-
Irresistible
- Reclaiming the New That Jesus Unleashed for the World
- Narrated by: Andy Stanley
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $28.51
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Not in It to Win It
- Why Choosing Sides Sidelines the Church
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Andy Stanley
- Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Not in It to Win It is a relatable and practical resource that guides listeners to the priorities of Jesus, even as we are navigating the complicated and emotionally charged terrain of today’s cultural divides and disagreements. Setting aside partisanship, Andy challenges listeners to evaluate all of life through the wide-angle lens of faith.
-
-
Brave challenge for FOLLOWERS of Christ
- By Nana D on 05-11-22
By: Andy Stanley
-
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets
- 5 Questions to Help You Determine Your Next Move
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Andy Stanley
- Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why do we hear this so often on the back side of a bad decision? Because the more questions we ask, the more insight we gain and the better decisions we make. In Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets, Andy Stanley equips us with five catalytic questions to ask every time we make a decision. The result? Well, the title says it all!
-
-
too preachy
- By Aryn on 02-18-21
By: Andy Stanley
-
The Grace of God
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Matt Baugher
- Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We find in the pages of Scripture that the stories found there often mirror our own stories, and that we too need the very thing we do not deserve: the grace of God.From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion.
-
-
Absolutely Brilliant
- By bluestar on 02-11-17
By: Andy Stanley
-
Deep & Wide
- Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Tom Parks
- Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Create a church unchurched people absolutely love to attend. Deep and Wide provides church leaders with an in-depth look into North Point Community Church and its strategy for creating churches unchurched people absolutely love to attend. Andy Stanley shares his strategy for preaching and programming to both mature believers and cynical unbelievers, essential ingredients for creating irresistible environments, and North Point's spiritual formation model (The Five Faith Catalysts).
-
-
Good Content
- By Will on 11-22-12
By: Andy Stanley
-
Next Generation Leader
- 5 Essentials for Those Who Will Shape the Future
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Next Generation Leader has been challenging young Christians eager to learn, grow, and lead in ministry or in the marketplace since its original release in 2003. Now with an all-new look, this repackaged version continues to advance the mission of the first release. Mentoring young leaders as they face the unique issues of a changing world has been pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley’s passion for more than a decade.
-
-
Simple, clear, understandable, applicable
- By Ginger on 01-20-15
By: Andy Stanley
-
How Good Is Good Enough?
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Paul Michael
- Length: 1 hr and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Is goodness not rewarded, then? Is Christianity not fair? Maybe not, he says. Readers will find out why Jesus taught that goodness is not even a requirement to enter heaven - and why Christianity is beyond fair. Andy Stanley leads believers and skeptics alike to a grateful awareness of God's enormous grace and mercy.
-
-
Great Outreach Tool
- By Keron on 10-30-09
By: Andy Stanley
-
Not in It to Win It
- Why Choosing Sides Sidelines the Church
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Andy Stanley
- Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Not in It to Win It is a relatable and practical resource that guides listeners to the priorities of Jesus, even as we are navigating the complicated and emotionally charged terrain of today’s cultural divides and disagreements. Setting aside partisanship, Andy challenges listeners to evaluate all of life through the wide-angle lens of faith.
-
-
Brave challenge for FOLLOWERS of Christ
- By Nana D on 05-11-22
By: Andy Stanley
-
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets
- 5 Questions to Help You Determine Your Next Move
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Andy Stanley
- Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why do we hear this so often on the back side of a bad decision? Because the more questions we ask, the more insight we gain and the better decisions we make. In Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets, Andy Stanley equips us with five catalytic questions to ask every time we make a decision. The result? Well, the title says it all!
-
-
too preachy
- By Aryn on 02-18-21
By: Andy Stanley
-
The Grace of God
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Matt Baugher
- Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
We find in the pages of Scripture that the stories found there often mirror our own stories, and that we too need the very thing we do not deserve: the grace of God.From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion.
