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4.54 AVERAGE
4.54 AVERAGE
A thought-provoking read, for sure. I've heard the author speak at my church (and a number of the pastors on staff have referenced him in their sermons). I find his speaking more dynamic than the book; part of me really wanted to give it another round of editing, to correct grammatical errors and tighten up both the pacing and the words (sometimes repetitive, other times passive where active would have fit much better).
So perhaps having heard some of the stories already reduced my sense of gravitas at this read--much like getting spoilers before a big movie (HP6 or anything Avengers, anyone?). I definitely found the second half more challenging to my own spiritual walk, and particularly appreciated what Ripken related about his time in Russia and parts of the former Soviet bloc. That region has long been on my heart, so I had quite the vested interest!
It certainly challenged me to think about the universal/catholic (lower-case "c") church more intentionally, as well as examine my walk with Christ. I pray I would pursue him more and more.
So perhaps having heard some of the stories already reduced my sense of gravitas at this read--much like getting spoilers before a big movie (HP6 or anything Avengers, anyone?). I definitely found the second half more challenging to my own spiritual walk, and particularly appreciated what Ripken related about his time in Russia and parts of the former Soviet bloc. That region has long been on my heart, so I had quite the vested interest!
It certainly challenged me to think about the universal/catholic (lower-case "c") church more intentionally, as well as examine my walk with Christ. I pray I would pursue him more and more.
A real eye-opener in regards to the persecuted Church and our freedoms here in the US
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Some books grab and shake you, and you wonder what’s hit you. For me, The Insanity of God was one of those. Though it took me the better part of a year to get through it (mostly due to my own laziness in not remembering to pick it up to read), it carried a message I feel sure I won’t forget soon.
From almost the first page, Nik Ripken’s story drew me in and made me wonder how anyone could serve in situations that are so needy, yet so hopeless at the same time. Nik served in Somalia right after a lot of fighting, and the struggles he faced there—physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually—drained his strength. I could relate, in many senses. He still loved the Lord—or wanted to love Him, anyway—but the absolute desolation he found in his life and others around him forced him to yearn for a deeper knowledge of the truth. This set him on a journey, one he’s still on today.
His interviews with people from China, Ukraine, Russia, and other places in the world where Christians have been persecuted for centuries was fascinating—and eye-opening. Seeing how people lived and survived under very difficult situations both encouraged and challenged me. I was left asking myself questions like, “if I were enduring these circumstances, would I have still praised Jesus, and written love letters to Him, even though I knew I would be beaten because of it?” Their faith really made me think, and I loved that.
Of course, there’s always the challenge of learning to apply what you’ve learned, in whatever situation that may be. You can read books all you like, and be deeply challenged, but if it doesn’t go much further than that it probably isn’t worth a whole lot for you personally. However, I feel like I was left with the desire to keep serving Jesus no matter what the cost, and I loved that this book redirected me to the Bible as well, to study the saints of old. It wasn’t just a “this happened 50 years ago!” thing; it stayed true to the faith and pointed one back to those who have come before.
In all, great book. Recommended.
From almost the first page, Nik Ripken’s story drew me in and made me wonder how anyone could serve in situations that are so needy, yet so hopeless at the same time. Nik served in Somalia right after a lot of fighting, and the struggles he faced there—physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually—drained his strength. I could relate, in many senses. He still loved the Lord—or wanted to love Him, anyway—but the absolute desolation he found in his life and others around him forced him to yearn for a deeper knowledge of the truth. This set him on a journey, one he’s still on today.
His interviews with people from China, Ukraine, Russia, and other places in the world where Christians have been persecuted for centuries was fascinating—and eye-opening. Seeing how people lived and survived under very difficult situations both encouraged and challenged me. I was left asking myself questions like, “if I were enduring these circumstances, would I have still praised Jesus, and written love letters to Him, even though I knew I would be beaten because of it?” Their faith really made me think, and I loved that.
Of course, there’s always the challenge of learning to apply what you’ve learned, in whatever situation that may be. You can read books all you like, and be deeply challenged, but if it doesn’t go much further than that it probably isn’t worth a whole lot for you personally. However, I feel like I was left with the desire to keep serving Jesus no matter what the cost, and I loved that this book redirected me to the Bible as well, to study the saints of old. It wasn’t just a “this happened 50 years ago!” thing; it stayed true to the faith and pointed one back to those who have come before.
In all, great book. Recommended.
This book, the stories, and the author CHANGED my life and my view on and relationship with God. The stories told here are of REAL, miracle working faith!
"It is a simple matter of obedience. If He is our Lord, then we will obey Him. If we do not obey Him, then He is not our Lord."
🌍
This book has been on my TBR for a couple years now, and I finally picked it up. It is at its foundation a compilation of testimonials - stories from dozens of countries where imprisonment for following Jesus is expected, even embraced. The kind of tales Ripken shares are straight out of the book of Acts. They demonstrate the horror and heartache of lostness, yet extraordinary miracles and joy in the midst of persecution. It could be easily avoided - simply stay silent. But when people know what He is worth, they can't help but share.
🌎
I read this book like polished silver; as I traveled with Nik on his journey I couldn't help but look back into myself. I was challenged by stories of teenagers in the USSR able to complete the entirety of the Gospel by memory (with only six errors), and exhausted captives being released by the power of their song. If you would like to be stirred up, this is a good read! 👌🏻
"Don’t ever give up in freedom what we would never have given up in persecution."
🌏
🌍
This book has been on my TBR for a couple years now, and I finally picked it up. It is at its foundation a compilation of testimonials - stories from dozens of countries where imprisonment for following Jesus is expected, even embraced. The kind of tales Ripken shares are straight out of the book of Acts. They demonstrate the horror and heartache of lostness, yet extraordinary miracles and joy in the midst of persecution. It could be easily avoided - simply stay silent. But when people know what He is worth, they can't help but share.
🌎
I read this book like polished silver; as I traveled with Nik on his journey I couldn't help but look back into myself. I was challenged by stories of teenagers in the USSR able to complete the entirety of the Gospel by memory (with only six errors), and exhausted captives being released by the power of their song. If you would like to be stirred up, this is a good read! 👌🏻
"Don’t ever give up in freedom what we would never have given up in persecution."
🌏
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Excellent. Took a turn I didn't quite expect, telling stories of believers facing persecution around the world. But I was moved by all of the story and the last few chapters were very thought-provoking.