Your Mind Matters: The Place of the Mind in the Christian Life (IVP Classics)

Your Mind Matters is a book that resulted from a lecture given by the late Rev. John Stott in 1972. The topic was the place of the mind in the Christian life, and the content was as relevant then as it is now. Resultantly, what this sharp and powerful book does is illuminate how, in an age of anti-intellectualism, knowledge of God and His Word is foundational to the Christian, the Christian walk, and the vitality of genuine Christian communities. As the author persuasively argues, the relentless focus on subjective personal experience leads to “spiritual superficiality” and zeal without knowledge (also known as fanaticism). The author makes a rock-solid biblical case that engages the mind and the heart—that zeal is always directed by knowledge and the illumination of the Holy Spirit does not persuade regardless of the facts but involves a comprehensive attention to the evidence.Sequentially, the book describes the dangers of “Mindless Christianity,” why rationalism is a crucial component of our humanity, the Scriptural emphasis on knowledge, wisdom and understanding, and finally, how to act on that knowledge and build up God’s people. This book packs a mighty punch in less than 100 pages and Stott manages to say much in very few words.Your Mind Matters is powerful, inspirational and motivational call to action for Christians—especially apologists and communicators—to engage their minds in order to reach the minds of other believers. This intellectual engagement demands an absolute loyalty to the biblical gospel, an unshakeable trust in the Holy Spirit, and a deep understanding of contemporary alternatives to the gospel. In my humble opinion, a must-read and must-have book in an age of anti-intellectualism, pluralism and subjective truth.

Nice small volume with very useful content. John Stott’s writing is always scriptural and edifying. Book was well-packaged and arrived in great condition!

Honestly I was expecting a book focusing on the lack of Christians thinking like Jesus, rather than simply emotionally thinking about Jesus. Stott does not. He gives sound biblical reason for Christians to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks for the REASON of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. He touches on the groups who tend to live and elevate experience, ritual or tradition over reason without belittling them. In giving the biblical basis for the necessity to use our minds, he makes a strong case for each Christian to study to make themselves approved by God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed. Highly recommend.

Great book, and relatively short and easy read. Those who believe being a Christian means leaving your brain at the door need to read this book. There is a place for critical thinking within Christianity, and this book reinforces this notion. If you are a Christian, then reading this book will help you see the place of thought and reason as you continue to walk with Christ. If you are not a Christian, you may still find the information here rather informative from a philosophical frame of reference.

A lot of "love God with your mind" books try to lay some kind of all-around intellectual burden on Christians, telling us we all need to be driven by intellectual pursuit. Stott never makes those kinds of claims, instead emphasizing the need for thoughtful reflection on and study of God's Word. The text is around 80 pages long, and reads more like a devotional than a theological treatise, but the call to serious engagement of doctrine for the good of the Church and individual Christians is one that hasn't gone out of style and can't be ignored.

The picture is clear and so are the expectations of those following Christ.Stott does a beautiful job at offering Scriptural support for the need and use of our minds as humans created in the image of God and, as Christians who are both submitting and using this rational mind.Stott highlights 5 or 6 different areas of our Christian life where the mind has been absent and must be reinstated as it is essential. Read it, allow your mind to return to its rightful place and now use this God-given mind!

John Stott was a leading theologian of the past century and although one of his shortest work it is packed full of valuable insight and encouragement. Your Mind Matters is an important message for all Christians today. Move away from following your feelings and emotions and allow your mind to be transformed. A must read.

A good book ... but not as good as some of his other writings.

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Highly recommend this seller. Highly recommend this mind blowing author! Thank you!

very good book enjoy it. not about positive thinking. recommended it to people who want to live a the christian life

excellent John Stott as always

Happy to receive another addition to my library