Rating: 
Summary: True suffering can be a joyful part of profound faith
Review: I understand the negative reviews of this book, but don't let them stop you from reading it! Bring your faith with you when you start reading it. I think Larry wrote this book for those who already have a deep, abiding faith in Christ and are scripturally literate enough to know where (the Bible) to find God's message to us. The great thing about this book is that it just may "reel in" a few faith fence-sitters because of it's honesty about suffering in the lives of good people!
I loved the Safest Place on Earth (my first Larry Crabb book--and one that I think every member of every church board and laity within a church should own) and bought several of his other books immediately afterwards.
Shattered Dreams was exactly what I needed to read. I had just finished a bible study "Life is Tough, but God is Faithful" (Sheila Walsh--on Job) and was really moved toward trying to reconcile with suffering in my life and those of the people I know and love.
Shattered Dreams really shone the light of truth on suffering for me. It was a fresh perspective (Ruth and Naomi) and helped me make peace with God's seemingly very still, very small voice in the barren wasteland that is suffering. This book renewed my faith and strengthened my desire to always seek God first--especially when I am unsure of WHY there is so much hurt and misery in the lives of the truly good and faithful people I know.
I am weary to my soul of the "name it and claim it," "Prayer of Jabez," "ask and ye shall receive" crowd--what a simplistic, unChristlike approach to a full and rich life in Jesus!
I have shared this book with four other friends and donated a copy to our church library. Only one person has disliked the book--the rest have really gained from it. We will be ordering the workbooks for an upcoming bible study based on the initial reactions of the first 6 people who've reviewed the book.
Rating:
Summary: Life-changing material
Review: I wanted to put this book down about 16 times while reading it. I was pegged, and I knew it. But I had to press on, because I knew I needed to hear the truth about what I was doing in my life. I never would have guessed that suffering could be a pathway to joy- I just wanted it to end right NOW. But now I see God at work- with eternal eyes that see beyond what is manifested in this world. Thank you God, for revealing Yourself to me through Shattered Dreams. I rank it up there with Yancey's "Dissappointment With God", and Peck's "The Road Less Traveled", and Blackaby's "Experiencing God". Life changing.
Rating:
Summary: changed perspectives
Review: I was particularly moved by the review below rejecting the premise of Dr. Crabb's most recent book. This book is a fearful thing. But I have been blessed to know those who have lived and are living the life described in Shattered Dreams. I, too, have lived through the process, and know first-hand it's truth.This great book is the answer to the "Why do bad things happen to good people?" nonsense of the secular world. Our life is not about us being healthy, wealthy and wise. God gave all of that to Solomon and look what he eventually said about his use of these blessings: Meaningless!, Meaningless!...Everything is utterly meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV). The secular culture we Christians dwell in rejects and fears the truth of Dr. Crabb's book. Many perceive life as about comfort, success, and happiness; perfectly content, disinfected and deodorized lives. The "Prayer of Jabez" is misread by that same group in the Christian community as "my letter to Santa". We rightfully fear the news Dr. Crabb gives. Some may indeed escape the suffering Dr. Crabb elucidates, but woe to those that do. We Christians are much like the Children of Israel: stiff-necked. Yes, Jesus has promised to answer our prayers, but they are to be asked as we are obedient to His commands and in His will, not ours. If the Lord allows us to give birth to a profoundly birth-defected child, or live through the hideous torment of painful cancer, how are we going to reconcile these pains with the hymn "It is well with my Soul"? Are we going to curse God, or refuse to as our role model Job did? This book is a life raft for those in the midst of having their dreams shattered. It is a primer for those living smugly well in the glow of God's costly (to Him) mercy and grace. For He Himself knew the shattered dreams of having to give His only begotten Son as a ransom for you and me. But the good news is, the end of the story is WONDERFUL. Be sure to read this book. It will explain how living the joyous life of being broken to God is the only way to really experience heaven on earth. This book is about God's blessing, not about His curse. It is our secular culture that rejects the premise; read it and trust God. There really is nothing to fear.
