Reviewed by: Kayla Houvenagle, professional writing major at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: Create vs. Copy: Embrace Change. Ignite Creativity. Break Through with Imagination

Author: Ken Wytsma

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Publication Date: March 2016

Format: Hardcover

Length: 187 Pages

OVERVIEW

College professor Ken Wytsma’s nonfiction book Create vs Copy argues that being creative in the workplace is not only possible, it is natural and beneficial for the worker and the business. In the process he takes the common belief that only a few people are creative and smashes it apart. What does Wytsma use as his hammer? He uses solid theology backed by dozens of examples and practical ways to implement creativity.

What does Wytsma suggest to stir up creativity? A few examples include: Take a walk outside, brainstorm with a group, doodle or write down incomplete ideas, and use change to your advantage. The book has many specific tips and ideas on how to put creativity to good use at work, in the church, at home, or in virtually any environment. These tips are what make Wystma’s theology practical for the everyday person. His biblical heroes range from Solomon to the Apostle Paul, and, naturally, Jesus.

While his theology works in day to day life, Create vs Copy can get tedious due to the amount of text the theology occupies. However, the short stories mixed in throughout the book capture the reader’s attention the majority of the time. These stories range from real life events to references to movies, books, and history.

Aesthetically, Create vs Copy has quite a few pleasing elements. Thought-provoking black and white drawings, which are often used to illustrate concepts in the book, are also woven throughout the text. Inside the chapters, the paragraphs are divided into sections with bold headings.

The book also includes study group questions and points to material that can be found on Wytsma’s website. These materials are found at the end of each of the eight chapters, and set the book up as potential material for personal or group studies.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Adults

Christian Impact

The author makes it clear that people are naturally creative because God, a creative being, made them in his image. He also points to God’s creativity as a blueprint for how human creativity should and can work. Wytsma frequently refers to using creativity to revive churches, as well as businesses, and many of the anecdotes and illustrations he shares include activities by Christians. Ken Wytsma himself is a Christian, and God is deeply involved in much of his theology and theory.

Kayla Houvenagle is a professional writing major at Taylor University and a freelance writer for The Aboite Independent and The Waynedale News.

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