Soul keeping (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I have very much appreciated the books by John Ortberg which I have acquired over the years. He is an American pastor with a sense of humour, and (in my view) an excellent balance in his beliefs. There are some of his books which I read quite a while ago, so I’m now - gradually - rereading them. It had been over eight years since I read ‘Soul keeping’, so I’ve just reread it over the past ten days or so.

It’s a very thought-provoking book, in my view. It covers some rather deeper issues than the author’s other books, and as such is, in places, rather heavier than is usual with Ortberg’s writing. But he does it very well, and I am very glad that I’ve read it again.

The book is about looking after our souls - and there is some discussion, early in the book, about what a soul is. It’s not something that can easily be defined; we can’t see our souls, or measure them. Some would deny that they exist. Some confuse them with our will or spirit, and sometimes people use phrases like, ‘poor old soul’, to refer to an individual. That’s perhaps not far from reality, according to Ortberg, since he sees our souls as the entirety of who we are: more than our minds, bodies and wills, and yet not tied to any of them. 

As the book progresses, the author takes several trips to visit his friend Dallas Willard, who was his mentor and inspiration for some years. I haven’t read many books by Dallas Willard, but Ortberg isn’t the only writer to have been inspired by him. And I was particularly struck by his phrase, ‘The ruthless elimination of hurry’, which is the title of a book I read a few months ago - and which, I just remembered, had an introduction by John Ortberg.

But ‘soul keeping’ is not just about slowing down. It’s about looking after our souls in a variety of ways. There is a chapter pointing out how difficult it is to do so in today’s busy, technology-filled noisy world. Our souls are often forgotten in our day-to-day lives, and it’s all too easy for them to shrink, to become damaged or broken. Metaphorical language, to be sure, but I found it resonated all too well. 

The second - and main - part of the book focuses on what our souls need, and I found these chapters particularly relevant. Our souls need us to look after them, and they need a sense of centering on God as often as possible, remembering whose we are. Our souls need time to rest and relax, and freedom from the opinions and judgement of others. And so much more. We’re encouraged to ‘bless’ rather than ‘curse’ other people - to wish them well, and encourage them rather than being critical or boastful. And the final chapter in this section reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our daily lives, rather than feeling as if we’re entitled to more. 

Alongside the teaching sections of the book are further anecdotes, some relating to the author’s family and other situations, and some to his repeated journeys to visit Dallas Willard. Dallas grows older and frailer, and yet stays constant in his positive, joyful attitudes. The last chapters remind us that there’s a ‘dark night of the soul’ that can affect people in different ways, and that if we’re going through this kind of thing, it’s not our fault.

It’s a book for Christians, but could be of interest to people on the fringe, or who are interested in knowing more about what a soul might be. There are many quotations and examples given from the Bible, which mentions the soul a surprising number of times; Ortberg takes his principles and definitions from the Bible, while setting his recommendations and advice firmly in the 21st century.

All in all, I thought this an excellent read, one I would recommend to anyone interested in the health of their soul.

Review copyright 2025 Sue's Book Reviews

The me I want to be (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I do like John Ortberg’s books. He’s an American pastor who writes with honesty and some humour. His writing is often thought-provoking, and I found it particularly so in this book. I last read ‘The me I want to be’ in 2010, so had pretty much forgotten what was in it. Possibly I borrowed it the first time, as I could not find it on our shelves. So I put it on my wishlist and was delighted to be given it for Christmas.

I’ve reread it over the past couple of weeks, a chapter or two each day. The premise of the book is that God has made us all as unique individuals for a reason. It follows that he wants each of us to be the best ‘me’ that we can, and also that this is possible. He encourages us all to find our unique ‘calling’, pointing out that this doesn’t necessarily mean something overtly Christian or ‘religious’. 

It’s a message I’ve read many times before but it’s always worth being reminded of something so very important. So many Christians attempt to be people they are not. If they feel pressure to ‘perform’, or to appear to be generous or happy when they are not, then they’re not being honest or real. It’s also not necessary to try to develop skills we don’t have and don’t particularly want. Far more important, Ortberg tells us, is to focus on what we can do, and where we feel most connected to God.

There are some useful chapters that focus on different ways that people can find out more about themselves. He looks at the Myers-Briggs system, for instance, and on books for helping people find their spiritual gifts, and their preferred pathways to God. Someone who is a nature-loving introvert is not likely to be called to pastor a large inter-city church. Not that God can’t work miracles - of course he can. But in general in the Bible, and in life, he uses people where they are, with their strengths and weaknesses, hopes and desires. 

Ortberg also reminds people that different ‘disciplines’ or practices help different people. If someone finds it helpful to write in a journal every day, or to get up very early to pray, then that’s great. But if someone finds journaling a chore or is absolutely not a morning person, then it’s best to find alternatives. We should not become arrogant when we find our best pathways to God, nor should we feel pressured to follow anyone else’s. 

There are some more general exhortations, too. For instance, he reminds us, where possible, to choose to fill our minds with what is true, noble, and so on rather than junk (as Paul tells us in his letter to the Philippians). He tells us to chat to God about anything and everything, including the mundane. He points out that relationships - with people as well as with God - are far more important than careers, even overtly Christian ones. But also that we are designed to work; that the sabbath day of rest is important, but so is to give ourselves to work, in the broadest sense, for the other six days and to do it with integrity and thoroughness.

There’s much more, of course. The author talks about times when he failed, and about benefits of living each day with God, taking a step at a time, learning to be who we are designed to be. He suggests making a point of relating to people we find difficult so that we (hopefully) learn to grow in patience and understanding. And at the end he suggests that we ask for a ‘mountain’ ahead of us, a challenge rather than a quieter life. I’m not so sure about that; I prefer a simpler, more straightforward existence with minor challenges rather than major ones. 

My only complaint about this book - and I see it’s one I had when I first read it - is the nature of the diagrams, which look very scrappy, with a mixture of printed text and what look like hand-drawn lines. I didn’t allow them to interfere with the content, which is excellent; but they definitely make the book look less professional. 

