Chasing Wisdom

Reviewed by:

Kaelen Rodgers from O’Fallon, Illinois, a Professional Writing student at Taylor University in Upland, IN.

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:

Chasing Wisdom

Author:

Daniel Grothe

Publisher:

Nelson Books

Publication Date:

February 18, 2020

Format:

Print book

Length:

207 (book part only 192)

OVERVIEW

Everything seemed to be going perfectly at the church where Daniel Grothe pastored; the congregation had grown, missions work was flourishing, and the leadership team was strong. But it all collapsed when the senior pastor admitted to being in a homosexual relationship, and only months later a shooter invaded the church, killing entire families. In the time of grief that followed, Grothe faced hard questions about what it meant to be a Christian. His search for peace led him to Eugene Peterson, a famous theologian and author.

From the visits with Peterson and the insight gained, Grothe wrote Chasing Wisdom. He details the story of asking advice from Peterson and the process of healing that caused him such growth. Through this story, Grothe teaches on eleven areas of life where Christians often lack wisdom: asking for help, learning from sages, working for wisdom, loving Scripture, going to church, living quietly, reading old books, resting, lamenting, living actively, and laying on hands.

Grothe does an excellent job of giving ways for Christians to pursue wisdom. Every chapter has something new to say and sentences that inspire deep thought. Many books on wisdom can be abstract, leaving readers with a fuzzy command to “serve the Lord.” Grothe does the opposite. Pulling from all areas of the Bible, from Isaiah and Mark to Lamentations and James, he ends each chapter with a specific, practical challenge to walk in the discussed area of wisdom, such as learning to ask for help, surrounding oneself with “sages,” leading a quiet life, and taking time to rest.

In covering a plethora of topics, the book lacked a sense of cohesion. Each chapter was beautifully written, full of expressive stories and convicting challenges, but felt disconnected from areas of life. However, it was a smooth read, written in a simple yet elegant style that draws readers in from the first page.

ASSESSMENT

Rating:

4

Suggested Audience

This nonfiction is aimed at Christian adults from their twenties to forties who are seeking wisdom, though it has advice for those older as well.

Christian Impact

This book pulls from both the Old and New Testaments and applies Scripture to everyday life in ways that are both practical and thoughtful. The author reaches the biblical conclusion that wisdom is found in Christ and gives his audience meaningful ways to live that out.