-
-
Absolutely Brilliant
- By bluestar on 02-11-17
By: Andy Stanley
-
Deep & Wide
- Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Tom Parks
- Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Create a church unchurched people absolutely love to attend. Deep and Wide provides church leaders with an in-depth look into North Point Community Church and its strategy for creating churches unchurched people absolutely love to attend. Andy Stanley shares his strategy for preaching and programming to both mature believers and cynical unbelievers, essential ingredients for creating irresistible environments, and North Point's spiritual formation model (The Five Faith Catalysts).
-
-
Good Content
- By Will on 11-22-12
By: Andy Stanley
-
Next Generation Leader
- 5 Essentials for Those Who Will Shape the Future
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Next Generation Leader has been challenging young Christians eager to learn, grow, and lead in ministry or in the marketplace since its original release in 2003. Now with an all-new look, this repackaged version continues to advance the mission of the first release. Mentoring young leaders as they face the unique issues of a changing world has been pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley’s passion for more than a decade.
-
-
Simple, clear, understandable, applicable
- By Ginger on 01-20-15
By: Andy Stanley
-
How Good Is Good Enough?
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Paul Michael
- Length: 1 hr and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Is goodness not rewarded, then? Is Christianity not fair? Maybe not, he says. Readers will find out why Jesus taught that goodness is not even a requirement to enter heaven - and why Christianity is beyond fair. Andy Stanley leads believers and skeptics alike to a grateful awareness of God's enormous grace and mercy.
-
-
Great Outreach Tool
- By Keron on 10-30-09
By: Andy Stanley
-
The Principle of the Path
- How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Jon Gauger
- Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The principle of the path is at work in your life every single day. Once embraced, this compelling principle will empower you to identify and follow the path that leads to your desired destination. And this same principle will enable you to avoid life-wasting detours along the way.
-
-
A must read
- By Jenna H. on 06-27-22
By: Andy Stanley
-
Undistracted
- Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy.
- By: Bob Goff
- Narrated by: Bob Goff
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through the pithy and inspiring storytelling that has endeared him to millions, bestselling author Bob Goff invites you to laugh with more gusto, dream with more confidence, and love with more intention in this disarming call to live Undistracted. Bob’s stories are like the rumble strips on the road that make you suddenly alert to how far you have drifted from your lane. From visiting friends in San Quentin to accidentally getting into a stalker’s car at the airport to establishing Uganda’s first space program, Bob shows you the way back to an audaciously attentive life.
-
-
For a very specific demographic
- By Melissa Wood on 03-16-22
By: Bob Goff
-
Enemies of the Heart
- Breaking Free from the Four Emotions That Control You
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this compelling and helpful book pastor and author Andy Stanley wrestles with what he calls"four invaders of the heart": guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. One or another of these caustic emotions sabotages lives on a daily basis and destroys relationships. But Stanley assures listeners that there is hope. In his trademark style - smart, engaging, and popular - he examines where these powerful forces come from and reveals effective strategies for overcoming them.
-
-
good soul searcher
- By Susan Chaffee - Montag on 08-21-12
By: Andy Stanley
-
Communicating for a Change
- Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Whether you speak from the pulpit, podium, or the front of a classroom, you don't need much more than blank stares and faraway looks to tell you you’re not connecting. Take heart before your audience takes leave! You can convey your message in the powerful, life-changing way it deserves to be told. An insightful, entertaining parable that's an excellent guide for any speaker, Communicating for a Change takes a simple approach to delivering effectively.
-
-
A must read for every communicator!
- By Bert on 07-22-14
By: Andy Stanley
-
Visioneering
- God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Vision
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the best-selling Visioneering, Andy Stanley builds a compelling case for the necessity of a clear, God-ordained vision for each of the roles of your life. Whether you’re a parent with a vision for your children or a CEO pursuing a corporate vision, Visioneering is the perfect tool to help you develop and maintain God’s unique purpose for your life.
-
-
Stunningly good
- By kaze on 11-07-15
By: Andy Stanley
-
Ask It
- The Question That Will Revolutionize How You Make Decisions
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Should I take this job? Buy this house? Marry this person? We ask questions every day about the choices we face. But are we asking the most important question of all? In Ask It, Andy Stanley identifies the one question that makes it easy to determine the answer to all other questions. You'll learn how to make decisions with confidence simply by applying the question that brings clarity to life's most challenging decisions.