However, other than the diagrams, I would recommend the book highly to anyone who is a Christian believer, whether long-standing or new; whether deeply committed or more on the periphery.  It’s encouraging, and inspiring, and very well-written.

Review copyright 2025 Sue's Book Reviews

The life you've always wanted (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I do like re-reading John Ortberg’s books. I last read ‘The life you’ve always wanted’ in 2017 but had forgotten what it was about. The author explains in the introduction: it’s essentially a book about spiritual disciplines. But, he hastens to add, that doesn’t mean developing dry rituals, or becoming stuck in rigid requirements. 

To be more specific, he’s not talking about spending hours every day reading the Bible just for the sake of being more spiritual. He points out that a disciplined person isn’t someone who is rigid about their lifestyle, or who never does anything spontaneous. A disciplined person is one who exercises self-control, who radiates peace, and patience, and the other fruits of the spirit. The aim of this is to become more Christlike. But that’s not something we can achieve overnight, and may seem too daunting to consider. 

Discipline, Ortberg goes on to explain, means being prepared to work at something we can do, in the hope of being able to do something that we can’t currently do, no matter how hard we try. He gives the example of musicians who have had to do many thousands of hours of practice, some of it quite tedious, in order to be able to play their instruments proficiently. The discipline is in the regular practice; it allows the beauty of music, the ability to play new pieces quickly, and the gift of entertaining or accompanying others to a high standard.

The rest of the book looks at different ‘disciplines’, and the first one is that of being joyful. The author describes the joy of one of his small daughters, who would run around and repeat, ‘Doo dah day’ when she was happy. He points out that Christians are not supposed to be miserable - joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. And he suggests ways of looking at the world to increase joy, including deliberately stopping and admiring beauty around us. 

The next chapter is about eliminating the need to hurry. He recommends disciplines such as choosing the longest line at the supermarket, rather than the shortest. Or deliberately driving in the slowest lane on the motorway rather than hurrying to overtake, zig-zagging in and out. Or letting our children take their time rather than rushing them if we want to go out. Some of what he says may be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but I found this quite challenging. He also mentions the need for solitude, both brief periods daily, and sometimes longer sessions. 

With all these ‘disciplines’, and others that follow in subsequent chapters, what the author gives are suggestions or recommendations, not rigid requirements. The aim is not to check boxes, or to score points, but to become closer to God, more loving to those around us, and to develop the fruits of the spirit. Someone who is naturally patient may not need to eliminate hurry - indeed, they might sometimes need the reverse, to focus more on time-keeping for the sake of their families and friends.

There’s a chapter about prayer - about chatting to God about whatever is on our minds. John Ortberg recommends beginning with no more than five minutes daily, something that most of us can probably manage. There’s a chapter about humility, something quite difficult to achieve since it’s so easy to take pride in our efforts. As soon as we’re comparing ourselves with others, looking down on those who are not humble, we’ve lost our sense of humility. Ortberg recommends service as a discipline to help us learn genuine humility. 

Not everything will apply to everyone, but I was challenged to keep several of his ‘disciplines’ in mind. The practice of meditating on a single verse of Scripture off and on through the day, for instance, rather than just reading the Bible for general information and inspiration. Or the importance of remembering that everything we do - whether overtly spiritual or not - can be done in ways that we think Jesus might do it. 

There’s so much more in this book. I read just a chapter at a time, to give me a chance to ponder some of the suggestions the author makes. They’re not heavy going at all. Ortberg includes a lot of anecdotes about his family and other situations, which lighten the tone a bit, and also shed extra light on what he’s writing about. He is honest and open about his own failings and tendencies, too - how he tends to rush and get impatient; how he sometimes puts his own wishes ahead of those around him. 

All in all, I thought this very thought-provoking. It’s the third time I’ve read it, so maybe some of the recommendations might finally become part of my life. 

At the back is a study guide, which could be useful for small groups working through the book together. 

Review copyright 2024 Sue's Book Reviews

Everybody's normal till you get to know them (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I always find John Ortberg’s books to be inspiring and encouraging, and I appreciate re-reading them from time to time. I last read ‘Everybody’s normal till you get to know them’ in 2016 so it was time for another re-read. As with most books of this kind, I hadn’t remembered much about it although I hope the general themes and principles were somewhere in my subconscious from previous readings.

John Ortberg is an American Baptist pastor, but not of the right-wing or fundamentalist kind. He writes well, with some gentle humour and a few incidents from his family life. Some of them show him in a less than flattering light, which makes him seem believable, approachable, and open. 

The theme of the book is that we all have our quirks, that if you dig deep enough, probably everybody has things they’re ashamed of, or afraid of. God loves us all, no matter what, and our job is to love and care for each other. Indeed, we need each other - and despite being a self-avowed Swedish-heritage Introvert, the author is enthusiastic about the need for community. 

The book opens with a chapter about porcupines - not an animal that I’ve ever seen, but the principle of prickliness holds for hedgehogs too. Ortberg builds a picture of these animals who make it very difficult for anyone to get close, and likens people to porcupines. The image is clear and all too uncomfortably true.  This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book, gently nudging readers into considering their own ‘prickles’. 

Different chapters cover aspects of getting closer to those around us. There are three broad sections, the first one exploring our concept of ‘normality’ and concluding that it doesn’t exist - or perhaps that it’s an unrealistic standard. The second section is about getting close without getting hurt and covers such useful themes as acceptance and authenticity, both very important.

The final section goes a bit deeper into what we need to develop and keep relationships, including a chapter on conflict, and how to handle problems when they arise. Forgiveness and inclusion are also covered.  

The audience is intended to be Christian believers, or at least those sympathetic to the Christian ideal; there are several quotations from Scripture and re-telling of some of the Biblical stories in the author’s distinctive style. He might possibly offend some Biblical literalists, as he takes the culture and customs into the context of the day, and is quite loose in his interpretations. I found his re-telling to be helpful in shedding new light on the possible meanings of some of these incidents. But those not familiar with the Bible might find them confusing. 

