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Thinking. Loving. Doing.
Stemming from the 2010 Desiring God National Conference, this volume explores loving God with both the heart and the mind, with contributions by Warren, Chan, Piper, Mohler, Sproul, and Anyabwile.
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2011
69 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,610 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 23, 2018
La idea de este libro me parece sumamente necesaria. Los que nos gusta pensar solemos olvidar los sentimientos y las manos mientras tenemos la nariz metida en un libro. Los que aman amar insisten que pensar no lo es todo y le suben el volumen a su alabanza favorita. Mientras tanto, los hacedores ruedan los ojos y se lamentan de lo poco cristianos que son todos, mientras ellos pasan cada minuto del día buscando cómo servir al prójimo.
Por más que nos inclinemos de manera natural hacia una de esas cosas, todos necesitamos pensar, amar, y hacer. Así que me resultó un poco decepcionante descubrir que, a pesar de lo urgente de este mensaje, la presentación del mismo no fue tan grandiosa como lo esperaba.
(Reseña completa en mi blog de Medium ).
Por más que nos inclinemos de manera natural hacia una de esas cosas, todos necesitamos pensar, amar, y hacer. Así que me resultó un poco decepcionante descubrir que, a pesar de lo urgente de este mensaje, la presentación del mismo no fue tan grandiosa como lo esperaba.
(Reseña completa en mi blog de Medium ).
December 24, 2020
A very interesting book. Each chapter written by a different person makes for staggered connections between them. David Mathis does a great job setting the stage for the book and what it has to offer. If more preface portions were written like this more books would be read upon the initial skimming. His brief of what each portion would be about whet the appetite as the tapestry began to unfold.
Rick Warren exceeded expectation. I had not read much of him or heard him speak before, so I was not expecting what I found. His portion is not the deepest of dives but there is much good in there. Also, more than a couple thought-provoking portions about libraries and legacies.
Al Mohler was exceptional. I could literally hear his voice in my head as I read through his portion of the book. In Mohler-esque fashion he explains matters of complexity very clearly and leaves you with the desire to read more.
RC takes you on a journey that causes you to lose your orientation in the middle. Trust him, hold his hand and follow through to the end, and you will see that he is getting somewhere and the ride is more than worth it.
Thabiti Anyabwile was interesting. This was also my first reading of him and so much of what he said by way of introductory comments can explain stances he has taken in the recent past. I applaud the consistency and I really appreciate his clarity and heart for evangelism to the muslim world. His definition of pluralism was rather confusing for me but his overall thesis was sound
Francis Chan stormed out the gate and produced quality work. I should have seen it coming since David Mathis said so in the preface, but it still hit me like a ton of bricks. I think in isolation his chapter would not have had the same effect but standing on the shoulders of Mohler and RC while leaning on the application of Thabiti he makes his case brilliantly. After reading his portion I had to take a break to think through the material.
Piper ended the book with Piper like style. Like Al Mohler I could hear his voice in certain areas because it was all so Piper.
Rick Warren exceeded expectation. I had not read much of him or heard him speak before, so I was not expecting what I found. His portion is not the deepest of dives but there is much good in there. Also, more than a couple thought-provoking portions about libraries and legacies.
Al Mohler was exceptional. I could literally hear his voice in my head as I read through his portion of the book. In Mohler-esque fashion he explains matters of complexity very clearly and leaves you with the desire to read more.
RC takes you on a journey that causes you to lose your orientation in the middle. Trust him, hold his hand and follow through to the end, and you will see that he is getting somewhere and the ride is more than worth it.
Thabiti Anyabwile was interesting. This was also my first reading of him and so much of what he said by way of introductory comments can explain stances he has taken in the recent past. I applaud the consistency and I really appreciate his clarity and heart for evangelism to the muslim world. His definition of pluralism was rather confusing for me but his overall thesis was sound
Francis Chan stormed out the gate and produced quality work. I should have seen it coming since David Mathis said so in the preface, but it still hit me like a ton of bricks. I think in isolation his chapter would not have had the same effect but standing on the shoulders of Mohler and RC while leaning on the application of Thabiti he makes his case brilliantly. After reading his portion I had to take a break to think through the material.
