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Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters
What will you build your life on? With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth . This is book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God. For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong." Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such Ìý
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýWhat is God like and how does he speak to me?
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýWhat difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýHow does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýWho is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?
With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýWhat is God like and how does he speak to me?
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýWhat difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýHow does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?
ÌýÌýÌý•ÌýWho is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?
With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.
241 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
125 people are currently reading
1837 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Harris
66Ìýbooks570ÌýfollowersJoshua Harris lived outside Washington, D.C., in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he was a pastor at Covenant Life Church. His greatest passion was preaching the gospel and calling his generation to wholehearted devotion to God. Each January he lead a national conference for singles called New Attitude.
He since apostatised, divorced & became an LGBTQ+ advocate.
He since apostatised, divorced & became an LGBTQ+ advocate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 3, 2018
"It's possible to be a Christian but live life on the surface. The surface can be empty tradition. It can be emotionalism. It can even be doctrine without application. I think I've done it all. I've spent my share of time on the sandy surface of superficial Christianity."
Joshua Harris is a new author for me. I recently read Boy Meets Girl and found it biblical and practical. This was a surprise as I was half expecting it to be full of emotionalism as it was so popular. In this more recent book, the author uses his experiences of growing up in the American Christian church and passing through various phases and fads to educate Christians of a new generation. He is now a pastor, married with three children.
There is a real gap in the market for this type of material. Those who are willing to humbly expose their own failures and weaknesses on the journey of their Christian lives in the hope that they can help others learn from their mistakes. Unfortunately, many go too far with their exposure revealing graphic details about themselves that I'm sure they will live to regret. Harris, however, sticks to the basics; he is honest without being unnecessarily graphic.
This book is part theology and part biographical. Some of the useful learning points that I picked out were:
We're all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.
It's possible for a whole generation to go happily about the business of religion, all the while having lost a true knowledge of God (commenting on Josiah.)
So much of my thinking and planning had been based on opportunity, on my feelings, and on the pragmatic- on what worked. I was being challenged to take a radically different approach and base my choices on truth about God and what he was doing in the world.
Most people I talk to aren't afraid of or even in awe of God. They think they have him figured out. So God becomes our pal, our buddy, our Divine Butler. His nearness isn't so much celebrated as it is taken for granted. He is close, and familiar and common-place. God is near, but we've made him small- so small that we can carry him around in our pocket like a good-luck charm. To know and relate to God as we should, we must remember that God is both transcendent and immanent. God is so far above us in power and glory. But not far-off, disinterested or disengaged. He is, as the psalmist says, at our right hand, upholding those who trust him.
I had a small view of God's holiness and righteousness and an inflated view of my worth and value.
Knowing Jesus and feeling right emotions about him start with thinking about the truth of who he is and what he's done. Jesus never asks us how we feel about him. He calls us to believe in him, to trust in him.
Love has to fuel mission. We can't go to the world because we want their approval; we can't go for power or to prove ourselves right. Mission has to be the overflow of a love for God that aches to see others experiencing his grace, love and compassion for people who are lost and destined for hell.
It's not enough to get our doctrine straight. Life and doctrine can't be separated. Our lives either put the beauty of God's truth on display or they obscure it.
Harris writes in a casual, matter-of-fact style which bridges the gap between some of the more academic writers and the lay-reader.
I recommend this book and would especially encourage new Christians to give it a go as there are good explanations of some basics with a lot of practical application.
Joshua Harris is a new author for me. I recently read Boy Meets Girl and found it biblical and practical. This was a surprise as I was half expecting it to be full of emotionalism as it was so popular. In this more recent book, the author uses his experiences of growing up in the American Christian church and passing through various phases and fads to educate Christians of a new generation. He is now a pastor, married with three children.
There is a real gap in the market for this type of material. Those who are willing to humbly expose their own failures and weaknesses on the journey of their Christian lives in the hope that they can help others learn from their mistakes. Unfortunately, many go too far with their exposure revealing graphic details about themselves that I'm sure they will live to regret. Harris, however, sticks to the basics; he is honest without being unnecessarily graphic.
This book is part theology and part biographical. Some of the useful learning points that I picked out were:
We're all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.
It's possible for a whole generation to go happily about the business of religion, all the while having lost a true knowledge of God (commenting on Josiah.)
So much of my thinking and planning had been based on opportunity, on my feelings, and on the pragmatic- on what worked. I was being challenged to take a radically different approach and base my choices on truth about God and what he was doing in the world.
Most people I talk to aren't afraid of or even in awe of God. They think they have him figured out. So God becomes our pal, our buddy, our Divine Butler. His nearness isn't so much celebrated as it is taken for granted. He is close, and familiar and common-place. God is near, but we've made him small- so small that we can carry him around in our pocket like a good-luck charm. To know and relate to God as we should, we must remember that God is both transcendent and immanent. God is so far above us in power and glory. But not far-off, disinterested or disengaged. He is, as the psalmist says, at our right hand, upholding those who trust him.
I had a small view of God's holiness and righteousness and an inflated view of my worth and value.