As I write a few hours after finishing the last pages, I’m not sure I recall any specific anecdotes or teaching from the book even after having spent the last month reading a few pages each day. Most days, anyway. But I enjoyed re-reading it at the time. I appreciated the writing and the sentiments, and I hope I’m reminded to be less prickly myself, and to be more open and authentic in pursuing and continuing relationships with those around me.

Definitely recommended. 

Review copyright 2023 Sue's Book Reviews

Eternity is Now (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I have very much liked - and appreciated - the books I’ve read by John Ortberg. He’s an American pastor who would probably call himself evangelical, but he’s not a fundamentalist; he has a sense of humour, a sometimes quirky style of writing, and a much broader view of the Bible in context, and the church in general than many Christian writers. 

So when I saw that he had published a book which wasn’t in my collection, I put it on my wishlist and was very pleased to be given ‘Eternity is Now’ for my recent birthday. The book is rather shorter than many by this author (the title is shorter than most of his titles, too) but it’s still an excellent read. With any book like this I like to read no more than about 10 pages at a time, as there’s always something to think about, and perhaps re-read the following day before starting a new section.

The theme of the book is not a new one; it’s one I’ve been aware of most of my life, and which I’ve been reading about in other places, on and offline, in recent years. It’s the concept that ‘eternity’ (or ‘eternal life’) doesn’t start when we die, but right now, where we’re living. We’re in the Kingdom of God already, ‘followers of the Way’, as early believers called themselves. 

Unfortunately too many churches seem to say - or, at least, imply - that what matters is saying the right words, believing information about Jesus, asking him to forgive us and accepting his sacrifice on the Cross as taking our sins. They do also want us to live holy lives, and give up bad habits, and study the Bible and go to church services, but these are seen almost as add-ons; not optional extras, exactly, but not as important as what we believe, or (in some circles) saying a ‘sinners’ prayer’.  

Ortberg doesn’t criticise these things as such - they’re all good. But he prefers the emphasis being on entering the Kingdom, of walking alongside God, living for him, learning from him, moving towards Jesus in all we do. We’re not just saved from our sins, as if a prayer is a password to get out of jail free; we’re saved FOR something, for life with God right now, one that, eventually, moves seamlessly into eternity. 

None of this is new; despite the rather dramatic subtitle of the book ('a radical rediscovery of what Jesus really taught about salvation, eternity and getting to the Good Place') it’s all based on Scripture, and it’s what I had always understood when I was growing up in Christian circles. But it’s often forgotten. John Ortberg’s style is very helpful in explaining what he sees as the essence of following Jesus, and encouraging us to move forward, even if we sometimes take two steps back for everyone one ahead. 

The second half of the book describes four sections to our live with Christ in the Kingdom, with sections on what he calls Awakening (realising God is everywhere), Purgation (getting rid of what we don’t need), Illumination (a different kind of understanding, or mental map) and Union (knowing we’re not alone). It sounds quite heavy but it isn’t. As is usual with this author, the book describes anecdotes and ideas in the author’s own life to illustrate what he’s saying, and the style is light alongside being profound and thought-provoking.

Definitely worth reading - recommended to anyone who is part of - or in the fringes of - the worldwide church.

Review copyright 2023 Sue's Book Reviews

All the Places to Go (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I’ve very much appreciated John Ortberg’s books over the sixteen or so years since I first discovered his writing. He’s an American pastor from an evangelical Baptist background, but he’s far from being a fundamentalist. He writes with some humour, some personal anecdotes, and an excellent way with words that makes even well-known truths take on a new light.

I’m gradually re-reading some of his books, and have just finished ‘All the places to go’. I last read this in 2016, amused that the front cover looked like something from a Dr Seuss book. I then discovered that there are several quotes from Dr Seuss in the book, as well as some parodies. So the front cover was deliberate.

What is important, however, is the content. It’s mostly about doors - open doors, closed doors, tempting doors, forbidden doors, and the need to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we look for where to go. Ortberg isn’t just writing about the ‘big’ issues, such as vocation, or life partner. He reminds us that life is made up of opportunities, some of them as small as a kind word to a supermarket cashier, or a hug for an unhappy child. When we’re following the way of Jesus, every positive moment is a step in the right direction.

I didn’t remember much from the book, and thought it quite inspiring. It didn’t say anything particularly new, but what it said was thought-provoking and inspiring. The most important thing about doors, John Ortberg says, is who we are with. If Jesus is there, beside us, then even a ‘wrong’ door can turn into something good. And there are times when there’s no clear guidance, when we need to make up our own minds between two or more different opportunities. What matters is that we, as people, grow and move further towards God, and the decision of taking a job, for instance, or moving to a new house, is less important from a spiritual perspective.

Having said that, I don’t relate to everything in the book. I don’t, for instance, suffer from the ‘fear of missing out’, or ‘FOMO’, as the author puts it. I don’t at all mind that other people have more friends, more interesting lives, more experiences. My problem is the other extreme: if I’m comfortable, and secure, then I’d rather just stay where I am and not take any risks. But it’s important to have a balance; that’s why the concept of an open door, set before us (or a series of doors) is such a helpful image. Some are wide open, some can be gently pushed, some are closed and it might (or might not) be a good idea to knock or even push a little to see if it will open.

It’s not a perfect image, of course. Some may find it unhelpful, but that’s okay too. The chapter looking at some of the Christian myths about open doors is a useful one to get the theory into perspective, and I think the book is well worth reading, even if you don’t like the conceptual idea. We all have to make decisions, and while most of them are relatively minor, it’s important to take into account God’s guidance, the principles of Scripture, and our own experience and common sense.

What is most important is to keep looking at Jesus, and to see all ‘doors’ or pathways or decisions as opportunities for growth.

The author deliberately doesn’t take any specific denominational stance, which I think is helpful. While some of his anecdotal references are rather ‘American’, occasionally incomprehensible to this non-American with no interest in sports, it’s easy enough to skim them.

I love John Ortberg’s writing, and would recommend this to anyone who is a believer and who would like to know a bit more about the theory of guidance and ‘open doors’ in the Christian sense.