-
-
A Powerful Reading
- By Isha on 06-06-15
By: Andy Stanley
-
Louder than Words
- The Power of Uncompromised Living
- By: Andy Stanley
- Narrated by: Lloyd James
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Your character, more than anything else, will impact how much you accomplish in this life. It is more important than your talent, your education, your background, or your network of friends. Andy Stanley helps you chart a course toward becoming a man or woman of character. You'll discover a definition of character that will inspire you for a lifetime, the external and internal benefits of strong character, the six false beliefs behind negative behaviors, and more.
-
-
Valuable tool
- By dawn Renae on 03-26-17
By: Andy Stanley
-
Letters to the Church
- By: Francis Chan
- Narrated by: Ramon de Ocampo
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Millions are satisfied to sit through hour-long, weekly religious services. Millions more have left the church, brokenhearted and cynical. But God is waking up his people - people who will risk everything and sacrifice anything to become the dynamic, powerful church seen in Scripture. We Are Church calls Christ-followers, young and old, to hold fast to their biblical roots while seeking radical change. Scripture promises an exuberant and unstoppable church. That wondrous early church of acts can be our reality today.
-
-
Please read or listen!
- By Cindy Nipper on 10-29-18
By: Francis Chan
-
Radical
- Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
- By: David Platt
- Narrated by: David Platt
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?
-
-
Cutting Through The Fluff
- By O-Coaster on 02-13-12
By: David Platt
-
The New Testament
- By: Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Bart D. Ehrman
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Whether taken as a book of faith or a cultural artifact, the New Testament is among the most significant writings the world has ever known, its web of meaning relied upon by virtually every major writer in the last 2,000 years. Yet the New Testament is not only one of Western civilization’s most believed books, but also one of its most widely disputed, often maligned, and least clearly understood, with a vast number of people unaware of how it was written and transmitted.
-
-
I wasn't even interested...
- By Nancy on 03-02-19
By: Bart D. Ehrman, and others
-
Until Unity
- By: Francis Chan
- Narrated by: Francis Chan
- Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Many seek reassurance or perceived unity by creating doctrinal statements, but that misses the point. Doctrine is necessary, but it is not the solution. In his new book Until Unity, New York Times best-selling author Francis Chan tells listeners that the real problem is shallow or even nonexistent love for each other. Although the Bible commands unity, some will resist these unifying efforts. We see it every day. We have to hate sin, love truth, and pursue unity for the church.
-
-
Worth the listen/read.
- By Anonymous User on 04-02-21
By: Francis Chan
-
Love Wins
- A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived
- By: Rob Bell
- Narrated by: Rob Bell
- Length: 3 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Millions of Christians have struggled with how to reconcile God's love and God's judgment: Has God created billions of people over thousands of years only to select a few to go to heaven and everyone else to suffer forever in hell? Is this acceptable to God? How is this "good news"? Author, pastor, and innovative teacher Rob Bell presents a deeply biblical vision for rediscovering a richer, grander, truer, and more spiritually satisfying way of understanding heaven, hell, God, Jesus, salvation, and repentance.
-
-
Easy reading, straight forward, life changing
- By Paula on 08-20-11
By: Rob Bell
Publisher's Summary
A fresh look at the earliest Christian movement reveals what made the new faith so compelling...and what we need to change today to make it so again.
Once upon a time there was a version of the Christian faith that was practically irresistible. After all, what could be more so than the gospel that Jesus ushered in? Why, then, isn't it the same with Christianity today?
Author and pastor Andy Stanley is deeply concerned with the present-day church and its future. He believes that many of the solutions to our issues can be found by investigating our roots. In Irresistible, Andy chronicles what made the early Jesus Movement so compelling, resilient, and irresistible by answering these questions:
- What did first-century Christians know that we don't - about God's Word, about their lives, about love?
- What did they do that we're not doing?
- What makes Christianity so resistible in today's culture?
- What needs to change in order to repeat the growth our faith had at its beginning?
Many people who leave or disparage the faith cite reasons that have less to do with Jesus than with the conduct of his followers. It's time to hit pause and consider the faith modeled by our first-century brothers and sisters who had no official Bible, no status, and little chance of survival. It's time to embrace the version of faith that initiated - against all human odds - a chain of events resulting in the most significant and extensive cultural transformation the world has ever seen.
This is a version of Christianity we must remember and re-embrace if we want to be salt and light in an increasingly savorless and dark world.
Critic Reviews
“More than any other book I’ve read in years, Irresistible has stretched my view of Scripture. I can’t hear or read a passage from the Old or New Testaments without thinking about Andy’s provocative insights. If you and I take this book seriously, our lives and our churches will never be the same.” (Kara Powell, PhD, executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and coauthor of Growing Young)
“Irresistible is like a once-in-a-generation shot across the bow. Andy Stanley takes a lifetime of accumulated insight and wisdom about the Christian faith, history, and why the church isn’t connecting with our current culture, and combines them together in a masterpiece work.” (Carey Nieuwhof, author and founding pastor, Connexus Church)
“Warning: This book will set you and your ministry back - back to the first century and the approach to advancing the gospel modeled by Jesus and the apostles. Andy reminds us that the resurrection was at the center of the first-century apologetic. Then he challenges 21st-century believers to reclaim it as the center of ours as well. I agree with Andy - this approach changed the world once. I’m convinced it could do so again. Read and apply now!” (Frank Turek, Christian author, public speaker, and radio host)
What listeners say about Irresistible
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sabrina
- 06-26-19
Easy to Listen to but unsure about the message...
This book was very easy to listen to and I understand where he is coming from but I feel somethings he says are dangerous. He wants Jesus to appeal to current culture and makes a lot of good points about the difficulty of defending some things in the Old Testament but he comes across as having little value for scripture which makes me sad. I feel he is taking on 100% ownership of planting and harvesting the seed and forgets the Holy Spirits role in this as well. The Holy Spirit will do his work in unbelievers heart and Gods word will never come back void - It will accomplish its purpose. I feel a lot of this he is forgetting and speaking in the capacity of the flesh. If you are strong in your faith there are a lot of good thoughts to ponder.
I had to come back and edit this... Because I was thinking how the author said old testament should be disconnected from the bible. But the more I think about this comment as I read and learn it makes me trust this teacher even less. The old testament is filled with prophecy and amazing revelation about the coming of Christ and even though we are in a new covenant the old testament has a lot to teach us that unfortunately a lot of people miss deciding its not relevant any longer. the old and new weave in and out of each other alot and we have it all for a reason. Dont fall into deception. Man cannot live on bread alone but from every word from the mouth of the father. Old testament included. Cherish EVERY word he has left us and grow from it!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dow Tippett
- 02-14-19
Unexpected
About 25 years ago, I was preaching at a church camp, and was asked to teach on apologetics of faith. In that moment I found myself overwhelmed by the arguments and evidence that I had been mounting for years. "How do I condense all this to a 20-30 minute talk?"
A friend of mine suggested, "Doesn't Paul say, 'If Jesus didn't raise from the dead,...our faith is worthless'?" Which I knew to be true.
That evening I taught an entire group of young people, that if the resurrection of Jesus Christ is true, our faith stands strong.
I have heard many quotes of quotes of Andy Stanley, and come to believe that while I agreed with him on most things, I could not agree with his stance on the usefulness of scripture nor it's inspiration.
Now that I have heard his entire discussion (or at least the broad heart), I do not disagree at all.
Stanley does not claim the Hebrew Texts are uninspired!
He does not claim all scripture is not equally useful.
He does claim, and I fully agree, that the Hebrew Texts are not useful as many use them, and that they are not authoritative to direct our lives, nor sustain our faith. On this point too, I unexpectedly agree.
While nothing Mr. Stanley says in Irresistible is new, for far too many inside and outside of the Faith in Jesus, it is a much needed reminder that we are no longer bound in any way by the old law.
This is a well written, well communicated defense of the true Good News of Jesus. I expected it to be, I did not expect to completely agree with it, but I do.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 09-29-18
A TRUE REVELATION
Must read. Remarkably written. Andy has a gift for simplifying the complicated. This book is the reason I joined Audible. Andy has been a long time advocate & I knew hearing his translation would bring the true message home. Mission accomplished. If you've been a "Christian' your entire life, considering it for the very first time, left the church for doubts or "church going" folks...this book is for EVERYBODY.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Clint Byars
- 11-14-18
From a pastor
Yes, yes and yes. In no way is Andy recommending we throw out the Hebrew Bible and God’s Law, he’s saying to understand that Jesus fulfilled its requirements for us.
He goes on to beautifully describe how our faith isn’t in a book, it’s in an event, the resurrection of Christ.
I appreciate his simple prescription for a seemingly ineffective, post-Christian church, love one another. If the body of Christ got busy loving one another, and approaching the world in love, people would believe God sent Christ to save us.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Andrew van Ingen
- 10-13-18
Thought provoking
I was on the edge of my seat while listening, wondering wether there would come a moment that I would find it tooooo provoking. In the end: I agree 99,99% and have a tiny bit of investigation and thinking to do. Really appreciate the great teaching! Wise thoughts. It’s a great resource. I highly recommend listening to this book!!
Andy’s views are definitely western and for among postchristians. I wonder if he would change a few thoughts in non-western cultures. I guess that’s the homework I have for now.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- g. lee
- 10-11-18
Grateful
This book helped me see. Parts of it gave me clarity for things that I intuitively thought were true, but couldn’t express. Parts of it challenged assumptions I have held since childhood. Parts of it reminded me why both what we believe and how we communicate it really matters. All of it makes me grateful that a thinker and communicator like Andy Stanley shared his journey and insight with us.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- GB
- 09-29-18
Amazing!
I’ve listened to Pastor Stanley’s message podcasts for a year or two now. This book chronicles some of those priceless lessons I’ve learned from listening to him. “Irresistible is an awesome book that will stretch the faith you grew up with. People have been criticizing Andy for the views expressed in this book, but very unfairly and blindly. He uses quotes from Jesus and the Apostles to confirm his concepts.
I was thrilled that Andy narrated this. You can here the earnestness and conviction pour out of his voice, his persuasive speaking ability really shines here. This is truly one of the most wonderful and most important books of our time. Highly recommended!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- K Brown
- 01-30-19
Listen to the Whole Book
At the beginning, I really enjoyed all of Andy's historical and cultural perspectives. Then Andy begins making some very different and bold statements that were completely foreign to me and I even had to put the book down for a little while. At the end it all came together and I'm glad I listened to it. I'm a Christian, active in my church and I've grown up in a Christian home. This book really challenged my thinking and is making for some good conversation. For the sake of the gospel and future generations I think these points should be discussed. I didn't know where to rate this book. I encourage you to listen to the whole thing, allow yourself to be challenged and decide for yourself.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Scott B
- 04-22-21
Read for yourself before criticizing.
You might be surprised to learn that Andy is not saying acrylics think he saying. I doubt any of them is actually read the book for them selves. Andy is making a well thought out, logical and historical argument, and most of the criticism is very out of context. But if you don’t believe me read it for yourself.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rev. P. R. Miller
- 05-04-19
Somewhere and somehow, Andy Stanley changed...
TLDR: This book is not suitable for understanding the effect the Bible has had on the world or even continues to have on the *world* today. The book can only be good if you believe that American people are somehow unique in the history of the world. If American society makes another paradigm shift, Stanley's "prophetic" words about reaching the post-Christian "nones" will be looked at as another misguided attempt with likely unforeseen (and often terrible) outcomes as so many other misled approaches have. Stanley will help create thousands of disciples that love a God they know precious little about.
---
Andy's voice isn't for me, but I always appreciate an author who reads his own works. You get so much out of the vocal inflections that help to clarify meaning. Unfortunately, this doesn't help Stanley.