Knowing Jesus and feeling right emotions about him start with thinking about the truth of who he is and what he's done. Jesus never asks us how we feel about him. He calls us to believe in him, to trust in him.
Love has to fuel mission. We can't go to the world because we want their approval; we can't go for power or to prove ourselves right. Mission has to be the overflow of a love for God that aches to see others experiencing his grace, love and compassion for people who are lost and destined for hell.
It's not enough to get our doctrine straight. Life and doctrine can't be separated. Our lives either put the beauty of God's truth on display or they obscure it.
Harris writes in a casual, matter-of-fact style which bridges the gap between some of the more academic writers and the lay-reader.
I recommend this book and would especially encourage new Christians to give it a go as there are good explanations of some basics with a lot of practical application.
February 22, 2018
this is an excellent book which skillfully presents an overview of the gospel and the basis of what it means to be a christian today. I would definitely recommend this book to every young christian and new believer with questions about the bible. Joshua Harris is relatable and wise beyond his years. great read.
October 26, 2020
It's kind of interesting to read this book after Harris has left(ish?) evangelical Christianity, and it seems like it would be a really interesting story if he ever writes a book about how he got to that point. This book is basically a 7 hour sermon. His story of getting serious about his faith. Lots and lots about the death and resurrection of Jesus and what this means for you. But definitely told in a way that will only make sense if you have been raised in Christianity, and have essentially-Christian questions about your faith. (i.e. DID the Holy Spirit stop endowing people with spiritual gifts after the first century? It's really hard for me to imagine this being a pressing question for anyone who's life doesn't revolve around the church.)
He was homeschooled, but like most homeschooled Christian children doesn't see himself as being "like those other homeschooled kids"-- even though he's not allowed a lot of pretty neutral pasttimes. And somewhere along the line, he's found himself not a "Christian" any more, and not a husband anymore, either. And all the churches and Christian-TV hosts are now at pains to tell everyone that "he was never really a Christian."
Seeing him march in LGBTQ parades now brings a twist to the part in the book where he describes his adolescent fantasies of being married. HE NEVER FANTASIZED ABOUT WHO HE WAS MARRIED TO. Rather, he would fantasize about being married to a Christian leader's daughter, and sitting at his feet and being discipled by an older, Christian man. While I don't claim to know if Harris himself is gay (frankly,the sharp Christian youth pastor look is pretty swishy and svelte, too-- juss sayin').
I know Harris from when I was in high school youth group, and the youth pastor told fourteen-year-old me that the worldly path of finding a partner was fraught with regret, but if I wanted to never have any regrets-- chastity and self-denial and the kind of God-centeredness Harris describes in his fist bestseller were all I needed. I know this because I was one of those kids who took notes on youth group sermons.
This . . . has not been helpful advice in my life. Nor, it would seem, in Harris'.
He has moved on to disavowing and removing from shelves his first big-bestseller-- a book-long essay about why boys and girls should have no contact prior to "biblical" courtship, which is essentially engagement. At his urging, this book is now no longer available in libraries or most booksellers-- and he has made a documentary about the damage that his own first big hit has done. And that was before he left Christianity.
it just feels like his life is both a reflection and embodiment of evangelical Christianity. Well-intentioned. Well-meaning. Centered on bringing spirituality to the forefront of busy lives. But Harris, indirectly, was a part of my own leaving the insular joys and dreads of Christianity. His idea was so articulate, so simple and actionable, so black-and-white and reductionist, so widely-embraced--and so obviously wrong to anyone outside this belief structure. Nowadays, evangelical Christians want to distance themselves from Harris-- one of so many sincere pastors who now are leaving their faith behind.
And this leaves Christians to be led by less scrupulous leaders, vultures feeding on what was once a cultrual mainstay but seems to be becoming a relic.
He does quote from some interesting places like "The Kite Runner" and the Tim Keller quote in "The Reason For God:" "All sin is an attempt to find meaning and identity apart from God, so the primary way to define sin is not just the doing of bad things, but the of making good things into ultimate things." That's one I wish my Trump supporting evangelical friends could grasp.
He was homeschooled, but like most homeschooled Christian children doesn't see himself as being "like those other homeschooled kids"-- even though he's not allowed a lot of pretty neutral pasttimes. And somewhere along the line, he's found himself not a "Christian" any more, and not a husband anymore, either. And all the churches and Christian-TV hosts are now at pains to tell everyone that "he was never really a Christian."
Seeing him march in LGBTQ parades now brings a twist to the part in the book where he describes his adolescent fantasies of being married. HE NEVER FANTASIZED ABOUT WHO HE WAS MARRIED TO. Rather, he would fantasize about being married to a Christian leader's daughter, and sitting at his feet and being discipled by an older, Christian man. While I don't claim to know if Harris himself is gay (frankly,the sharp Christian youth pastor look is pretty swishy and svelte, too-- juss sayin').