Review copyright 2023 Sue's Book Reviews

Love Beyond Reason (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I both liked and appreciated John Ortberg’s books the first time I read them, so I’m now re-reading them, and finding new encouragement and inspiration. I first read ‘Love beyond reason’ in 2008 and again in 2013, so it felt like time for a re-read. Not that I find anything new, exactly, in books like this - but a lot of reminders that are often surprisingly relevant.

This book essentially explains what it means to be loved by God. Not in a general way, but specific. Ortberg uses the word ‘ragged’ several times to describe us - rough at the edges, far from perfect, yet, like a battered old rag doll we are loved, deeply, passionately, and forever.

It’s easy to know these things academically, and to take them for granted, so I find it a positive experience to read books like this that make me look at the world, other people and God with a different perspective. Possibly one that I’ve lost, or moved from, or simply forgotten. I’m reminded just what God has done for me, just how much I matter to him, and how important it is to spend time together.

There are just twelve chapters in this book, and I read one a day over the course of a couple of weeks - some of them taking more than one day. I like Ortberg’s style, with plenty of anecdotes about himself, his family and his ministry. Like the best writers, he’s quite self-deprecating at times, thought not in a negative way. I smiled at one or two of the stories, but they have a way of piercing defences and making me think.

Ortberg quotes Scripture extensively, often in his own loose paraphrase that might upset some literalists, but which I found quite helpful as he puts his own slant on what Jesus was saying, or how disciples were reacting. I know the original, of course; this is first and foremost  a book for believers, and the author writes with the assumption that readers are familiar with the Bible stories, and many of the better known quotations. Of course there are extensive references in the back, but I don’t think I referred to any of them.

There’s not much more I can say - I am very pleased I read this again, and expect to continue doing so every few years. There’s much in it that is also said in other books on the same topic, but each author puts his own voice to the concepts, and expresses them in different ways.

Definitely recommended.

Review copyright 2022 Sue's Book Reviews

Faith and Doubt (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I have very much liked the books written by John Ortberg, which I have read over the past fifteen years or so. He’s an American pastor who thinks outside the books, and writes in a very readable style. He uses anecdotes to illustrate his points, including sometimes poking gentle fun at himself. I’ve started re-reading some of his books, and just finished ‘Faith & Doubt’, which I read previously in 2009.

It’s an encouraging book, expressing the importance of having doubt alongside faith. If there were no doubts, the author pointed out, we wouldn’t need faith: we would have certainty. And while it’s good to have some certainties, that’s not what God has ordained. We are not robots, we are fallible humans who should use our minds and our intuition to make wise (or unwise) decisions.

Doubt, as the author points out, is indicative of honesty, and a willingness to be wrong. There’s plenty of doubt expressed in the Bible - characters who go on to do great things often express their doubts, sometimes more strongly than that. Gideon asks for dramatic proofs of what God asks him to do; Abraham and Sarah laugh when they’re old they’re going to be parents. Several people argue with God, and of course the apostle Thomas is sometimes known as ‘Doubting Thomas’, because he expressed clear doubts about whether or not Jesus had risen from the dead.

So it’s certainly not wrong to doubt; we’re in good company if we do. And it can be a good thing; it helps us to consolidate what we believe, and why. It helps us see the ‘big picture’ of the Bible rather than getting hung up on minor details or inconsistencies. It enables us to be honest, and to help other people see that faith is not straightforward or ‘obvious’.

There are many examples given in the book of when the author has doubts, and when doubting can become a problem. He explains the three extremes of doubting: skepticism, cynicism and rebellion. Many believers are skeptical at times, and most of us probably have moments of cynicism. But we know them for what they are, and (hopefully) move through them rather than building our life around them. Rebellion is more dangerous, as it can lead to direct defiance rather than mere procrastination or uncertainty.

Overall I thought it a well-written, well-thought-out book which was encouraging and also interesting to read. I’m not sure I really learned anything new, but it’s good to have reminders of why doubting is part of faith, and why it’s not a rejection of God to sometimes wonder whether something is true or not.

It’s a book for believers rather than those without faith; encouraging for those who have been walking the path for decades, but probably more useful for newer believers who might be feeling overwhelmed or worried that their faith is not strong enough.

Recommended.

Note: This book was republished as 'Know Doubt' and is, rather confusingly, available with both titles.

Review copyright 2021 Sue's Book Reviews

God is Closer than you Think (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I do like John Ortberg’s writing. He’s an American Christian, and refers to himself an evangelical. But his theology and his style are far removed from the preachy, fundamentalist viewpoint that has unfortunately become common amongst many American evangelicals.

I first read ‘God is closer than you think’ in 2009, and liked it very much. But in more than a decade I had forgotten what it was about, so it was more than time for a re-read. I’ve read a chapter each day for the past ten days, and once again thought this book excellent.

The focus of the book, unsurprisingly, is on finding and communicating with God. Ortberg gives some nice analogies, one of which appears several times: that of looking for God being a bit like a ‘Where’s Wally?’ picture (or, rather, ‘Where’s Waldo?’, since it’s an American book). It’s all too easy to get distracted by everything that’s going on around us, and miss God’s presence - which is not necessarily where we expect it.

Ortberg also focuses on the need to concentrate on now - on today, which is the only time in which we live. It’s easy to get caught up in regrets or nostalgia for the past, or dreams for the future. But while memories can be positive, and planning is sometimes essential, we are actually living right now. The past can’t be changed, and we don’t know what might change in the future. That’s all the more relevant at the end of 2020, a year when almost all plans were turned upside down as the pandemic spread.

The author quotes from Brother Lawrence and others who made an effort to think about God in all they did - in everyday chores and interactions as well as while reading their Bibles or attending Church services. He gives examples and anecdotes showing that very often we need to start somewhere small: in being kind to our relatives, avoiding sarcastic comments, smiling at harassed shop workers, staying calm and patient while waiting in long queues.

There’s a helpful chapter on paths to spirituality, quoting Gary Thomas and his excellent book ‘Sacred Pathways’. I remember finding it encouraging when I first read Ortberg’s book - perhaps it was this that inspired me to find some of Gary Thomas’s writing - as I’m not the kind of person who necessarily finds singing, or church services helpful. 

