107th out of 1,897 books
—
1,836 voters
Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control
Very few books on dating have stood the test of time like Passion and Purity. Its much-needed message remains strong and hopeful in an age when doing whatever "feels right" is common practice. Using her own life as an example, Elisabeth Elliot guides singles of both genders and of any age on how to put their love lives under the authority of Jesus Christ.
Passion and Purit...more
Passion and Purit...more
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
April 1st 2002
by Fleming H. Revell Company
(first published 1984)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
This is my second time reading this. In my first attempt, I think I had zero interest...this time, it's with a spirit of brokenness that opened my heart to what Elisabeth Elliot has to say about love and relationship.
Some said that her standards are too high... perhaps that's how purity is; it's either achieved or not at all.
What if that just how HIGH God's standard is anyway? What if it is meant to be possible for every single one of us?
If you already have in mind what love is all about - th...more
Some said that her standards are too high... perhaps that's how purity is; it's either achieved or not at all.
What if that just how HIGH God's standard is anyway? What if it is meant to be possible for every single one of us?
If you already have in mind what love is all about - th...more
I have to say that this is the second most influential and beneficial book I have read (after the Bible). Not only is Mrs. Elliot an extraordinary writer she has the amazing gift of wrapping a story inside of a group of ideas that once discovered seem so natural and plain.
While reading this book, I was overwhelmed emotionally. Many times I was crying, at other times celebrating. But ultimately I was taken aback by such a wonderful story of two young people who so relied on the Lord that they wer...more
While reading this book, I was overwhelmed emotionally. Many times I was crying, at other times celebrating. But ultimately I was taken aback by such a wonderful story of two young people who so relied on the Lord that they wer...more
Good message, but I disagree with details. I think Elliot's overall message is good and true. As a single-but-waiting-on-the-Lord 29-year-old, I agree with the ideas of waiting on His timing and leading. I also disagree with much of what goes on in modern relationships, and think it needs addressing. However, my issues with this book are that, first of all, Jim Elliot was rather pompus in his pursuit of Elisabeth. I hate saying that, since he was a martyr for the cause of Christ. Men are the spi...more
This book was alot different than I expected, but was good overall. Elliot teaches us principles on waiting on the Lord and trusting in His timing, His promises and His plan from a very "girly" perspective. She shares her own dating/waiting, "already-not-yet" story of her relationship with Jim Elliot.
The book is filled with stories, letters and her own personal journals. It's a fast, interesting and intriguing read-- and whoever reads this (well, girls mostly) will grow to really be encouraged...more
The book is filled with stories, letters and her own personal journals. It's a fast, interesting and intriguing read-- and whoever reads this (well, girls mostly) will grow to really be encouraged...more
A really enjoyable and encouraging read about Elizabeth and Jim Elliot's love story. The short chapters are a mixture of excerpts from her journal, letters between Elizabeth and Jim, and advice she gives to younger women regarding romance and yielding to Christ. This is a book about dating, but it is really part of the larger lesson of lordship. Some of my favorite quotes
"faith= believing that God knows exactly what he is doing"
"Our vision is so limited we can hardly image a love that does not s...more
"faith= believing that God knows exactly what he is doing"
"Our vision is so limited we can hardly image a love that does not s...more
This book was absolutely amazing! A lot of books written about purity before marriage have a tendency to fall into the "trap", as I refer to it. The "don't do it because God says so and it's bad" trap. And, although that is true, I feel that most people need more than this in order to convict their hearts to follow through with a commitment of this stature.
Elisabeth Elliot makes the subject interesting and real with personal accounts of her journey of purity with her husband, Jim Elliot. She doe...more
Elisabeth Elliot makes the subject interesting and real with personal accounts of her journey of purity with her husband, Jim Elliot. She doe...more
Several years ago, a respected friend in the pastorate (my youth pastor when I was a teen), recommended this book to me and told me it was the best book he had read on the love/dating/marriage relationship.
I tucked that tidbit of knowledge in the cranium and jumped at the opportunity to read this book when it came my way. I personally am not familiar with this level of Christianity when it comes to man/woman relationships. She writes of the path/journey with which she & Jim Elliot came to be...more
I tucked that tidbit of knowledge in the cranium and jumped at the opportunity to read this book when it came my way. I personally am not familiar with this level of Christianity when it comes to man/woman relationships. She writes of the path/journey with which she & Jim Elliot came to be...more
It's a good book, with many helpful advice, but each saint much realize that the circumstances for each person may vary, from the questions posed to her, there's a danger that some may view their(Jim and Beth's) relationship and how it developed as the benchmark for all relationships! God forbid! :)
Their's was their's and they had their own learning to undergo before God, as do each of us. :)
So the book is valuable in terms of looking at the advice given, and thinking upon the circumstances that...more
Their's was their's and they had their own learning to undergo before God, as do each of us. :)
So the book is valuable in terms of looking at the advice given, and thinking upon the circumstances that...more
I first heard about this book from Joshua Harris's book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Joshua Harris first read this story as a confused, stubborn teenager. However, eventually, he learned to consider and really cherish what Elisabeth Elliot had to say.
