge that every Christian should read.

Rating:
Summary: True Discipleship
Review: In this incredible book Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins put contemporary flesh on the biblical truth that he would lead must first make himself nothing. (Chapters are paired, one teaching a principle and its partner showing how it is playing out in the life of real people.) It's a powerful reminder that true Christianity centers on the advancing of the Kingdom of God, not in the advancement of ourselves. This book will change your life. It's a well written, soul scraping challenge that every Christian should read.