Piper ended the book with Piper like style. Like Al Mohler I could hear his voice in certain areas because it was all so Piper.
September 10, 2023
Audible Plus 6 hous 12 min. Narrated by Sean Runnette (A)
This a collection of messages by outstanding teachers of the Word delivered at the Desirig God Conference in 2010. It ends with a round-table question and answer session with the participants. The messages were quite thought-provoking, and I listened to most of them twice. It is necessary that Christians lead a balanced life. We need to read the Word for study and meditation (Think.) This should lead us to obedience of the two greatest commands given by Christ. Love the LORD with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Love). The natural progression will lead to acts of mercy and sacrifice (Doing). "Faith without works is dead."
This a collection of messages by outstanding teachers of the Word delivered at the Desirig God Conference in 2010. It ends with a round-table question and answer session with the participants. The messages were quite thought-provoking, and I listened to most of them twice. It is necessary that Christians lead a balanced life. We need to read the Word for study and meditation (Think.) This should lead us to obedience of the two greatest commands given by Christ. Love the LORD with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Love). The natural progression will lead to acts of mercy and sacrifice (Doing). "Faith without works is dead."
February 17, 2016
Un libro muy bien enfocado en lo tocante al quehacer del creyente en cuanto a AMAR a Dios, con la mente.
Hay capítulos bastante "pesados" a nivel intelectual, y capítulos bastante "pesados" (y confrontativos) en cuanto al hacer del creyente-discípulo.
Recomendado para pastores, líderes y ministros laicos.
Hay capítulos bastante "pesados" a nivel intelectual, y capítulos bastante "pesados" (y confrontativos) en cuanto al hacer del creyente-discípulo.
Recomendado para pastores, líderes y ministros laicos.
December 25, 2018
no tiene desperdicio!
September 20, 2019
This is good.... A book that, I think, achieves what it sets out to do. An effective encouragement to better glorify God - with heart, and mind,
(and hands)...
(and hands)...
May 24, 2019
Our ability to think and reason is a wonderful gift from God. We are made in his image! So much we can learn and these gifted men of God impart valuable wisdom in this book. It is so needed today to hear these truths shared here and it was refreshing, encouraging and very helpful for developing and growing in our walk and how we witness to others. Really good audiobook to listen to when you need to feed your mind good godly practices.
November 16, 2018
"One thing is clear: knowledge that is loveless is not true knowledge. It's imaginary knowledge, no matter how factual it is: 'If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.' Knowing as we ought to know is a knowing for the sake of loving. Loving God and loving people.
March 25, 2020
This book was an interesting compilation of varied authors and read more like a collection of theses, all with different ideas/themes. It is hard to critique the book as a whole, because you really have to break down each author for each chapter. I will start by ranking them from my most to least favorite:
1. Conclusion by John Piper. Concise, biblical and gospel-centered. Piper encourages by explaining the fullest example of the revelation of God is found in the person of Christ, specifically in His death and ressurection. We must focus our minds on Him and the gospel. Great chapter.
2. Thinking Deeply in the Ocean of Revelation: The Bible and the Life of the Mind R. C. SPROUL
I really enjoyed the chapter by Sproul because he used and exposited Acts 17, while also offering his unique wisdom of philosophy and thinking. No complaints here, and very helpful reminder that even in academia, the only way we can truly answer the difficult questions of life is through Biblical revelation.
2. The Way the World Thinks: Meeting the Natural Mind in the Mirror and in the Marketplace R. ALBERT MOHLER JR.
Mohler, like Sproul, exposits scripture. He uses Romans 1 to explain the debased mind of the world and how we as Christians ought to think differently than the world. I appreciate his clear writing style, lack of personal anecdotes and clear exposition of scripture. I especially like this view in the context of the gospel that Mohler reminds us of, “At the end of the day, we are not smarter than the rest. We are not morally superior to those who do not know Christ. We did not come to know salvation in Christ because we are wise. Salvation is all of grace.”
3. Thinking for the Sake of Global Faithfulness: Encountering Islam with the Mind of Christ THABITI ANYABWILE
I liked this chapter for the knowledge I gained about the traditions and beliefs of Islam, and how to have a conversation with those of other beliefs by understanding their position. The chapter was relatively void of scripture, but still helpful for understanding Islam.
4. Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride FRANCIS CHAN
This chapter was extremely disappointing. Chan uses far more personal examples and anecdotes than scripture, which creates an air of pride, even though he is discussing humility. I would challenge someone to try to count the number of times he uses the word “I” or tells a story about himself. It’s incredibly disappointing. He doesn’t keep to a main thesis… some of his individuals points are true and good reminders, but they aren’t backed up by scripture and they aren’t articulated well. For example, Chan encourages us to not use thinking as a means of boasting to cause our brother or sister to fall. I enjoyed this point, but it was briefly mentioned and then done (not organized). Another beef I had with Chan in this chapter was that he put such an emphasis on experiences and “change” that he de-emphasized the written word of God as our primary revelation. He became “confused” when a Muslim sitting next to him told him that God had answered his prayers… He was offended as if only believers could enjoy the common graces of God in life. Instead of pointing these people to the objective reality of Christ’s death, Chan basically says to let them see how good you are, and then show them how your life got changed when you got saved. I am afraid by focusing so much on the outward appearances, Chan misses the boat here by forgetting the gospel, scripture, and centrality of Christ. Replace “Christ” with the many times he uses the word “I” and this would be a good chapter.
5. The Battle for Your Mind RICK WARREN
It’s unfortunate that this is the first chapter in this book. I understand Piper’s goal to be ecumenical, but this was not a good choice. Warren botches interpretation of scripture, rarely uses scripture except dabbled here and there to emphasize HIS points. He talks about himself, a lot. One gets the sense that he is working to try to prove to the audience/reader that he actually deserves to be in this book/conference. He talks about how many mountains of books he has read, and uses other personal examples of piety with a guise of humility veiled over them. He has a list of “points” but not based on scripture. He is formulaic, outcomes oriented, and shallow in his theology which is very evident in this chapter. He does not focus on scripture, the gospel, or Christ for that matter. If Al Mohler hadn’t written chapter 2, I would have put the book down after this.
1. Conclusion by John Piper. Concise, biblical and gospel-centered. Piper encourages by explaining the fullest example of the revelation of God is found in the person of Christ, specifically in His death and ressurection. We must focus our minds on Him and the gospel. Great chapter.
2. Thinking Deeply in the Ocean of Revelation: The Bible and the Life of the Mind R. C. SPROUL
I really enjoyed the chapter by Sproul because he used and exposited Acts 17, while also offering his unique wisdom of philosophy and thinking. No complaints here, and very helpful reminder that even in academia, the only way we can truly answer the difficult questions of life is through Biblical revelation.
2. The Way the World Thinks: Meeting the Natural Mind in the Mirror and in the Marketplace R. ALBERT MOHLER JR.
Mohler, like Sproul, exposits scripture. He uses Romans 1 to explain the debased mind of the world and how we as Christians ought to think differently than the world. I appreciate his clear writing style, lack of personal anecdotes and clear exposition of scripture. I especially like this view in the context of the gospel that Mohler reminds us of, “At the end of the day, we are not smarter than the rest. We are not morally superior to those who do not know Christ. We did not come to know salvation in Christ because we are wise. Salvation is all of grace.”
3. Thinking for the Sake of Global Faithfulness: Encountering Islam with the Mind of Christ THABITI ANYABWILE
I liked this chapter for the knowledge I gained about the traditions and beliefs of Islam, and how to have a conversation with those of other beliefs by understanding their position. The chapter was relatively void of scripture, but still helpful for understanding Islam.
4. Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride FRANCIS CHAN
This chapter was extremely disappointing. Chan uses far more personal examples and anecdotes than scripture, which creates an air of pride, even though he is discussing humility. I would challenge someone to try to count the number of times he uses the word “I” or tells a story about himself. It’s incredibly disappointing. He doesn’t keep to a main thesis… some of his individuals points are true and good reminders, but they aren’t backed up by scripture and they aren’t articulated well. For example, Chan encourages us to not use thinking as a means of boasting to cause our brother or sister to fall. I enjoyed this point, but it was briefly mentioned and then done (not organized). Another beef I had with Chan in this chapter was that he put such an emphasis on experiences and “change” that he de-emphasized the written word of God as our primary revelation. He became “confused” when a Muslim sitting next to him told him that God had answered his prayers… He was offended as if only believers could enjoy the common graces of God in life. Instead of pointing these people to the objective reality of Christ’s death, Chan basically says to let them see how good you are, and then show them how your life got changed when you got saved. I am afraid by focusing so much on the outward appearances, Chan misses the boat here by forgetting the gospel, scripture, and centrality of Christ. Replace “Christ” with the many times he uses the word “I” and this would be a good chapter.
5. The Battle for Your Mind RICK WARREN
It’s unfortunate that this is the first chapter in this book. I understand Piper’s goal to be ecumenical, but this was not a good choice. Warren botches interpretation of scripture, rarely uses scripture except dabbled here and there to emphasize HIS points. He talks about himself, a lot. One gets the sense that he is working to try to prove to the audience/reader that he actually deserves to be in this book/conference. He talks about how many mountains of books he has read, and uses other personal examples of piety with a guise of humility veiled over them. He has a list of “points” but not based on scripture. He is formulaic, outcomes oriented, and shallow in his theology which is very evident in this chapter. He does not focus on scripture, the gospel, or Christ for that matter. If Al Mohler hadn’t written chapter 2, I would have put the book down after this.
September 16, 2021
Buscaba un libro que recomendar a aquellos que se oponen al pensamiento o, dicho de otro modo, a los que ven al hábito de ejercitar el pensamiento como vano intelectualismo; buscaba un libro que defienda la importancia de pensar, de cómo el pensar alimenta nuestra convicción y afectos y esto nos mueve a hacer, pero, salvo ciertos capítulos, creo que este libro olvidó mantenerse centrado en 2 de estos 3 puntos...
Aunque siempre pude aprender algo más que me ayuda a ayudar (Capítulo 4: Encontrar al islam con la mente de Cristo). Por lo demás creo que mis favoritos fueron la introducción y la conclusión.
Aunque siempre pude aprender algo más que me ayuda a ayudar (Capítulo 4: Encontrar al islam con la mente de Cristo). Por lo demás creo que mis favoritos fueron la introducción y la conclusión.
March 19, 2022
Honored to be formed by thoughts of some of the greatest theologians.
However, there’s some missing connections between chapters you should know. This book is a collaboration between authors and their part on a conference, therefore, it doesn’t contain a solid line of thought.
Although, there is a gem contained in the middle of the book that makes everything worth it. The spectacular chapter of Francis Chan “Think serious, stay humble” is a must read for every student and every Christian.
However, there’s some missing connections between chapters you should know. This book is a collaboration between authors and their part on a conference, therefore, it doesn’t contain a solid line of thought.
Although, there is a gem contained in the middle of the book that makes everything worth it. The spectacular chapter of Francis Chan “Think serious, stay humble” is a must read for every student and every Christian.
March 5, 2025
This book made me miss a friend of mine - Johan. Who used to say that the world needs more thinking Christians - it was more in response to what he believed would protect people from being misled by eloquent charlatan preachers... But today - the contributors of this book have also convinced me that thinking can help us grow in love, and as we grow in love so will our actions to confirm that.
April 5, 2020
¡Que tu nombre sea magnificado como supremamente valioso mediante la verdad en nuestras mentes, los sentimientos de nuestros corazones, las palabras de nuestros labios y los sacrificios de nuestras manos!
June 26, 2021
Un tema apasionante y urgente
Pero el desarrollo no fue tan contundente
Un buen ensayo, o a lo mejor reflexiones
Un libro que se disfruta leer
Pero falto algo je je
Recomiendo leer; si
El mejor; no
Pero el desarrollo no fue tan contundente
Un buen ensayo, o a lo mejor reflexiones
Un libro que se disfruta leer
Pero falto algo je je
Recomiendo leer; si
El mejor; no
October 31, 2023
Super encouraging book. I have enjoyed each of these authors over the years and I was challenged and encouraged by their call to know God, remember that I am known by Him, and that an encounter with Jesus will unavoidably change my life.