I like people and small groups, but am far from being an extravert. I like nature, but have no real spiritual need for it. I like reading but am not an academic. I’m certainly not an activist, and while I know that serving is a good idea, I tend not to notice opportunities to serve, and when I do, I don’t find them particularly fulfilling. But the contemplative path - one of needing a great deal of time alone, to ponder, to think and to write - describes me perfectly.

Thomas actually describes nine spiritual pathways, and goes into them in a great deal more depth than Ortberg does, but it was still a useful reminder in this book that there are many ways of finding and relating to God, and that while we probably all have elements of all of them, none is ‘better’ than any other. God made us as we are, and we need to find him in the ways he built into our personalities.

There’s much more in the book, including a chapter about how to find God when we feel low, or as if we’re just talking to a blank wall. And finally there’s a chapter pointing out that the Gospel message is not primarily about life after death (although that’s important) but about God being here with us now. As Christmas approaches and people are more aware of God coming into the world as Emmanuel (‘God with us’) it’s important to remember this.

The writing is excellent, with just the right balance between Scripture exposition and personal anecdotes, either from the author's own life and ministry, or from other friends and relatives. He quotes other writers too, as relevant, and I found it a very readable book.

All in all, I would recommend this book highly to anyone who is a Christian believer, or interested in knowing how Christian belief works, or who would simply like to feel closer to God.

Review copyright 2020 Sue's Book Reviews

I'd like you more if you were more like me (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I very much appreciate John Ortberg’s books. I have gradually acquired them over the years, mostly fairly soon after each one was issued in paperback form. His most recent book, ‘I’d like you more if you were more like me’ was on my wishlist last year, and I was given it for Christmas.

John Ortberg is a pastor who lives and works in the US, but regularly makes the point that he is Swedish. He uses this fact as a humorous aside fairly often, to explain some of his traits and foibles. He is honest in his writing, peppering his teaching with anecdotes, many of them against himself in ways that make points clearly.

The main themes of the book are of community and connection - with each other, and with God. The subtitle is ‘Getting real about getting close’. I don’t think there was anything dramatically new in the book, but there were lots of things to ponder, many insights that struck me as relevant.

Ortberg talks about love - lasting love, and how we know we are loved, by our spouses, children, parents and friends. He writes about meaningful connections: how important it is to respond positively to those we care about, rather than with irritation or negativity. Not that any one incident in itself will do any harm, but we can all too easily spiral into increasing rejection and refusal to connect without realising we have done so.

Each chapter looks at a different aspect of togetherness and intimacy; Ortberg makes it clear that when he uses the word ‘intimacy’, he is referring to something emotional and spiritual that draws us together. Intimacy grows out of the ways we learn to trust and rely on each other, sharing our lives and worlds.

He also explodes a few myths: that intimacy and love are the same thing, for instance, or that intimacy means we lose control, or that everyone responds in the same way. He gives examples of differing love languages, of ways in which he and his wife understand love and intimacy differently. He explains how vulnerability is important, and how even the best of us can deceive ourselves if we’re not willing to be open and potentially hurt. He talks about the difference between groaning and grumbling, something that had not previously occurred to me, and the difference between belonging and fitting in.

I read a chapter every day for a fortnight, finding much to think about in each one. I don’t know if the book will make much difference to me, but it’s certainly made me more aware of the importance of positive communication and moving ‘towards’ people rather than away.

While this book could be of interest to anyone, there’s a strong Christian element, with plenty of examples of how Jesus illustrated true intimacy in his interactions with those around him, both his followers and people he met for the first time.

Highly recommended. (If you are buying this, make sure you get the actual book and not the member's guide which is intended as a study guide alongside it.) 

Review by Sue F copyright 2019 Sue's Book Reviews

When the game is over, it all goes back in the box (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

Over many years now, I have read and enjoyed books by John Ortberg, who is an American pastor (not, however, a fundamentalist). So now I’m gradually re-reading them. Ortberg is not known for his short snappy titles, although they’re mostly quite memorable. The one I’ve just finished is entitled, ‘When the game is over, it all goes back in the box’. I last read it nine years ago.

As a fan of board games, I very much like the premise of this book. The author grew up playing games with his grandmother, who was evidently a wise and loving lady. He has taken principles learned in these games, and applies them to life and spirituality, with a mixture of explanations, anecdotes and some low-key Bible references.

Although the cover of my book shows some Scrabble tiles, the opening chapter is about the game of Monopoly, not a game I like at all. But I played it as a child, so understand the rules and frustrations of the game. It’s a tad confusing in that ours was the British version, and the author’s, unsurprisingly, the American one which has different property names. But still, the concepts of keeping score, being a good sport, focussing on what matters, etc, are universally applicable.

In a sense, it’s a slightly morbid book. The point is made several times that no matter what we acquire or achieve in our lifetimes, in the end our bodies return to the dust. While the author holds out the hope of eternal life, as I do, we can’t take anything physical with us when we die. Ortberg refers to the parable of the ‘rich fool’ a couple of times, as the ultimate in missing the point. No matter how hard we work, or how much money we earn, we end up without it. So it makes more sense to focus on what lasts: on building the Kingdom of God, spending time with our loved ones, sharing what we have with others, giving to those in need.

It’s not a preachy book, however. The author has a light, friendly style and many of his anecdotes are against himself. He acknowledges problems of materialism and worldly ambition, along with a growing realisation, as he grows older, that everything is temporary.

My only real problem with the book is the many references to American places, universities and sports. I have no clue what baseball or American football jargon means, and while I usually got the point of the stories or points made using examples from sports, much of the detail was completely foreign to me. I’d have preferred more about board games, as those are more universally understood. Moreover, the pieces of board games do indeed go ‘back in the box’ after the end of the game. Victory is brief, and even the King and Queen are thrown in with the pawns.

There’s much to think about in this book; I read a chapter at a time, and found plenty to ponder. It’s written for Christians, or those interested in the Christian life. I would recommend it to anyone who feels a bit jaded, or caught up in the material world. It’s very readable, and on the whole I found it quite encouraging.

