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A Mind for God
To be fully human is to think.The apostle Paul calls us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5). But James Emery White fears that Western Christians are failing in this task. Because we have not developed good intellectual habits, our minds instead have been captured by our culture.A Mind for God is written to help us break free from this cultural captivity through the spiritual and intellectual disciplines of reading, study and reflection. This inspirational and practical "rule for the mind" encourages and enables us to develop our minds for God.Includes book lists and resources so you can "grow your brain."
Hardcover
First published June 23, 2006
25 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
James Emery White
32 books55 followersJames Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, North Carolina; president of Serious Times, a ministry that explores the intersection of faith and culture. Dr. White is an adjunctive professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also served as their fourth president; and author of more than twenty books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 6, 2020
I just finished reading for the third time James Emery White’s book A Mind for God. As C. S. Lewis says in The Reading Life, that important books need to be reread. Dr. White lives to read and he wants others to learn to love reading. To love of reading can lead to the love of God. The mind loves God by reading. Unfortunately most do not make time for serious reading either because they are a poor reader or because they spend their leisure time watching TV (more than 1,000 hours a year says White. Those who do read are maybe reading the wrong things. What are the right kind of books, books that challenge our minds, books that are classics (Dr. White gives a list of 50 of the important books to civilization). He offer the recognized remedy. Give a half and hour to an hour of serious reading at least four days a week and you will get somewhere with your reading. Have a reading plan. Share what you are reading with someone. Dr. White offers a beginning reading list and a more advanced list. He also points out some resources for those who want to make study a priority. I like this book because I have learned to love reading too. If I could make one suggestion. In Dr. White’s list of classics I think he could have included more religious classics that we should read.
January 14, 2018
An encouragement for Christians to read! "The purpose of developing our minds is our love for God; our mission is to contend with the darkness for the sake of the Light." As we read and learn the scriptures, history and other books, we reflect on what they teach us in light of our mission.
May 28, 2021
“Knowledge is on the decline...and what is taking its place is information.” This book talks about developing our intellect to engage and influence our world for Christ. A short read. Highly recommend!
August 31, 2025
May or may not be my new favorite book.
September 17, 2018
An excellent little book about developing one's mind to speak and do the will of God; to confront our society and culture with the mind, heart and Gospel of Christ Jesus. The author gives the purpose in the opening pages: "... the purpose of this small book: thinking Christianly. While short in length, it sketches out a very large challenge and investment: to develop our minds in light of a biblical worldview that is then used to think Christianly about the world. From this we will be able as Christians to respond to the culture we live in and help the culture respond to the Christ we follow."
May 25, 2019
A great primer for the marriage between Christianity and intellectual thought and pursuit. Includes practical advice on beginning / honing reading skills, as well as helpful suggestions for those who need to start their journey or supplement their current path.
March 15, 2009
Formative. Calls for well-read and educated christians, and presents compelling cases for (and visions of) these new, reasoning Christians to address 'serious times' in a form of apologetics.
February 7, 2022
I remember when I first read this book, it was such an inspiration and challenge to develop and maintain a Christian mind. I enjoyed it and don't really remember disagreeing with the book at all. Reading it this time, which I believe is my third such reading, I would say I still like this book, but have a few more things that I'm not sure I completely agree with.
The main point in the book is that we need to develop our minds as Christians and that too few of us have really put in the effort here. White's pathway to developing our minds, is reading books. He particularly is drawn to the "old books" as he calls them. Overall, this is a message that I would wholeheartedly agree with, but some of the details I'm not sure I agree with as much I as I once did.
First, I'm not sure I'm fully on board with the idea of focusing what he calls the "old books." Are there "old books" that he mentions and lists at the end that are totally worth reading? Yes, but at the same time there are many that he mentions that are hard to access for the average person. Plus, he kind of ignores the idea of newer books. Maybe this is because that is what people are more likely to read? I'm not sure, but I think we need to be reading books from both. I think he'd agree as well (since I follow his blog and know that he reads a wonderful mix of older and newer works), but I think he needed to do a better job of bridging these two ideas of reading from both old and new.
The other issue I have is it can feel a bit too scholarly/intellectual focused. I think that reading and developing a Christian mind are very important, but at the same time it's going to be a deep challenge for many people and not just because they don't carve out the time to read. There are many who simply struggle with reading or don't enjoy reading in the least (probably because they struggle with it). I don't feel like he does a good job handling this issue and maybe just makes things seem a bit simpler than they are. I say this as someone who has been involved with Christian Education and wants to get people to be engaged in and develop a Christian mind there are many who struggle with reading and/or don't feel up to the task of being able to understand what they're reading.
Neither of these are huge issues and feel more like unintentional omissions than how I would think the author views the issue. However, I did feel like these were areas that I had a bit more mixed feelings than in previous reads. It's still a good book, but for those who are already reading and wanting to do this, this book is really only preaching to the choir. It's a good introductory book and gives a decent list of books to look into, but for those already on the journey it probably won't give you a lot that is new.
The main point in the book is that we need to develop our minds as Christians and that too few of us have really put in the effort here. White's pathway to developing our minds, is reading books. He particularly is drawn to the "old books" as he calls them. Overall, this is a message that I would wholeheartedly agree with, but some of the details I'm not sure I agree with as much I as I once did.