February 2, 2020
Excelente libro, en especial los capítulos de Rick Warren y Francis Chan. Me enseñaron mucho a que el amor siempre es más importante que el conocimiento.
October 31, 2020
Each contributor provides a solid essay but don't expect a consistent flow of thought. Warren's open offered the most practical response.
June 1, 2021
Solid evangelical look at the idea of being thinkers and thinking deeply as believers in Jesus for His glory alone. A little outdated with some of the topics and illustrations. A little choppy at times being a book based off a conference from 2010. I was really challenged about as a Pastor to help motivate my people to be better thinkers in many different ways and formats.
October 26, 2022
Amar a Dios con la mente significa que nuestra mente hace todo lo posible por despertar y expresar cuánto valoramos a Dios sobre todas las cosas.
January 2, 2023
El equilibrio de pensar, amar y hacer es mencionado, llegando a ver los puntos fuertes de pensar, amar y hacer desde cada perspectiva.
February 27, 2023
Uno de mis primeros libros que me llevó a una profunda reflexión en diversas áreas. Es un libro al cual se puede volver muchas veces.
March 31, 2023
Garbage in Garbage out! So true!
June 24, 2023
I can not recommend this book enough! All Christians and people for that matter need to hear the truth in this book!
July 9, 2023
An excellent, Christ-centered exhortation by multiple pastors for Christians to glorify God with mind, heart, and hands.
September 6, 2023
As a series of presentations from 2010's Desiring God Conference, this book was well organized and thought provoking.
January 30, 2013
My pastor I had at Moose Creek is a huge fan of John Piper, who influenced me to start reading his books and listening to his sermons, which are really, really good. Well, this is a compilation book that resulted from a conference a couple years ago. It includes chapters from 5 esteemed colleagues of Piper's, and the overall theme of the book discusses how important study and knowledge of God is, but points out that knowing a lot is one thing, but if it is not shared with a loving heart it will not be received as openly. Further, a balanced combination of knowledge and love results in people who serve in all different ways. I think they intend for this book to be for any Christian, I think it focuses more to pastors, after all these men are all pastors of churches. Each contributor gave a distinctive and compelling presentation, but my favorite by far was the chapter by Francis Chan. I also was attentive to Thabiti Anyabwile's chapter as he is a former Muslim, so I thought the points he made were very interesting. The topic of this book is rather dry, but it is important and worth the time to listen or read. The panel discussion at the end was where I started to become restless. It was like a group of big smart men sitting together showing off how smart they are. So I deducted points from my rating because of that.
August 20, 2012
Great book by a variety of authors. Rick Warren does a great job of highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of Reformed, Emergent and Charismatic theologies. Best part was his section on the value of the imagination. Al Mohler does an outstanding job of explaining the results of the fall on the mind. Thabiti Anyabwile discusses witnessing to Muslims and Francis Chan is his usual convicting self in his chapter on Humility--gonna take me a while to digest and process that one!! Do I love as Jesus does, honestly?? NO. Great challenging read.
April 14, 2015
One of my biggest problems with the modern Church (especially in the evangelical world) is the focus on feelings--how does church/community/Jesus make you feel? This book does a great job at balancing the importance of feelings with the putting faith into action and by thinking through faith. It emphasizes that faith is not passive. We are called to be faithful and fruitful disciples of God, which can only be accomplished through these three avenues.
The last chapter by Francis Chan is one of the best things I've ever read. Seriously.
The last chapter by Francis Chan is one of the best things I've ever read. Seriously.
May 11, 2012
I read this book as part of a men's bible study group for discussion purposes. For the most part, it served as a good discussion starter. I thought there were some really good points and issues addressed. It just wasn't my favorite book ever. The challenge to really 'think' about your faith, what it means and what it should look like. Some good stuff in challenging me in my walk.
September 2, 2013
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. The guys do an excellent job of calling evangelicals to hard thinking. But they don't stop there. the hard thinking that we do must move us into the world, open our mouths, and extend love through our hands and hearts. I wrote several blogs pertaining to this book at http://www.joevalenti.me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews