I wasn't planning on share my thoughts on The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer as I had already reviewed Practicing the Way, so thank you to Jocelyn for asking if I would share my thoughts on this title.
Book Synopsis
"Who am I becoming?"
That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren't pretty. So he turned to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words:
"Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life."
It wasn't the response he expected, but it was--and continues to be--the answer he needs. Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil.
Within the pages of this book, you'll find a fascinating roadmap to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
Source: Goodreads
Book Thoughts
I only read this book as I thought I would give this author another chance. Unfortunately, this book ended up being more of the same, so while I give the author credit for consistency, it was also my fault for expecting something different. I'm not sure why referencing Buddhism (and not in a comparative manner) needs to be included in a Christian book, so that drove me away from this style of writing, combined with numerous other factors that grated me the wrong way. It felt as though John Mark Comer's tendency to quote from countless other authors―most of whom I wouldn't read―detracted from his own thoughts and from fully offering a biblical perspective. The book was almost a mixture between reading his personal quote collection and his journal, which came across a little tone-deaf when the examples given seemed to come from a place of privilege that was not relatable to me as an average reader. I'd like to think the author was attempting to give off an air of insouciance, but it was difficult to endure.
If I had to pick one thing I liked from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, it might have been his perspective on Christians and possessions, but by that point, I just wanted to finish the book. I would also rather read more about that topic from other authors I actually enjoy. I recognize that his books are highly rated, so being in the minority, I don't expect many to hold a similar opinion to me. If anything, his writing revealed to me just how divergent I am from the views and teachings of contemplative spirituality including the Rule of Life (no, thank you). Quite frankly, using catchphrases and pop culture became old when there was little to balance it out. As much as other Christians have had their lives changed by this book, I was simply in a hurry to complete it and move on.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 🎧
- Rating: ⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👎 unless you like this author and enjoy his style of writing or Christian teaching
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