Rating:
Summary: Hope for the hurting
Review: I was particularly moved by the review below rejecting the premise of Dr. Crabb's most recent book. This book is a fearful thing. But I have been blessed to know those who have lived and are living the life described in Shattered Dreams. I, too, have lived through the process, and know first-hand it's truth. This great book is the answer to the "Why do bad things happen to good people?" nonsense of the secular world. Our life is not about us being healthy, wealthy and wise. God gave all of that to Solomon and look what he eventually said about his use of these blessings: Meaningless!, Meaningless!...Everything is utterly meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV). The secular culture we Christians dwell in rejects and fears the truth of Dr. Crabb's book. Many perceive life as about comfort, success, and happiness; perfectly content, disinfected and deodorized lives. The "Prayer of Jabez" is misread by that same group in the Christian community as "my letter to Santa". We rightfully fear the news Dr. Crabb gives. Some may indeed escape the suffering Dr. Crabb elucidates, but woe to those that do. We Christians are much like the Children of Israel: stiff-necked. Yes, Jesus has promised to answer our prayers, but they are to be asked as we are obedient to His commands and in His will, not ours. If the Lord allows us to give birth to a profoundly birth-defected child, or live through the hideous torment of painful cancer, how are we going to reconcile these pains with the hymn "It is well with my Soul"? Are we going to curse God, or refuse to as our role model Job did? This book is a life raft for those in the midst of having their dreams shattered. It is a primer for those living smugly well in the glow of God's costly (to Him) mercy and grace. For He Himself knew the shattered dreams of having to give His only begotten Son as a ransom for you and me. But the good news is, the end of the story is WONDERFUL. Be sure to read this book. It will explain how living the joyous life of being broken to God is the only way to really experience heaven on earth. This book is about God's blessing, not about His curse. It is our secular culture that rejects the premise; read it and trust God. There really is nothing to fear.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for all Believers
Review: I would concer with the other positive views of Dr. Crabb's book. I found it helpful to read as I have a dear friend going through cancer right now. It really helped me examine how I view my friend's situation as well as how I face the sufferings and diappointments of my own life. Obviouslly, my natural fleshly response is to ask "why" but maybe after reading this I will be more inclinded to, by faith, experience the joy of "who" (Our Savior who causes all things to work together for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose).
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for all Believers
Review: I would concer with the other positive views of Dr. Crabb's book. I found it helpful to read as I have a dear friend going through cancer right now. It really helped me examine how I view my friend's situation as well as how I face the sufferings and diappointments of my own life. Obviouslly, my natural fleshly response is to ask "why" but maybe after reading this I will be more inclinded to, by faith, experience the joy of "who" (Our Savior who causes all things to work together for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose).
Rating:
Summary: A challenging, thought-provoking book
Review: I'd like to believe that my underlying purpose for following Christ and performing ministry is to glorify God and bear others' burdens. But "Shattered Dreams" caused me to re-evaluate the actual motives behind my Christian service, and even my walk with God as a whole. It is Dr. Crabb's contention that we as Christians tend to treat our faith as a means to get what we desire - happiness, blessings, and "the good life." We want Heaven now, and therefore do whatever we can to achieve that goal. His words cut deeply, and made me realize how often I value my own personal well-being and comfort over taking risks as part of my relationship with Jesus. I fear suffering, and the loss that accompanies it. However, Dr. Crabb counters that such disasters (i.e. shattered dreams) can lead to a genuine fulfillment found only in a love relationship with the living God. Dr. Crabb uses the Biblical book of Ruth to illustrate his thesis. Naomi's early life is an example of shattered dreams that were ultimately redeemed later on for a greater purpose by a loving God. His points are well-reasoned, and I came away with a whole new appreciation for this small, yet powerful Old Testament story. Indeed, a book that throws down the spiritual gauntlet like "Shattered Dreams" needs a Scriptural foundation, and Dr. Crabb comes through admirably in this regard. I should point out that Dr. Crabb is not trying to steer the Christian towards an aesthetic existence devoid of desire. Nor is he advocating a fatalistic view of life in general. Instead, he encourages us to be deeply thankful for God's blessings, and enjoy them as such. But "Shattered Dreams" cautions us against believing that Christians are entitled to achieve blessing and avoid suffering via some sort of "right action" formula. This self-centered way of life doesn't reflect the heart of God, and ultimately misses out on the joy He offers to those who truly walk in the Spirit. If there is any weakness in "Shattered Dreams", it's one that I've seen in past works by Dr. Crabb. He is very long and detailed in diagnosis, but a bit sparse when it comes to remedy. To his credit, Dr. Crabb has founded New Way Ministries (discussed at the book's conclusion) in order to lead Christians toward a transformed life in Christ. I look forward to seeing what will come of it (as an aside, you may wish to read Dr. Crabb's "The Pressure's Off" and "Revolution Within" by Dwight Edwards for additional material along the lines of "Shattered Dreams"). I've been broadsided by Dr. Crabb's books before, but never so much as with "Shattered Dreams." This book has challenged me to evaluate my true motivations for following and serving God, and it is a wake-up call for all those who claim that Jesus Christ is their Lord and first love.