I know Harris from when I was in high school youth group, and the youth pastor told fourteen-year-old me that the worldly path of finding a partner was fraught with regret, but if I wanted to never have any regrets-- chastity and self-denial and the kind of God-centeredness Harris describes in his fist bestseller were all I needed. I know this because I was one of those kids who took notes on youth group sermons.
This . . . has not been helpful advice in my life. Nor, it would seem, in Harris'.
He has moved on to disavowing and removing from shelves his first big-bestseller-- a book-long essay about why boys and girls should have no contact prior to "biblical" courtship, which is essentially engagement. At his urging, this book is now no longer available in libraries or most booksellers-- and he has made a documentary about the damage that his own first big hit has done. And that was before he left Christianity.
it just feels like his life is both a reflection and embodiment of evangelical Christianity. Well-intentioned. Well-meaning. Centered on bringing spirituality to the forefront of busy lives. But Harris, indirectly, was a part of my own leaving the insular joys and dreads of Christianity. His idea was so articulate, so simple and actionable, so black-and-white and reductionist, so widely-embraced--and so obviously wrong to anyone outside this belief structure. Nowadays, evangelical Christians want to distance themselves from Harris-- one of so many sincere pastors who now are leaving their faith behind.
And this leaves Christians to be led by less scrupulous leaders, vultures feeding on what was once a cultrual mainstay but seems to be becoming a relic.
He does quote from some interesting places like "The Kite Runner" and the Tim Keller quote in "The Reason For God:" "All sin is an attempt to find meaning and identity apart from God, so the primary way to define sin is not just the doing of bad things, but the of making good things into ultimate things." That's one I wish my Trump supporting evangelical friends could grasp.
May 16, 2017
BuenÃsimo libro. Todos creemos algo; el punto está en creer lo correcto y construir la vida sobre esas verdades.
Harris presenta las grandes verdades teológicas en un lenguaje adaptado (y a veces, como el mismo dice, de una manera un poco tonta) especialmente a los decepcionados de la teologÃa (o más bien, para los que se decepcionaron de la forma en la cual les ha sido presentada la teologÃa) como también para los desinteresados de la teologÃa (los que creen que no la teologÃa no es necesaria).
Este libro, que es en realidad una mini introducción a la teologÃa sistemática, tiene el potencial de convencer a ambos grupos, abriendo de esta manera la puerta para la apreciación de una "ortodoxia humilde".
Libro recomendado para...
...todas las personas nuevas en la fe.
...todos los cristianos que necesitan un repaso rápido pero bastante completo de las grandes doctrinas del cristianismo.
...todos los cristianos que quieren entender mejor cómo se relacionan esas doctrinas con la vida diaria de manera práctica.
Harris presenta las grandes verdades teológicas en un lenguaje adaptado (y a veces, como el mismo dice, de una manera un poco tonta) especialmente a los decepcionados de la teologÃa (o más bien, para los que se decepcionaron de la forma en la cual les ha sido presentada la teologÃa) como también para los desinteresados de la teologÃa (los que creen que no la teologÃa no es necesaria).
Este libro, que es en realidad una mini introducción a la teologÃa sistemática, tiene el potencial de convencer a ambos grupos, abriendo de esta manera la puerta para la apreciación de una "ortodoxia humilde".
Libro recomendado para...
...todas las personas nuevas en la fe.
...todos los cristianos que necesitan un repaso rápido pero bastante completo de las grandes doctrinas del cristianismo.
...todos los cristianos que quieren entender mejor cómo se relacionan esas doctrinas con la vida diaria de manera práctica.
February 27, 2010
I was really impressed with Joshua Harris� new book, “Dug Down Deep�.
It starts off with a bang and grabs your attention. He was writing about the Amish and how they choose to stay in the church or not ( I suggest you read the first chapter off of the link below! It’s really wild!), and how it changed his ideas (and his wife’s ideas) on the Amish people. He relates it to his own childhood and how he grew up in a conservative Christian homeschooling family, but walked away from it in ways, and the excuses he used to justify his disobedience to God. He talks about how you can know the lingo of the church but not really know God. This part appeals to me as a Christian parent because it helps give me some guidelines in my parenting � but I’m off topic, because that’s not even the good part! Or even reason for the book.
Josh demystifies the terms of doctrine and theology for those of us who think they are bad words. He gives you their real meaning and how the search for God using these terms are inevitable. As he mentions at the end of chapter one, “We’re all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.�
In a world that rejects theology, Josh has made theology interesting and relevant for today. I really like that Josh uses uncomplicated language because I have a hard time reading some theology books without finding it too dry or too hard to follow. He takes some of the great authors like Spurgeon and decodes it for us. I love books that make me feel like the author and I are chatting as opposed to me reading a book and trying to trudge my way through it.
This is a great read, and a heart-felt autobiography by Joshua Harris. It was interesting to read how he was so wrapped up in the evangelical lifestyle as a youth, yet didn’t really know God. Turning the pages of this book you can see his growth into a godly man. I have to be careful because a lot of it can end up on my quote pages. It was thought provoking to read about his transformation and how he “unearthed� the truth that he had before him all along. It is quite inspirational for those of us who have been Christians for a long time, and can be just as encouraging to those who are new Christians.
Joshua sums it up the best in his closing when he says “Being grounded on that rock doesn’t make you or me better than anyone else. It should make us aware of how dependent we are. It should humble us.�
Thanks to my friends at Multnomah for sending me a review copy!
It starts off with a bang and grabs your attention. He was writing about the Amish and how they choose to stay in the church or not ( I suggest you read the first chapter off of the link below! It’s really wild!), and how it changed his ideas (and his wife’s ideas) on the Amish people. He relates it to his own childhood and how he grew up in a conservative Christian homeschooling family, but walked away from it in ways, and the excuses he used to justify his disobedience to God. He talks about how you can know the lingo of the church but not really know God. This part appeals to me as a Christian parent because it helps give me some guidelines in my parenting � but I’m off topic, because that’s not even the good part! Or even reason for the book.
Josh demystifies the terms of doctrine and theology for those of us who think they are bad words. He gives you their real meaning and how the search for God using these terms are inevitable. As he mentions at the end of chapter one, “We’re all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.�
In a world that rejects theology, Josh has made theology interesting and relevant for today. I really like that Josh uses uncomplicated language because I have a hard time reading some theology books without finding it too dry or too hard to follow. He takes some of the great authors like Spurgeon and decodes it for us. I love books that make me feel like the author and I are chatting as opposed to me reading a book and trying to trudge my way through it.
This is a great read, and a heart-felt autobiography by Joshua Harris. It was interesting to read how he was so wrapped up in the evangelical lifestyle as a youth, yet didn’t really know God. Turning the pages of this book you can see his growth into a godly man. I have to be careful because a lot of it can end up on my quote pages. It was thought provoking to read about his transformation and how he “unearthed� the truth that he had before him all along. It is quite inspirational for those of us who have been Christians for a long time, and can be just as encouraging to those who are new Christians.
Joshua sums it up the best in his closing when he says “Being grounded on that rock doesn’t make you or me better than anyone else. It should make us aware of how dependent we are. It should humble us.�
Thanks to my friends at Multnomah for sending me a review copy!
June 30, 2011
It is always difficult for me to really share my thoughts on reading a non-fiction book. When I read fiction, I can share a bit about the story, plot-line and what-not as well as favorite scenes and the overall opinion of how it made me feel in the end... the whole whether or not I'd look for the author again and if indeed this book is one for the keeper shelf or trade pile. I suppose within that context, I can answer a few of those questions. This one is a keeper. I will definitely look for the author again.
The hard part about talking about reading a non-fiction book is that it's personal. It is emotional and real and not necessarily something I want to blog about and then re-post to a million different social networks and book sellers websites. Dug Down Deep is a good read, written in a clear very readable manner that I do strongly suggest for most all people to read devout Christian or questioning persona. The thing is as I read through the stories of real-life people it makes me think. It makes me remember. It is from the biggest sin I think I have committed to each and every mission trip and euphoria with the Holy Spirit that I have experienced. I remember each church I attended and the special people in both good and bad criteria that stand out in my mind. I remember things that I do not want to and I remember things that I would be lost without. It's personal, it's real and it is entirely unique to me.
A retreat that I took part in was three days long, and the end you learn about "fourth days". It's not the fourth day, but fourth days as everyday is a continuance. Every single day going forward is about continuing your "sanctification" and learning more. It's so true and reading this book is an educational tool that helps. Your life is not just something you set up one day and live with it. It is something that changes. Like the stacking of ABC blocks. If you just go straight up, you'll fall and have to start again and again. While if you give yourself a foundation, a real "dug down deep" starting point, then when you fall it's not as difficult to begin again. And the best part is you're never alone.
*Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*
Originally posted:
The hard part about talking about reading a non-fiction book is that it's personal. It is emotional and real and not necessarily something I want to blog about and then re-post to a million different social networks and book sellers websites. Dug Down Deep is a good read, written in a clear very readable manner that I do strongly suggest for most all people to read devout Christian or questioning persona. The thing is as I read through the stories of real-life people it makes me think. It makes me remember. It is from the biggest sin I think I have committed to each and every mission trip and euphoria with the Holy Spirit that I have experienced. I remember each church I attended and the special people in both good and bad criteria that stand out in my mind. I remember things that I do not want to and I remember things that I would be lost without. It's personal, it's real and it is entirely unique to me.
A retreat that I took part in was three days long, and the end you learn about "fourth days". It's not the fourth day, but fourth days as everyday is a continuance. Every single day going forward is about continuing your "sanctification" and learning more. It's so true and reading this book is an educational tool that helps. Your life is not just something you set up one day and live with it. It is something that changes. Like the stacking of ABC blocks. If you just go straight up, you'll fall and have to start again and again. While if you give yourself a foundation, a real "dug down deep" starting point, then when you fall it's not as difficult to begin again. And the best part is you're never alone.
*Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*
Originally posted:
May 1, 2010
One thing is clear reading Josh Harris's new book - the years have changed and matured him. Since his first book came out when he was twenty-one (
) he has gotten involved in the Reformed movement and this book reflects his deeper thinking about the core doctrines of Christianity. The big difference I see between him and someone like is that Josh Harris is capable of transparency that includes embarrassment. In his chapter on the doctrine of the Christ he says that "we don't want to study Jesus. We want to experience him" and he goes on to explain how he often thinks about Jesus experientially. But then he admits that
"putting all my desired 'Jesus feelings' into words makes me sound like an emotional seventh-grade girl about to leave summer camp. That is not good."His trajectory tracks with my own in some key areas. He thinks back to his time at a charismatic church and says that "over time the continual focus on looking for a fresh move of the Spirit began to wear thin." He said he "couldn't shake the sense that something was missing." I'm well familiar with that sense and also in the deep satisfaction he found in Reformed authors:
"this is what I'd been longing for but had never known how to name. My soul had been craving good, solid, undiluted truth about God and the good news of his Son's life, death, and resurrection. I didn't need to be entertained. I didn't primarily need to fall over at a prayer meeting. And I didn't need lifeless information. I need to know God."These things for him, and for me, were the box-top of the puzzle. A provocation to understand what we were reading in a way that was comprehensive for the first time. It is a thoughtful and well grounded introduction to Christian doctrine.
January 11, 2016
I think ever Christian should read this book. Or at least one book in there life about Theology.
"Everyone has a Theology" A belief of God, who he is, how he relates to us, ect. Even atheists have a theology. Whether it is the right view of God is the thing. Harris backs his theology up with basic bible truths and Scripture.
It packs your mind with good sound doctrine, while still being easy to read. Harris also has a great sense of humor too.
"Everyone has a Theology" A belief of God, who he is, how he relates to us, ect. Even atheists have a theology. Whether it is the right view of God is the thing. Harris backs his theology up with basic bible truths and Scripture.
It packs your mind with good sound doctrine, while still being easy to read. Harris also has a great sense of humor too.
March 18, 2019
Dug Down Deep was a good nonfiction read. I listened to it in audio and was a little hesitant that it would be difficult to follow (because of the topic), but it was very easy to read and I liked how the author read the book. There were several times I wanted to write down a quote, but because of only having the audio it would have been difficult. All in all, I really liked this book and recommend it.
July 16, 2019
What are we basing our lives upon? Does our own Christian faith have a solid foundation? Are we "religious" simply because that's what we've been taught? Why do we believe what we believe? Do we even know what we believe?
These are the types of questions that Joshua Harris challenges us with in Dug Down Deep. In simple conversational tones, Harris takes the reader through his own journey of faith, uncovering what he believes and how he got there. He uses the parable of the wise man and foolish man (Luke 6:46-49) who built their houses on different foundations. The wise man "dug down deep" to a solid rock foundation while the foolish man did not. In the same way, Harris is encouraging Christians to do the same -- make sure we know what we believe and why in order to have our faith on a solid foundation. Writing part autobiography, part systematic theology, he discusses a few of the foundational doctrines of Christianity such as:
* God, focusing on his "imminent yet transcendent" nature
* Scripture
* Jesus ("God with a belly button")
* Salvation
* Sanctification
* The Holy Spirit
* The Church
Throughout the book, Harris focuses on the importance of doctrine/orthodoxy. He says, "I've come to learn that theology matters. And it matters not because we want a good grade on a test but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live." (p.10)
The final chapter ("Humble Orthodoxy") was the best one and most convicting for me as it addressed the need not to simply know doctrine but to live it. As Harris puts it, "Do you want to keep your orthodoxy humble? Try to live it. Don't spend all your time theorizing about it, debating about it or blogging about it. Spend more energy living the truth you know than worrying about what the next guy does or doesn't know. Don't measure yourself by what you know. Measure yourself by your practice of what you know." (p.214)
The book is in no way academic nor is it meant to be. There are other and better books for studying the many facets of theology. Harris' aim is to stir up a desire to study these facets more, allowing them to permeate our lives and change the way we live. Once again, I'll let Harris himself explain the book: "Dug Down Deep is my reveling in theology in my own simple way--not too polished, sometimes awkward, less than scholarly, hopefully gracious and faithful. Even though these are deep truths, I don't pretend to be swimming in the deep end of the pool. I'm splashing in the shallow end. But if my splashing can inspire you to dive in, I will have succeeded." (p.33) Much of the theology Harris writes about will perhaps be obvious to many readers. But sometimes, we need to be reminded of the obvious in a simple, personal way in order for us to make it personal in our lives.
(Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a review copy of this book.)
These are the types of questions that Joshua Harris challenges us with in Dug Down Deep. In simple conversational tones, Harris takes the reader through his own journey of faith, uncovering what he believes and how he got there. He uses the parable of the wise man and foolish man (Luke 6:46-49) who built their houses on different foundations. The wise man "dug down deep" to a solid rock foundation while the foolish man did not. In the same way, Harris is encouraging Christians to do the same -- make sure we know what we believe and why in order to have our faith on a solid foundation. Writing part autobiography, part systematic theology, he discusses a few of the foundational doctrines of Christianity such as:
* God, focusing on his "imminent yet transcendent" nature
* Scripture
* Jesus ("God with a belly button")
* Salvation
* Sanctification
* The Holy Spirit
* The Church
Throughout the book, Harris focuses on the importance of doctrine/orthodoxy. He says, "I've come to learn that theology matters. And it matters not because we want a good grade on a test but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live." (p.10)
The final chapter ("Humble Orthodoxy") was the best one and most convicting for me as it addressed the need not to simply know doctrine but to live it. As Harris puts it, "Do you want to keep your orthodoxy humble? Try to live it. Don't spend all your time theorizing about it, debating about it or blogging about it. Spend more energy living the truth you know than worrying about what the next guy does or doesn't know. Don't measure yourself by what you know. Measure yourself by your practice of what you know." (p.214)
The book is in no way academic nor is it meant to be. There are other and better books for studying the many facets of theology. Harris' aim is to stir up a desire to study these facets more, allowing them to permeate our lives and change the way we live. Once again, I'll let Harris himself explain the book: "Dug Down Deep is my reveling in theology in my own simple way--not too polished, sometimes awkward, less than scholarly, hopefully gracious and faithful. Even though these are deep truths, I don't pretend to be swimming in the deep end of the pool. I'm splashing in the shallow end. But if my splashing can inspire you to dive in, I will have succeeded." (p.33) Much of the theology Harris writes about will perhaps be obvious to many readers. But sometimes, we need to be reminded of the obvious in a simple, personal way in order for us to make it personal in our lives.
(Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a review copy of this book.)
December 10, 2012
In his new book, Joshua Harris delves into the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ. As I read the book especially in the first few chapters, I found myself tabbing pages to go back to for reference. Not only does he provide personal stories from his life and family's life, but he backs up each situation with either a scriptural reference or a simple, necessary need for God.
Dug Down Deep is a bold declaration of faith displaying how God meets you where you are. One passage I personally identify with is noted on page 21: "God poked and prodded and shaped me through countless, small, seemingly insignificant experiences and decisions and friendships." He goes on to ask, "Do you know the kind of slow transformation I'm talking about?" And I answer I do. God guides us by His amazing light into His will for our lives. I remember once years ago when God had answered a prayer for me, needless to say, I was elated. Then I heard a still, small voice say, "I can do this in every area of your life." Once I totally surrendered my entire being to Christ, my life was transformed and will never be the same.
Another important point Harris made is "when we read the Bible, it opens us up. It reads us." This is absolutely true. Most often I encounter people who sound as if God is suppose to conform to their lives, but the Bible tells us in Hebrew 13:8, NKJV, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." He's not changing so this means that we have to. We mustn't think that God is our personal genie where he grants wishes at our beckon call, rather appreciate God in His sovereign nature seeking a deeper, more genuine relationship with Him.
Harris touches on many areas that I believe will help a struggling believer and encourage the unbeliever. I recommend this book as it resonates with the common theme throughout the Bible...which is love.
Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah who beleives in "Keeping Your Trust...One Book at a Time."
Dug Down Deep is a bold declaration of faith displaying how God meets you where you are. One passage I personally identify with is noted on page 21: "God poked and prodded and shaped me through countless, small, seemingly insignificant experiences and decisions and friendships." He goes on to ask, "Do you know the kind of slow transformation I'm talking about?" And I answer I do. God guides us by His amazing light into His will for our lives. I remember once years ago when God had answered a prayer for me, needless to say, I was elated. Then I heard a still, small voice say, "I can do this in every area of your life." Once I totally surrendered my entire being to Christ, my life was transformed and will never be the same.
Another important point Harris made is "when we read the Bible, it opens us up. It reads us." This is absolutely true. Most often I encounter people who sound as if God is suppose to conform to their lives, but the Bible tells us in Hebrew 13:8, NKJV, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." He's not changing so this means that we have to. We mustn't think that God is our personal genie where he grants wishes at our beckon call, rather appreciate God in His sovereign nature seeking a deeper, more genuine relationship with Him.
Harris touches on many areas that I believe will help a struggling believer and encourage the unbeliever. I recommend this book as it resonates with the common theme throughout the Bible...which is love.
Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah who beleives in "Keeping Your Trust...One Book at a Time."
April 8, 2012
I loved this book. I was at first hesitant because the last time I heard of Joshua Harris was "I kissed Dating Goodbye," which I wasn't the hugest fan of. But in the book he really goes through a lot of the growth he's been through and the ways he has learned the importance of "digging deep" to understand what he believes. It goes through the main doctrines that Christians believe and he gives an insightful and helpful breakdown of each. I really identify with his personal experience since I grew up in the church, and it really reminded me of some important doctrines I already knew. On the other hand, there was some things he talked about that helped me to see something "I already knew" in a whole new light and view it with a new joy. I definitely recommend for any Christian at any point in their walk.
January 4, 2018
Excelente livro que indico a qualquer cristão, desde o que queira começar a se aprofundar sobre a vida cristã, até os já experientes que desejam meditar nas grandes verdades bÃblicas. É uma verdadeira Teologia Sistemática com maravilhosas aplicações práticas.
July 5, 2018
O sr. Joshua trata de teologia e doutrinas cristãs de forma clara e objetiva, o livro nos estimula a alicerçarmos nossa fé na pessoa de Jesus Cristo. Aprendemos que a teologia é importante desde que seja aprendida e vivida da forma correta. Recomendo a leitura.
July 4, 2019
Realmente recomendo esse livro! Me sinto muito mais grato pela minha vida e com vontade de servir a Deus, de buscar conhecer mais a Ele e de lutar de forma mais efetiva contra meu pecado
July 10, 2022
My rating would be higher if the author had actually followed his own advice to his readers.
October 26, 2017
I am a big Joshua Harris fan. He tackles a tough project in setting out the theology and doxology for a Christian believer. Too many people just go to church on Sunday because it is tradition or they want to be seen there by certain people. I think going to church is great but understanding God and what He did through Jesus is crucial to appreciate the magnitude of God's love for us.
Wasn't a lot new for me but I love the way Harris tells it. The doctrine he covered that I enjoyed most is sanctification. None of us are perfect and we will continue to sin. But each day of our lives God is working on us to sanctify us. Fire sharpens metal and that isn't fun at all. But it removes the impurities and brings us closer to the person God wants us to be.
Harris retells his fabulous "The Room" story which is a vivid dream Harris had that brings tears to my eyes whenever I read it. If you do nothing else, google "The Room" and Joshua Harris. Take five minutes out of your life to read it. It gave me perspective and showed me the depths of God's love for me.
Wasn't a lot new for me but I love the way Harris tells it. The doctrine he covered that I enjoyed most is sanctification. None of us are perfect and we will continue to sin. But each day of our lives God is working on us to sanctify us. Fire sharpens metal and that isn't fun at all. But it removes the impurities and brings us closer to the person God wants us to be.
Harris retells his fabulous "The Room" story which is a vivid dream Harris had that brings tears to my eyes whenever I read it. If you do nothing else, google "The Room" and Joshua Harris. Take five minutes out of your life to read it. It gave me perspective and showed me the depths of God's love for me.
February 5, 2018
I loved this book a lot. It was a good book about Christian doctrine on a very accessible and readable level. Pastor Josh Harris uses many meaningful anecdotes about his life to show the points about the Christian faith that he is talking about. He also uses abundant scripture references throughout, which is of course important for a book on Christian doctrine. He covers many key topics, including justification, sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit, and many more. Josh Harris uses references to many other authors that are in the endnotes, so I will definitely be sifting through the endnotes to look for books that he quoted from to potentially read. This book was definitely a worthwhile read for any Christian.
December 7, 2011
This isn't a book on systematic theology proper. It's more like a mixtape of biblical truth that I've found personally significant. Dug Down Deep is my reveling in theology in my own simple way--not too polished, sometimes awkward, less than scholarly, hopefully gracious and faithful. Even thought these are deep truths, I don't pretend to be swimming in the deep end of the pool. I'm splashing in the shallow end. But if my splashing can inspire you to dive in, I will have succeeded.In 1997, Joshua Harris broke into the scene with his book on dating, appropriately titled . I'd heard of it, but never had a desire to read it, nor anything else by this author. As I saw it, he was one of those Christian authors that wrote on one and only one subject matter, and it just happened to be one I was uninterested in. However, back in September I requested a copy of Harris' book on systematic theology called Dug Down Deep, primarily because of the book's style. Harris chose to tackle the subjects through transparent memoirs (as opposed to exhaustive biblical analysis), and I thought his journey sounded interesting.
In some ways, this book could have been written by Donald Miller (author of , , and several other books), as the tone of the author was very reminiscent. Harris begins Dug Down Deep with a thought-provoking question: what are you building your life on? He then goes on to talk about Jesus' parable in Matthew 7, comparing the man who built his house on the sand with the man who built his house on the more solid foundation: rock. Harris argues that building on the rock takes work, it takes some digging, but in the end, after the wind and the rain and the storms, the house remains standing. He explains,
In the past I thought the point was simply that being a Christian is better than not being a Christian. And I suppose on a very rudimentary level, that is what it means. But I never thought about the specifics of what digging down to the rock represents.This was the impetus for the book. He grew up in the church and found himself lacking any biblical depth. He was familiar with theology, doctrine, orthodoxy, and the like, but at the same time, they meant very little to him. They were just old sounding words that old people used. For the remainder of the Dug Down Deep, Harris opens up with humbling honesty, explaining how he came to understand certain elements of theology. Some of the essays included are about the Father, the Son, the Spirit, the Word, sanctification, justification, the church, orthodoxy, and a few others. And if you're anything like me, some of those words sound boring (i.e., orthodoxy), but Harris points out (reasonably) that they shouldn't, and he explains why.