Note that as well as the actual book, this has also been published as a study with participants' guides, so if you're buying it online, make sure you have the correct edition.

Review copyright 2018 Sue's Book Reviews

Soul Keeping (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I have very much appreciated John Ortberg’s books over the years. He’s an American evangelical pastor, which could be off-putting to many; but he’s neither a fundamentalist, nor judgemental. He writes from a gentle, loving perspective focussing on people’s real needs and stresses. So whenever I discover that he’s written a new book, I put it on my wishlist. I was delighted to be given this one for my birthday a few months ago.

‘Soul Keeping’ (Ortberg has evidently given up on the long unwieldy titles of his earlier books!) is a book about the soul. Some might call it the ‘psyche’, but then that’s the Greek word for ‘soul’. Most of us are a little vague about what actually constitutes the soul, and I’m not sure I’m a great deal clearer even after reading the book. But although it's an overtly Christian book, it could be of interest to anyone who is willing to look beyond the material world.

The writing is clear, well-presented and structured in a way that each section builds on the one before. I read this over a couple of weeks, mostly covering just a chapter per day. The author gives some anecdotes from his own life as a father and pastor, and some relevant episodes in the lives of other people he’s known, in particular his friend Dallas Willard, as illustrations for what he is writing about.

The first section attempts to explain what the soul is, or at least how the author sees it, and certainly explains what it is not. It’s not our physical selves; it’s not our mind (by which he includes both thoughts and feelings) and it’s not our will. Instead, it’s something that makes us who we are; it encompasses our personalities, and is affected by the health of our bodies and minds, and the actions we choose with our wills. Ortberg gives plenty of Scriptural references to the soul, but I eventually realised it was never going to be clear to me. Perhaps it’s impossible to define the essence of who we are, in relation to God, and to other people.

The second, longest section of the book is divided into several chapters, each focussing on different qualities that the soul needs. A centre, for instance, a future, rest, freedom, gratitude, and more. By this stage I had a vague, fuzzy idea of the soul, and what the author said made a lot of sense. To be whole, authentic and integrated people, we need to be centred on God, aligning our wills with what we know to be right. We need to keep our bodies and minds healthy by eating the right foods and concentrating on the right things. When we do something we know to be wrong, we become fragmented: damaged in our souls.

The final part of the book looks at suffering, and the ‘dark night of the soul’ when we feel a long way away from God despite no known sins or unhealthy decisions. The author does not use cliches or false comfort; he acknowledges that this can happen, and that it’s not the fault of the person concerned. It’s not particularly reassuring, in that he gives no ways out other than time and a great deal of patience.

I don’t know that I found any great new insights into this book, but I found it encouraging and helpful in beginning to get a glimpse of what the soul might be. I was particularly challenged by the idea of ‘blessing’ (a jargon word, but there’s no real alternative) others in all we say and do, and that the opposite of blessing is cursing.

Definitely recommended if you’re interested in this topic.

Review copyright 2017 Sue's Book Reviews

The Life You've Always Wanted (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I’ve very much appreciated and also enjoyed reading all the books I’ve come across by John Ortberg. He’s an American pastor with a refreshingly honest and down-to-earth style. In the absence of any of his new books, I’ve started re-reading some of the ones I haven’t read for many years.

I last read ‘The Life you’ve Always Wanted’ in 2006, and rated it very highly. Subtitled, ‘Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People’, it might look rather daunting at first glance. But this is far from the case. Ortberg has a great deal of admiration for ascetic, disciplined Christians, but realises how difficult it is for most of us to emulate them.

He points out, too, that discipline of any kind is not supposed to be an end in itself. People train to lose weight, perhaps, or to become fit enough to run a marathon; they don’t train for the sole purpose of saying that they train every day. Likewise, while spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible reading are important, and a good thing to do, they should not become rigid or stressful. The point of spiritual disciplines is to help us become more Christlike, so that we can grow and reach out to others. If Bible reading causes us to become more judgemental or rigid, then perhaps we need to take a different tack entirely.

The book is divided into thirteen chapters, each of which is a good length for reading at one sitting. Ortberg starts to talking about the transformation that is (or should be) our aim - our ‘morphing’ into people of God, seeing gradual growth towards love, joy, peace and so on. He talks, too, about allowing the Holy Spirit to enable change rather than being determined to try hard, and then being discouraged by setbacks or failures.

The bulk of the book then looks at different disciplines which the author recommends: slowing down, praying, confessing our wrongs, and more. Again, he takes a relaxed approach, giving excellent reasons, Scriptural and practical why these things are important - but reminding us, again, that they have a purpose rather than being ‘rules’ or absolute requirements.

Each reader will approach this differently; those who are already thoughtful, able to take a steady and prayerful pace through the day, may not find much of use in the chapters about slowing down or finding a few moments to pray. Those who regularly attend traditional liturgical church services may find no problem confessing sins and moving forwards in grace and freedom. Yet in each chapter there is much to ponder.

Ortberg includes anecdotes about himself and his family, including some where he gets things entirely wrong. He writes with a self-deprecating style that’s heart-warming and very encouraging. If a pastor who’s also a popular writer can make this many mistakes, and struggle with so much of the Christian life, then perhaps there’s hope for the rest of us.

As with the last time I read this, I thought it immensely helpful and thought-provoking, and would recommend it highly.

Note that in addition to the main book there are study guides and participants' guides available.

Review copyright 2017 Sue's Book Reviews

Everybody's normal till you get to know them (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I’ve very much enjoyed the boys I’ve read by John Ortberg. He’s an American Christian pastor who writes with honesty and some humour, including self-deprecating anecdotes and much that’s thought-provoking. So, as it was ten years since I last read this one, I thought it was time for a re-read.

‘Everybody’s normal till you get to know them’ is typical of the author’s lengthy but memorable book titles. The overall theme is that we’re all damaged in some way; none of us is in full health, and that ‘normality’ is in fact almost impossible to attain. There’s a linguistic problem there which mildly annoyed me at times: ‘normality’ means ‘what people are like in general’, so if nobody is ‘normal’ then normality is in fact what the author describes as abnormality.