This book wasn't just a typical, Christian dating book about dating, modesty, or what to look for in a future spouse. Instead, Elisabeth Elliot shares extremely honest letters, feelings, inner confusion, and diary entries between her first husband, Ji...more
This book wasn't just a typical, Christian dating book about dating, modesty, or what to look for in a future spouse. Instead, Elisabeth Elliot shares extremely honest letters, feelings, inner confusion, and diary entries between her first husband, Ji...more
I'd recommend this book to every Christian. I've been to many Bible studies, chapels, classes where they try to teach you what to look for in romantic relationship and the do's and don'ts, but Mrs. Elisabeth Elliot gives the reason behind everything. She brings to light the lies Satan loves to throw in to throw us off. She's blunt honest about what she believes, and she's not scared to use her life as examples. I loved to learn about her and Jim's story. Even though I'm considered conservative,...more
Passion and Purity taught me a lot about love. The book is one that can be insightful to a teenager, or an adult. Its more aimed towards women, but I'd say its knowledgeable for both genders. Elisabeth Elliot shares her experience in college of struggling between becoming a missionary and the desire to get married. Throughout the book, which are her journal entries from college compiled together, she shares incredible understanding on what a Godly women should look like, what dating should look...more
Somewhat hard to read, nevertheless interesting. I agree with 100% of everything she says and if everyone took her advice, society would be much much more stable. It seems like the best idea in the world to never tell a girl 'I love you' unless you're next few words are 'Will you marry me?'
I think this is what my situation will be like...unless I join a monastery first.
The book really makes you realize how valuable chastity is. I saw the Hope Diamond on display the day after I bought this book....more
I think this is what my situation will be like...unless I join a monastery first.
The book really makes you realize how valuable chastity is. I saw the Hope Diamond on display the day after I bought this book....more
This is not another "dating and relationships" book. It is a powerful devotional book that hits on many aspects of dating and relationships. . . . The challenge issued in this book is not legalistic; the appeal is not made to the body or the mind, but to the heart, that your affection for Christ might overshadow all others as it should. This sounds harsh at first, but the lives of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot bear witness that they were among the "wise servants" who would rather have oil in their la...more
I received this book as a Christmas gift. As the best book I have read thus far on purity as well as on the "day-to-day" living of a young woman, it is beginning to change my thinking! In a personal retelling of her own story, Mrs. Elliot delves into the central struggles of a young woman, responding to them with Biblical truth. Her openness in some areas by sharing diary entries, and reservedness in others makes this book even sweeter. I would highly recommend it to any young lady of high schoo...more
i heard about this book from dr. james dobson's radio program focus on the family. as i listened to mrs elliot gren, i cant help but admire the wisdom in her words. to my great surprise and delight, i found the book in one popular bookstore one time and was too eager to buy it.
the book spoke to me, i think it was the exact message that God wanted to tell me, every page of it. it wasnt just about the love story lesson that taught me, it was these 2 Christians' strong, deep and intimate relations...more
the book spoke to me, i think it was the exact message that God wanted to tell me, every page of it. it wasnt just about the love story lesson that taught me, it was these 2 Christians' strong, deep and intimate relations...more
Nov 30, 2008
Stephanie Allen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Stephanie by:
Mat Jones, Katie Ellis, Amanda Soto
This is a wonderful, marvelous, fabulous, awesome book! I wish I had read this years ago. It would have saved me a lot of heartache and pain, even in my current relationship. This book teaches you how to be patient in singleness, how to love passionately and still remain pure, and how to conduct yourself in a godly manner. I have so much more respect for my boyfriend now than I did before I read this book. Jim Elliot, Elisabeth's first husband (he was killed in South America, in the mission fiel...more
Such an honest, timeless view on a topic everyone thinks is so unique to themselves. The story of the beautiful, God-honoring courtship of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot should be required reading!
I read this in high school and wasn't spiritually mature enough to get a lot out of it. When I started to re-read it I almost quit because there's a lot in the beginning about women's desire for marriage, being willing to stay single, etc., which is just not something that's very hard for me. I'm glad I stuc...more
I read this in high school and wasn't spiritually mature enough to get a lot out of it. When I started to re-read it I almost quit because there's a lot in the beginning about women's desire for marriage, being willing to stay single, etc., which is just not something that's very hard for me. I'm glad I stuc...more
Passion and Purity was recommended to me when I was attending Christian College right after high school. It's been just over 6 years now since I read it so I don't remember everything about the book but I do remember it being one of the best books I read that first year or Christian College and my very first tattoo was because of a line in the book that said "If your life is broken when given to Jesus it's because pieces can feed a multitude." That has been one of my favorite quotes since I read...more
One of those books that can stay on your shelf for years to read 'again and again'. The story that unfolded in the lives of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot is truly amazing...one that could only be crafted by God! As I read it, it takes me back to a much simpler time - when we didn't have all the instant ways of staying in touch 24/7. Where time and space really did make the heart grow fonder, and waiting on a loved one's reply to a handwritten letter was filled with giddy anticipation - for months at...more
Those who know me well can't believe I've never read this book until now. In the words of Bob Cratchet to his wife regarding her plum pudding, my words for Elisabeth are the same, "A Triumph, my dear! An absolute triumph!" E.E. is such a role model for Christian women because she has such a great head on her shoulders while also having such a heart for the Lord. I appreciated having these affirmations of wisdom as I navigate training my children in this area of their walk. Oversaid, but true non...more
So far; better than your classic Christian Non-fiction, Elliot is a poetic yet brief writer. Really Great.
Favorite Quotes:
"If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad" (Ruth Stoll quoted in reference to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000)
"There is an idea of honor here that has largely been lost. Honor is fidelity to a system of fixed values and relations. Is there anything today, even in the imagination of...more
Favorite Quotes:
"If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad" (Ruth Stoll quoted in reference to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000)
"There is an idea of honor here that has largely been lost. Honor is fidelity to a system of fixed values and relations. Is there anything today, even in the imagination of...more
I was between twelve and fourteen when I read this book with my older sister. At the time, I found it to contain far too much passion and not enough purity. Today, all I can remember are stories about them sitting as close as possible together, etc. (before they decided not to do that anymore) and quotes from his letters to her that I found very disturbing at the time. He talked about how much he longed for her physically and that was the only side I could see to their relationship. When they go...more
Outstanding book about the relationship/romance/whatever-you-want-to-call-it between Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, as both were preparing to begin a life on the mission field. Elisabeth recounts the struggles, the joys, the tension, and the fulfillment of waiting on God for the person that he has or doesn't have for you. Her style intertwines poetry, story-telling, letters between the two, response to questions, and insight from Scripture about God's design for marriage and relationships. The struct...more
“… waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one’s thoughts…” (61-62)
I can't over-express the ways in which this book ministered to me. Each chapter’s message came in perfect timing. Without fail, there was always a simple thought of wisdom which helped guide my thoughts and the questions of my heart during the months in which I read this book. It amazed me, really, ho...more
I can't over-express the ways in which this book ministered to me. Each chapter’s message came in perfect timing. Without fail, there was always a simple thought of wisdom which helped guide my thoughts and the questions of my heart during the months in which I read this book. It amazed me, really, ho...more
It has been awhile since I have read a "purity" book. I was excited to read it after hearing great things from a friend. I had heard of Jim Elliot before and seen the movie End of the Spear, but I didn't know that his wife, Elisabeth Elliot, has left quite a legacy of her own, through writing over twenty-five books! Although Jim died over fifty years ago, he lives on in the writings of Elisabeth.
Elisabeth Elliot writes an atypical work compared to other Christian purity literature. Many of today...more
Elisabeth Elliot writes an atypical work compared to other Christian purity literature. Many of today...more
This is a great book to find out what God desires for courtship and marriage. Elliot provides an encouraging and insightful voice to let us know how Jim Elliot and her honored God by respecting each other. The chapter about Jim's rebellious senior year was a shock, because I didn't expect Jim to have a rebellious period too. That year shows how easy doubts and fears can lead us to question God and fall into sin. However, his courtship with Elizabeth is a great example for all Christian singles a...more
This isn't really just a book about relationships. There's something about it that makes me suspect that I have carried the same consumerist attitude I have picked up from culture into my faith: i.e. whatever I desire must be from God, and He is there to give me what I desire.
Elisabeth Elliot wisely showed me a God who is bigger than just someone above me who can give me things and answer my prayers. I learned that if I live my faith with the attitude of a consumer, I will miss some of the great...more
Elisabeth Elliot wisely showed me a God who is bigger than just someone above me who can give me things and answer my prayers. I learned that if I live my faith with the attitude of a consumer, I will miss some of the great...more
Mar 03, 2009
Kathryn
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Single Guys/Gals
Recommended to Kathryn by:
A fellow LVL staffer
Shelves:
christian
People recommend a lot of books to me. I appreciate that, but to be hones sometimes I'm very skeptical about whether it will actually be a good book or not. This is especially true on Christian living books. Whether its for theological differences, lack of real world application, general cheesiness, or just the tone of the author I have read plenty that are ho-hum. This is not one of those books.
About 5 years ago someone told me to pick up some Elisabeth Elliot...man I wish I had taken their adv...more
About 5 years ago someone told me to pick up some Elisabeth Elliot...man I wish I had taken their adv...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
From the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials....more
More about Elisabeth Elliot...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly to pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done.”
—
70 people liked it
“I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one’s thoughts. Its easy to talk oneself into a decision that has no permanence – easier sometimes than to wait patiently.”
—
59 people liked it
More quotes…

Loading...
































May 29, 2011 02:53pm