Knowledge doesn't have to be dry and lifeless. And when you think about it, exactly what is our alternative? Ignorance? Falsehood? We're either building our lives on the reality of what God is truly like and what he's about, or we're basing our lives on our own imagination and misconceptions. We're all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.When I finished Dug Down Deep, I had several passages highlighted and underlined. The chapter on sanctification is definitely worth the read, as I found it thoroughly fascinating and incredibly awe-inspiring. Another recommended chapter is the last one, where Harris writes on humble orthodoxy, bringing home the point of how crucial it is to remain humble in our lives. This is something I think many of us should read and take to heart, as pride is ever so subtle and we must be on guard. These are just two of the eleven chapters presented in the book, and all are well thought out and stimulating.
Dug Down Deep is a very accessible book. It offers deep thoughts and unfathomable truths about God and His character, but Harris attempts to explain them as clearly as he can. I think the book would be a great tool for new believers, but I think the impact would be even stronger with those who've walked with God for a while, especially the ones that have grown frustrated with their fellow believers or their own faith. Really, the book is relative even to those outside of the fold, those that have questions about life's journey and the roads we travel on. Overall, I really enjoyed Joshua Harris' Dug Down Deep. Maybe it's where I'm at in life, but Dug Down Deep resonated with me. I found it encouraging and refreshing, and I think it's a book that many people could read and get something out of it.
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FTC Thingy: This book was provided to me free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I received no goods other than the ebook, and had I been offered any other goods (like, say, chocolate chip cookies) I would have been tempted to take the bribe. Nevertheless, I wasn't offered, nor did I ask. As such, the opinion expressed in this review is entirely my own and has in no way been affected by my lack of receiving free, home-baked chocolate goodies.
December 30, 2017
This book was phenomenal. It presented theology in a practical and refreshing way. With every page, every story, I was convicted, challenged and intrigued by Harris' spiritual journey and those who had influenced him. His words were genuine and humble as he admitted to his own wrongs while challenging readers to do the same. I was extremely encouraged and motivated by every word and every truth that seeped out of every page.
May 1, 2018
Excelente livro para quem quer começar a estudar teologia sistemática. O autor aprofunda alguns assuntos de maneira clara e com linguagem simples, ensina conceitos da fé de maneira didática, com muitos exemplos, e ainda faz uma defesa da “ortodoxia humilde�.
O autor dá destaque para a importância da doutrina na fé cristã. Foi um ótimo complemento para o livro “Você é aquilo que ama� de James K. A. Smith.
O autor dá destaque para a importância da doutrina na fé cristã. Foi um ótimo complemento para o livro “Você é aquilo que ama� de James K. A. Smith.
August 8, 2018
Uma boa introdução à teologia cristã básica. O autor escreve com muitos exemplos e ilustrações interessantes, e é uma leitura fácil. A princÃpio estava achando tudo muito raso. Mas os capÃtulos sobre a a doutrina da salvação pela graça e sobre a doutrina da Igreja de Cristo são fantásticos. Vale a leitura.
May 3, 2019
There was nothing wrong with this book, I’m just not sure it was for me both in writing style and content. This book clearly articulated truths from the Gospel and I think would be wonderful for a new believer. Harris explains what exactly he has come to believe and why based on the Bible. It is a memoir of sorts and some chapters I did enjoy but overall I wouldn’t say it is a must read.
April 8, 2022
Simplified version of theology. Interesting chapter titles that caused curiosity about how author will explain it and he did a good job explaining it. I liked how he described that Bible is not a book of rules but a love story of how Jesus wants a relationship with us. Cartoons were cute and funny in chapter 8
January 13, 2018
I am hoping that I can get my teenage kids to read this as it seems more geared to the younger generation and urges the reader to consider why it is important to know what they believe. It uncovers the "mystery" of theology and brings it down to a simple level for any high schooler to understand.
September 12, 2018
A palavra que define essa obra é: surpreendente!
Com muito humor, sabedoria e inteligência, Harris nos incentiva amar a palavra de Deus. Quem começa a ler, não quer mais parar. Estou muito satisfeito com esse livro, e digo que, todo cristão deve tê-lo em sua biblioteca.
Recomendo!
Com muito humor, sabedoria e inteligência, Harris nos incentiva amar a palavra de Deus. Quem começa a ler, não quer mais parar. Estou muito satisfeito com esse livro, e digo que, todo cristão deve tê-lo em sua biblioteca.
Recomendo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book and the truth that was spoken of God and backed with scriptures.
But found out after reading that Joshua Harris has walked away from God. That is very puzzling? I pray he finds his way back.
But found out after reading that Joshua Harris has walked away from God. That is very puzzling? I pray he finds his way back.
August 23, 2017
Simply put theology. Not too much "religious" jargon. An excellent book for beginners to understand the foundations of what they believe. I needed this!
October 18, 2018
Um livro que eu daria a todo cristão que deseja conhecer a Deus e compreender sua fé.
Um refrigério; Revigorante e inspirador
Um refrigério; Revigorante e inspirador
July 31, 2020
Todo aquel que necesite fundamentar de forma firme su fe deberÃa leer este libro. Es una jugosa aproximación a la teologÃa, sin duda te dejará con el deseo de aprender más de Dios.
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