That’s a paradox which was never addressed. I prefer the word ‘healthy’ as used by other authors, acknowledging that few people are in good health (physically, emotionally or spiritually); the majority are in a state of semi-health, perhaps appearing to do the right things, but potentially with many problems on the inside.

Language details aside, the book is excellent. Ortberg unpacks Scriptural passages where relevant, mentions events in his family life where he has made mistakes, and gently demonstrates how so many of us - and he’s writing to Christian believers - are prickly, difficult to get to know, stressed, unable to share problems with anybody.

The first section of the book unpacks what he means by ‘normal’, and how far from this we all are; the second section is about getting closer to other people. What we need most is community: people we can trust, and enjoy being with, and with whom we can take of masks of pretence. There are chapters about empathy and acceptance, something that many in today’s church find difficult to do; Ortberg looks in detail at some of the Gospel stories to see how Jesus handled relationships.

The final section is about building stronger relationships in general, including an excellent chapter on forgiveness. There are some very thought-provoking comments about what forgiving really means as opposed to understanding or ignoring other people’s actions and behaviour. Again, Gospel accounts are unpacked, using modern language and analogies at times to get the message over.

The tone is generally light and friendly, which means that the book is easy to read, while giving a great deal to ponder. It’s written for Christians, assuming a general understanding of the Bible, and I would recommend this strongly to anyone with that background, particularly those who are feeling bruised or ignored by other believers.

Review copyright 2016 Sue's Book Reviews

All the Places to go (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

It’s many years since I first picked up and very much appreciated one of John Ortberg’s books, some of which have lengthy but nonetheless memorable titles. Since then I have gradually acquired most of his writing; he’s an American Presbyterian pastor and teacher who writes well, with anecdotes and some self-deprecating humour as well as a great deal of Biblical understanding and common sense.

I’ve had ‘All the places to go’ (subtitled: 'How will you know?') on my wishlist for a while, and was very pleased to be given it for my recent birthday. The image on the front has almost Seuss-like feel to it, and that’s reflected in the book where the author mentions being inspired by one of Dr Seuss’s books. The theme pops up a few times in this book, giving a little light relief in silly rhymes.

Overall, it’s a book about opportunities. Rather than being written from any strict standpoint, Ortberg examines what the Bible says about ‘calling’ and ‘God’s will’, and mentions many misunderstandings and misquotes that are popular amongst Christian circles. Indeed, an entire chapter is devoted to exploding a few of the myths.

Earlier in the book he explains why some people are easily inclined to take risks and go through ‘doors’ - a metaphor for any new or different opportunity - and why some are much more likely to stick with the status quo. I’m rather firmly in the latter camp; my risk-taking traits are minimal, if existent. I very much appreciated this clear and thought-provoking book which encouraged me to think at least a little way beyond my comfortable and entirely non-threatening lifestyle.

Ortberg looks at issues of guidance, with suggestions, anecdotes and examples. Christians sometimes think there is only ever one narrow path for them to follow and that disaster will ensue if they don't find it. Some think there is only one person they can marry, and that if they don't find them, they'll remain single. Ortberg gently pushes these misconceptions aside, and shows how God is so much bigger.

What has stayed with me, most of all, is the concept that what God calls us to is not so much a particular role, or place, or even career (although sometimes he does) but to greater maturity. If we take a wrong step, or even go through a door that isn’t the best one, we can still grow and develop and follow Christ. Equally it’s possible to go through a door that is clearly the right one, perhaps specifically called by God, and yet fail to develop as a believer and end up disillusioned, or worse.

I love Ortberg’s writing style, and would recommend this book highly to Christian believers of whatever denomination or background. The author is not dogmatic, but asks questions, makes comments, and most of all shows God as a loving father who calls us into greater relationship, rather than one who expects us to search in the dark for the one-and-only path which we’re supposed to be following.

Review copyright 2016 Sue's Book Reviews

If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

It’s about ten years since I started reading the American pastor John Ortberg’s books. I don’t remember if a friend recommended them, or whether I picked one up at random; whatever the original reason, I’m very pleased that I discovered his writing, and over the intervening years have collected most of his books.

So now it’s time to re-read some of them, and my choice fell on the one with the rather lengthy title: ‘If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat’, which I last read in the summer of 2006. Ortberg is not known for snappy book titles. Yet it’s quite thought-provoking in itself. 

Like many, I grew up knowing most of the anecdotes in the Gospels, including the one about Peter walking on water for a few seconds. I’ve heard sermons on the topic now and again, but literally walking on water isn’t something that I’ve heard of anyone doing, other than Jesus himself and, briefly, Peter.

But John Ortberg doesn’t expect us to attempt this feat literally; instead, he takes it as a metaphor for living life more productively, more in tune with what God wants of us. Each chapter focuses on a small part of the passage about Peter’s brief attempt at water-walking, giving insights into how Peter might have felt, and why, perhaps, he did what he did, along with applications for today.

That might sound worthy but a little dull; however, in Ortberg’s hands the story takes on a life of its own. He peppers his writing with personal anecdotes, some pointing out his own foibles, some about others, some quoting from books that have inspired and helped him along his path. He has a light-hearted style with a few unexpected asides which made me smile, and he keeps the whole very readable and accessible to anyone.

This isn’t a book for those without faith of any kind; it’s written from an assumed Christian perspective, with the idea that readers are on a path, similar to that of the author, wanting to be better at listening to the voice of God, more willing to take risks if it appears that he wants us to. I don’t know that reading it will have changed me, but I hope it’s helped me become more open to God’s leading, and - as a committed risk-phobic - more willing to say ‘yes’ rather than ‘no’ to suggestions of something unusual or different, if they seem to be right for me.

I read about half a chapter per day over a very busy period, and found it both encouraging and thought-provoking.

Still in print on both sides of the Atlantic, and now available in Kindle form too. There are participants' guides which can be bought too, as well as the book itself.