Rating:
Summary: A challenging, thought-provoking book
Review: I'd like to believe that my underlying purpose for following Christ and performing ministry is to glorify God and bear others' burdens. But "Shattered Dreams" caused me to re-evaluate the actual motives behind my Christian service, and even my walk with God as a whole. It is Dr. Crabb's contention that we as Christians tend to treat our faith as a means to get what we desire - happiness, blessings, and "the good life." We want Heaven now, and therefore do whatever we can to achieve that goal. His words cut deeply, and made me realize how often I value my own personal well-being and comfort over taking risks as part of my relationship with Jesus. I fear suffering, and the loss that accompanies it. However, Dr. Crabb counters that such disasters (i.e. shattered dreams) can lead to a genuine fulfillment found only in a love relationship with the living God. Dr. Crabb uses the Biblical book of Ruth to illustrate his thesis. Naomi's early life is an example of shattered dreams that were ultimately redeemed later on for a greater purpose by a loving God. His points are well-reasoned, and I came away with a whole new appreciation for this small, yet powerful Old Testament story. Indeed, a book that throws down the spiritual gauntlet like "Shattered Dreams" needs a Scriptural foundation, and Dr. Crabb comes through admirably in this regard. I should point out that Dr. Crabb is not trying to steer the Christian towards an aesthetic existence devoid of desire. Nor is he advocating a fatalistic view of life in general. Instead, he encourages us to be deeply thankful for God's blessings, and enjoy them as such. But "Shattered Dreams" cautions us against believing that Christians are entitled to achieve blessing and avoid suffering via some sort of "right action" formula. This self-centered way of life doesn't reflect the heart of God, and ultimately misses out on the joy He offers to those who truly walk in the Spirit. If there is any weakness in "Shattered Dreams", it's one that I've seen in past works by Dr. Crabb. He is very long and detailed in diagnosis, but a bit sparse when it comes to remedy. To his credit, Dr. Crabb has founded New Way Ministries (discussed at the book's conclusion) in order to lead Christians toward a transformed life in Christ. I look forward to seeing what will come of it (as an aside, you may wish to read Dr. Crabb's "The Pressure's Off" and "Revolution Within" by Dwight Edwards for additional material along the lines of "Shattered Dreams"). I've been broadsided by Dr. Crabb's books before, but never so much as with "Shattered Dreams." This book has challenged me to evaluate my true motivations for following and serving God, and it is a wake-up call for all those who claim that Jesus Christ is their Lord and first love.
Rating:
Summary: A challenging, thought-provoking book
Review: I'd like to believe that my underlying purpose for following Christ and performing ministry is to glorify God and bear others' burdens. But "Shattered Dreams" caused me to re-evaluate the actual motives behind my Christian service, and even my walk with God as a whole. It is Dr. Crabb's contention that we as Christians tend to treat our faith as a means to get what we desire - happiness, blessings, and "the good life." We want Heaven now, and therefore do whatever we can to achieve that goal. His words cut deeply, and made me realize how often I value my own personal well-being and comfort over taking risks as part of my relationship with Jesus. I fear suffering, and the loss that accompanies it. However, Dr. Crabb counters that such disasters (i.e. shattered dreams) can lead to a genuine fulfillment found only in a love relationship with the living God. Dr. Crabb uses the Biblical book of Ruth to illustrate his thesis. Naomi's early life is an example of shattered dreams that were ultimately redeemed later on for a greater purpose by a loving God. His points are well-reasoned, and I came away with a whole new appreciation for this small, yet powerful Old Testament story. Indeed, a book that throws down the spiritual gauntlet like "Shattered Dreams" needs a Scriptural foundation, and Dr. Crabb comes through admirably in this regard. I should point out that Dr. Crabb is not trying to steer the Christian towards an aesthetic existence devoid of desire. Nor is he advocating a fatalistic view of life in general. Instead, he encourages us to be deeply thankful for God's blessings, and enjoy them as such. But "Shattered Dreams" cautions us against believing that Christians are entitled to achieve blessing and avoid suffering via some sort of "right action" formula. This self-centered way of life doesn't reflect the heart of God, and ultimately misses out on the joy He offers to those who truly walk in the Spirit. If there is any weakness in "Shattered Dreams", it's one that I've seen in past works by Dr. Crabb. He is very long and detailed in diagnosis, but a bit sparse when it comes to remedy. To his credit, Dr. Crabb has founded New Way Ministries (discussed at the book's conclusion) in order to lead Christians toward a transformed life in Christ. I look forward to seeing what will come of it (as an aside, you may wish to read Dr. Crabb's "The Pressure's Off" and "Revolution Within" by Dwight Edwards for additional material along the lines of "Shattered Dreams"). I've been broadsided by Dr. Crabb's books before, but never so much as with "Shattered Dreams." This book has challenged me to evaluate my true motivations for following and serving God, and it is a wake-up call for all those who claim that Jesus Christ is their Lord and first love.
Rating:
Summary: so true
Review: I'm surprised there aren't more reviews of this book. Anyone who has experienced disappointment and suffering should read it. Instead of the usual ways of smothering pain with distractions, Larry Crabb presents to us a possibility not of shallow happiness, but of deep joy. With sometimes painful honesty about suffering, Shattered Dreams isn't a feel-good kind of book, but it does offer hope: the hope of knowing God. It's not a hard read; you could easily read it cover to cover without having to spend much time re-analysing passages. Instead of offering academic doctrine the book points us away from knowing ABOUT God, but to knowing God Himself.
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