The Good and Beautiful You: Discovering the Person Jesus Created You to Be

Reviewed by:

Julie-Allyson Ieron, author/Bible teacher/worship minister

WomenCareForAgingParents.com

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Book Title:

The Good and Beautiful You: Discovering the Person Jesus Created You to Be

Author:

James Bryan Smith

Publisher: 

IVP

http://InterVarsity Press

Publication: 

May 2022

Format:

HB

Length: 

253 pp.

OVERVIEW

This is James Bryan Smith’s fourth book in the Good and Beautiful series. He comes from the spiritual formation and mystic Christianity perspective. This book focuses on caring for our human souls, as God fashioned and created them to be. Smith reminds us our souls are made by and for God, are beautiful in His eyes, are loved and desired, and are called for His purpose.

At times he overuses insider jargon; for example, he uses the term the transcendent dimension, which put me on edge. However, he illustrates by quoting Colossians 3:2, where Paul encourages believers to set our minds on things above. Situations like this appear throughout the chapters. But the foundations seem sound. In general the book is approachable and its prescriptions are doable.

Smith suggests it be used with a small group, where concepts can be discussed and life-change enhanced.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5): 

4

Suggested Audience:

If you can read with thoughtful discernment, you may gain helpful perspective on the value and purpose of your soul from this book.

Christian Impact: 

Smith shows believers in Christ how much God loves us, not for what we do (or even for our spiritual disciplines), but because our souls, at the core of our being, are His unique, special creations.

Other Notes:

I’ve always been skeptical of spirituality treks, but I was impressed by this author’s biblical foundations and his meaningful practical examples.