Review copyright 2016 Sue's Book Reviews

Love Beyond Reason (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by John Ortberg, over the past ten years or so. He doesn’t seem to have written any new ones, so I decided to start re-reading them. They’re well worth it - he has an engaging style, including some family anecdotes and a lot of dry humour, which seems to be somewhat unusual in an evangelical American Christian.

I last read ‘Love beyond reason’ in 2008, and had pretty much forgotten what it was all about. The subtitle of the book is, 'Moving God's love from your head to your heart'.  I’ve read it over the past couple of weeks, just ten pages or so each day, as there was much to ponder.

Not that it really said anything unfamiliar, or radical. But it was an encouraging read. It starts by introducing us to Pandy, the author’s sister’s rag doll, who was much loved despite becoming more and more scruffy. When Pandy is accidentally left behind on a family holiday, there’s simply no option but to turn the car around and go to look for her...

The analogy is clear. We are like rag dolls, often more rag than doll, yet God loves us with an abiding passion, and will look for us wherever we stray. The parables of the lost sheep and others demonstrate this admirably, but it’s refreshing sometimes to have a more modern viewpoint, one that we might not have thought ot.

The book looks at God’s love from different angles, giving plenty of examples from the Bible (with dry asides, at times, to lighten them) as well as the author’s own memories and relevant anecdotes. It drew me in, made me think, and encouraged me immensely... although there’s nothing that really stood out, or which I shall be thinking over for months to come.

Highly recommended to anyone, particularly those who might feel that God could not possibly love them. Available in Kindle form as well as paperback book, and still in print on both sides of the Atlantic.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 25th June 2013

The me I want to be (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I've only been reading John Ortberg's books for a few years, but he's rapidly becoming one of my favourite modern Christian authors. He writes with flair, with feeling, and with gentle humour from time to time, mostly about his own quirks.

So I was looking forward to 'The me I want to be', subtitled 'Becoming God's best version of you'. I'd seen snippets from it on websites, and the blurb suggested it was powerful and encouraging.

I was not disappointed. This book is, in my view, Ortberg at his best. And that's very appropriate, since the theme of the book is that each of us needs to find a way of becoming the best 'me' - the one God created us to be. 

All too often we try to fit in with other people's ideas of who we should be, or perhaps emulate someone we admire. We might wish we were different, or had other skills. But, according to Ortberg (and he gives plenty of Scriptural and other backup to his writing) God made each of us unique individuals, with a pattern which we can follow to turn into the particular person God intends.

After an introduction, the book has sections on finding our identity, redeeming our time, transforming our experience, and others. Personal anecdotes enliven the text, as well as the odd unexpected aside that made me smile. It took me nearly four weeks to read it, because I only read a chapter or less each day. Not that it was particularly heavy, but there was a great deal to think about and I didn't want to rush through it.

I found this book encouraging, and very reassuring. My only minor criticism is the rather tatty looking diagrams here and there, that were a mixture of computer-generated and (apparently) badly hand-drawn. I don't mind fully hand-drawn diagrams or pictures, or fully computer-generated. These were a mixture, and very irritating, as were some rather badly drawn stars here and there, presumably to indicate an important section.

However, even the annoying diagrams did not detract from the excellence of the text and the message behind it. I'm sure I will return to this book many times in future. Highly recommended to any Christians, new or old, or anyone who would like to know more about God.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 9th June 2010

Living the God Life (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I've enjoyed just about everything I've read by John Ortberg, so from time to time I check to see if he's written anything else. I was pleased to find 'Living the God Life' available at one of my favourite online bookshops, as it had been on my wishlist for a while. I was a little surprised that there was no paperback version, but the price was good so I spent a little of my Christmas money on it.

I was a little disappointed at first to find that this was simply a collection of short anecdotes taken from Ortberg's other books, alongside Scripture verses and a few quotations from other people. Nothing new at all. However, I started to skim it, and soon found myself reading properly.

It's a beautifully presented book, so I can see why it's only available in hardback format. It would make an excellent gift, perhaps for a teenager being baptised or confirmed, or a new Christian of any age.

It's divided into three broad sections: about God's love, making life special, and moving forward in trust. With rather more interesting titles than that. The various anecdotes and verses gel together to enlarge on the themes; despite having read most of the contents before in various places, I found the book encouraging and somewhat inspiring.

Not a book to read straight through, necessarily; it's light-weight and easy to dip into. But a nice addition to anyone's shelves.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, February 2010

God is Closer than you Think (by John Ortberg)

(Amazon UK link)

I do like John Ortberg's writing. I've now bought and read most of his books, and enjoyed them all, but I think this one, which I just finished reading, is probably my favourite so far.

'God is closer than you think' (subtitled: 'This can be the greatest moment of your life because this moment is the place where you can meet God') is a very encouraging, inspiring and also practical book for anyone wanting to know more of God's presence day by day. John Ortberg writes in his usual friendly style, which I greatly appreciate, with amusing (and sometimes self-deprecating) throwaway lines here and there. He throws in family anecdotes from time to time, too, making it all the more readable.

This book also covers a lot of very important issues in the Christian life. And it debunks certain popular viewpoints such as the idea that God is only interested in people doing 'spiritual' activities, or that he is mainly found in large gatherings, and/or 'worship' services. There's a useful chapter about seven different pathways to finding God. I found this most reassuring to one who finds church services, for the most part, rather dull. As I read through the chapter I was beginning to think that none of the pathways would apply to me. Then I got to the 'contemplative' pathway, and felt immediate resonance.

There are chapters about spotting God in the mundane, using a 'Where's Waldo?' motif that recurs through the book. There are chapters about what submission really means, at a deep level. There's also a chapter about why God sometimes seems far away. And much more. I read about a chapter each morning, and found them all extremely thought-provoking, encouraging, and sometimes challenging.

I'd recommend this 'God is Closer than you Think' highly to anyone interested in Christian spirituality, whether a new believer or a long-time (and perhaps somewhat jaded) follower of Jesus. This is a book I expect to return to repeatedly.

Note that there are also participants' guide books with the same title available; this review and the link above are for the book itself.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 6th July 2009