After listening to the book and then reading others' reviews, I decided to write down my thoughts on what is going on surrounding this book's teaching and the controversy. On the one side, there are the biblical apologists and systematic theologians that are out to defend the Bible from intentionally dismissive statements from the author. On the other hand, there is the North Point model of church ministry that says that there is no cost too high when it comes to making disciples of Jesus Christ. So the two camps talk right past each other for a simple point: they have become two different religions, both claiming to follow Jesus. The reason I call them two different religions is simple: one is dedicated to the full scope of God's glory and examining that, and the other is dedicated to the interpretation of a mission given to the world, and if they cannot agree on the basis of perhaps the most significant mandate of the New Testament, then they aren't in communion anymore. Moreover, I say "interpretation" regarding Stanley intentionally, because I believe Stanley will very likely have a full church that knows very little about the God they love.
Andy Stanley takes the later point of disciple-making to its logical conclusion in his American social climate/audience size if making disciples is the only requirement: we need to stop putting any emphasis on the Old Testament because the legal statements of the Old Testament are hard to jive with progressive social norms of today. If you are going to make Jesus "Irresistible," you must avoid talking about the harder words of the Old Testament. No one has trouble with Isaiah and the virgin birth; most Americans flinch when reading the Law of Leviticus. To an extent, all American Christians understand this, even if they disagree. Ask yourself, if you're a church-goer: when was the last time you heard a preaching series on Numbers? Deuteronomy? Obadiah?
For biblical defenders (disclaimer: I include myself), Stanley's words are unthinkable. However, I could point to Scripture verses that should outright correct Stanley's views all day long, and they would not dent his resolve; a resolve based on a few verses of the New Testament about making disciples. I've personally heard Andy Stanley speak in person at a leadership event, quoting St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 9, to make a case that no cost is too high to reach others and make disciples because St. Paul becomes a Jew to the Jews, and weak to the weak, to justify his stance to "unhitch" ourselves from the Old Testament. Moreover, as a Christian theologian, I could only ask myself when I heard this, "You'd even ignore the glory of what God has done?" This also ignores historical reality (along with statements of the New Testament) and implies that Stanley believes God has wasted his time in allowing his full interaction with humanity to be recorded, only so it could be ignored later. "Unhitching the Old Testament" (Stanley's words at a conference I attended) is similar to asking people to ignore the significant elephant in the room: that Jesus regularly quotes from a book we don't ever talk about.
The two camps are dedicated to different things, and while making disciples is important, the battle between Stanley and others means that we have very different ideas of what constitutes a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Christianity will never be able to stand with Stanley on this, and frankly, Stanley should know better. His insisted separation of a Hebrew Bible and Christian Bible pushes right up against the systematic belief of God's immutability, immanence, and impeccability. Also, if Stanley follows this logic out to its conclusion, if the Old Testament has never been palatable to the world, then the New Testament will not be any more palatable.
Stanley's suggestion that we should stop calling the Bible anything other than the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Scriptures is smoke and mirrors, at best. It makes a genetic distinction without a difference. That would be like saying an omnibus of Andy Stanley's works called "The Collected Works of Andy Stanley," didn't accurately reflect Andy Stanley's history and beliefs.
Either I'm completely nuts or something about this North Point hype-train doesn't make sense. Are there any discerning eyes in over 900 reviews?! The views that Stanley is espousing aren't groundbreaking or new or revolutionary. They've been given in the past, many, many times, and each time, they've been found wanting by orthodox Christianity everywhere.
And as a final gripe, I want to point out something that we all SHOULD be able to agree on just on logical principle: the idea that Andy Stanley is a great communicator is rubbish. In so many articles and reviews, authors tow this bizarre line that says that Stanley is a great communicator. If orthodox Christians everywhere are always "misunderstanding" Stanley, as he and his defenders says in so many rebuttal articles, then he isn't a good communicator. At best, he is a reckless communicator, and this book is the perfect example. You could argue me and say that "Just because Christians disagree with Stanley doesn't mean he's a bad communicator." I would argue back that if your professional peers in ministry aren't just disagreeing but are "misunderstanding" you, you've either failed to communicate your intended message or you're intentionally deceptive - in either case, these are not the hallmarks of ANY great communicator.
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Noah Mitchell
- 10-02-18
A story the church needs to hear
As the Bible goes, so goes our faith. Or at least, that's what so many of us have been taught (including the skeptics seeking to dismiss Christianity altogether).
