Everybody's Normal 'Til You Get to Know Them

Since Christians often talk about community as one of their highest ideals it is shocking when they realize that, as Henri Nouwen insightfully noted, "Community is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives." Fortunately, John Ortberg shares our passion for community and is able to teach us how to live with and love one another. With the insight of a counselor and the heart of a pastor, Ortberg has written one of the best contemporary considerations of community.

This is not a book for normal people to learn how to handle difficult people -- there is no such thing. This is a book about how imperfect people can pursue community with other imperfect people. Winner of the Retailers Choice Award.

There are no normal people, asserts prolific author and pastor Ortberg (If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat; The Life You've Always Wanted), and the sooner Christians accept this disquieting truth, the healthier they and their churches will be. In this mediocre treatise on Christian community, Ortberg implicates Christians who are constantly on the run and on the most superficial terms with their fellows. Citing numerous biblical stories where Jesus turned the tables on foes and drew in unlovable and undesirable people, Ortberg nicely communicates his passion for seeing past external appearances and delving deeply into people's hearts and souls. Christians, he says, must learn to communicate on Jesus' terms; they should practice unconditional love, strive for authenticity and build mutual trust. While Ortberg warns readers to be circumspect with personal disclosure, he contends that the modern Christian church has failed miserably in biblical communication, especially in loving confrontation. Still, the overall message of this book is upbeat, as Ortberg reminds readers of the positive aspects found in solid relationships, which he names as genuine forgiveness, deliberate inclusion and heartfelt gratitude. While this message is ageless, it is certainly not new; "Christian living" bookshelves are crowded with volumes on spiritual formation, congregational life, group prayer and communication. Among these, Ortberg's offering loses its impact quickly because of poor organization, various tangents and over-long chapters. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Cherie Lane (Reedsville, PA), February 29, 2008

I have been a fan of John Ortberg's writing since reading, "If You Want to Walk on Water, Get Out of the Boat." He has a unique way of combining humor with applying God's word to our everyday lives. I recommend this book and others by this great author. C. Lane

Reviewed by Marina (Russia), February 22, 2008

This is a very good book. This book helps to understand people and yourself. Thank you to the author!

Reviewed by Annette Vaughan (Canby, OR), November 01, 2007

Easy to read, entertaining, and a wealth of information. After reading this book, I was excited to share it with others. My small group is reading this now as a framework to help us build community. I can't wait to see the results!

Reviewed by Ruth S. (Toronto, Canada), April 19, 2005

If you want to improve your relationships, read this book! This is an interesting book that gives us God's view on how to overcome conflict, accept & forgive others, and empathize with them. If you want to understand God's desire for our relationships and how we can honor God by the way that we relate to others, read this book. Ortberg uses humorous stories and biblical anecdotes to open our eyes to Jesus' way of relating to others. A definite must-read!

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