Andy writes with wisdom, knowkedge and relentless empathy for an audience of churched people--and shows them that there was an attractive, world-changing faith before pen was put to paper and our Christian Scripture began to take shape. He invites us to put the Hebrew Bible in the right context (inspired, but not equally applicable), and instead live a life marked by our sacrificial love for God and neighbour.
It's a great conversation starter for the topic of biblical infallibility, mission, and love. I'll be listening to this one again.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Birdy
- 07-24-21
The most educational book on Christianity I’ve ever read!
This book literally changed my life by answering many of the big questions I had about Christianity. I would recommend it to everyone; believers, non-believers and ex-believers alike.
Thank you, Andy 🙏🏼
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- P S.
- 10-03-20
Brilliant
Really inspiring, liberating and full of hope for the future. A great resource I am recommending to everyone
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Robin's wife
- 08-09-20
Challenged to win some
This is an amazing book. I loved the journey Andy took me on to rethink not just my view of faith but how i need to share it to inspire others.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- TheUnseendimension
- 05-22-20
A very bold and brave book
I didn't know much about Andy Stanley and this book was suggested by the Amazon algorithm based on my other purchases. The title also piqued my interest so I went all in and was immediately intrigued by what he was saying so I continued listening. As I went on, I was thinking he is probably going to say something I dont agree with that will change everything so his reading and narration worked really well. I got to the end and glad I did, Andy just awakened something in me that I have always known and in my own way have talked about but it was so good to see how he talked about it and the message of Jesus vs how our Christian faith is taught now. I can see for sure why it was so attractive in the early days, why it changed the world to this day. There are certainly a few things here and there that I may not have agreed with but overall, the core of what he is saying is undeniable by any truth seeking person. Amazing book and will certainly change your perspective one way or another.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 01-29-20
Best book I've read this year
An incredible exposition on the crux of the Christian Faith! A must read for anyone interested in the major theme of the entire bible, with very helpful references to Bible History, Jewish History and Traditions.
For those who have become despondent about the relevance, validity and usefulness of Faith in Jesus.
Andy presents a version of Christianity that differs strongly from that which is practiced in 21st Century western culture, and invites his listeners to return to the ways of the original first Century believers. By hinging their Faith on a person (Jesus) and an event (his resurrection).
This is now my top book to read ever!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 08-04-19
Absolutely enlightening
This book makes our belief so clear and relevant. The Bible can be difficult to explain to non-believers and even to ourselves- especially the Jewish history. Although the stories there offer great encouragement about how God loves and can save, there are also baffling, cringe-worthy parts. Pastor Andy has unwrapped it for us and I have deeper knowledge of a universal Christ who brought us Good News - he came not for a select few but for all. Andy read it too, which it makes the message even more poignant. Brilliant book relevant for individuals both Christians and non Christians and for Church leaders. Time to rethink our religion. Thank you Andy.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 05-29-19
Refreshing and passionate
This book has refreshed my thinking on the book we call the Bible. A wonderful tour through the history of the old covenant, before a passionate and truthful exposition of how we can be new covenant thinkers and communicators. This will definitely change how I think and speak about God's word. Also Andy's communication style is great - he clearly really feels the things he has written about, and is hugely entertaining to listen to. Highly recommend.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Iona
- 05-19-19
`struggled with his disconnection of old and new
some good but mixed with a flawed I my opinion theology and a disconnect and rejection of the old testament
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 04-19-19
This book is paradigm shifting
Andy Stanley should ALWAYS narrate his own books. So brilliant. This is definitely one of the few books I will read several times I my life time. Being a preacher and youth leader myself who would love to study theology but not by the means to, this book has given me incredible insight and hnderstanding that I never thought possible. A must read for any Christian, leader, teacher or parent.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- tyler tavner
- 08-24-20
What an amazing book
Just finished listening to this for the second time. It’s changed how I look at the Bible and the first century church.
Loved the way Andy brought this important message. Would and have recommended to anyone who is a Christain or use to call themselves a Christain.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Steve Bosman
- 07-25-19
Andy Stanley is Passionate about Jesus
A great book well worth listening to. Definitely had a lot of content. I get it.