First, I'm not sure I'm fully on board with the idea of focusing what he calls the "old books." Are there "old books" that he mentions and lists at the end that are totally worth reading? Yes, but at the same time there are many that he mentions that are hard to access for the average person. Plus, he kind of ignores the idea of newer books. Maybe this is because that is what people are more likely to read? I'm not sure, but I think we need to be reading books from both. I think he'd agree as well (since I follow his blog and know that he reads a wonderful mix of older and newer works), but I think he needed to do a better job of bridging these two ideas of reading from both old and new.
The other issue I have is it can feel a bit too scholarly/intellectual focused. I think that reading and developing a Christian mind are very important, but at the same time it's going to be a deep challenge for many people and not just because they don't carve out the time to read. There are many who simply struggle with reading or don't enjoy reading in the least (probably because they struggle with it). I don't feel like he does a good job handling this issue and maybe just makes things seem a bit simpler than they are. I say this as someone who has been involved with Christian Education and wants to get people to be engaged in and develop a Christian mind there are many who struggle with reading and/or don't feel up to the task of being able to understand what they're reading.
Neither of these are huge issues and feel more like unintentional omissions than how I would think the author views the issue. However, I did feel like these were areas that I had a bit more mixed feelings than in previous reads. It's still a good book, but for those who are already reading and wanting to do this, this book is really only preaching to the choir. It's a good introductory book and gives a decent list of books to look into, but for those already on the journey it probably won't give you a lot that is new.
June 20, 2017
There was nothing new in this book but it was well written and I enjoyed it. A couple of observations: first, the central Christian imperative of this book is to grow a Christian mind. There is nothing wrong with this and I agree completely. But for some reason it seemed empty of what should be the consequences of a Christian mind and that is the overwhelming desire to disciple others, and to care for those who are the most vulnerable among us...the "least of these." Second, it seemed a bit elitist. Not everyone can go to Oxford for a week. To be fair White does not expect this but even so it seemed a bit out of touch with people who have full and demanding lives and especially those with limited means.
Third, I was struck by the predictions White made about the diminishing place of Christian minds in the academy and the arts. What he saw happening when this book was published in 206 has gone very rapidly even further in that direction. The level of hostility of the left and secularist against Christian has exploded in the past few years. I think White would change some of his language about this if he were to write an update today.
Third, I was struck by the predictions White made about the diminishing place of Christian minds in the academy and the arts. What he saw happening when this book was published in 206 has gone very rapidly even further in that direction. The level of hostility of the left and secularist against Christian has exploded in the past few years. I think White would change some of his language about this if he were to write an update today.
September 10, 2023
4.5 stars. Though short, this is a superb little book on the importance of the Christian mind and what it means to be a thinking believer. Published in 2006, it does foresee some of the challenges in culture present now, but in other ways, it feels slightly dated as it could not have anticipated the rate of change experienced in the interim. Even still, White’s profile of four major views in modern culture remains accurate and his advocation for each Christian’s need to think deep, be well read and engaged, and obey Christ in thought and deed are well said. Additionally, his sources and his book lists in the appendices are excellent. Overall a short but excellent book on the necessary cultivation of the mind, and why it matters, deeply, to every Christian.
July 8, 2020
Highly recommend. A short read that packs a punch. There are much deeper treatises on how a Christian relates to the world but few are as insightful in such a useful way.
One will be inspired to read deeper into areas of interest whether it be Christian theology or physics.
A true treat and joy to read.
One will be inspired to read deeper into areas of interest whether it be Christian theology or physics.
A true treat and joy to read.
February 22, 2018
Concise but meaningful overview of the necessity, calling, and power of developing your mind for the Lord - ultimately by learning what to think, how to think, and how to apply what you have learned and reflected upon. Inspires you to keep reading and learning in deep ways!
May 27, 2021
I was not expecting this book to challenge me as much as it did. Every young person needs to read this before attending college.
According to Scripture, we are to love God with all of our mind. Mr. White shows us how and why. Excellent book.
According to Scripture, we are to love God with all of our mind. Mr. White shows us how and why. Excellent book.
February 17, 2022
“Ideas have consequences.” This book forced me to critically think about where i get my ideas, from whom, and how they affect me and my community. Do i take seriously my duty to exercise my mind, to challenge my ideas, or to wrestle with truth?
“We must recapture the lost art of thinking itself.”
“We must recapture the lost art of thinking itself.”
October 29, 2019
A short and thought-provoking read.
August 9, 2021
Yes, it is written from a Christian perspective but this little should be read by every American in response to the growing pressure for us to stop thinking.
November 19, 2023
It is short. It has nothing really new but a valid challenge to God's thoughts after Him. The author provides great quotes from a variety of sources. The appendixes provide some good resources.
December 30, 2020
Outstanding and challenging!
February 26, 2021
Hearing pastor Jim preaching is just as enjoyable as reading his books. He really challenged me in this book and I'm glad, I needed this challenge. I hope others will follow.
September 20, 2015
This is a must read for ANY and ALL people that profess the Christian faith. Solid reasons why you should be growing your intellect in order to bring glory to God by being the absolute best that you can. Your mind is like any muscle - if you don't use it, you will lose it and in this world of growing animosity toward faith professing people, we need to arm ourselves adequately to stay up to the task of mindfully and intelligently engaging them in meaningful conversation. There is nothing more frustrating to me than people that don't take the time to sit and contemplate ideas and then thoughtfully share them in respectful conversations with other people.
Christians are lazy. We hide our heads in the sand pretending that problems will magically disappear. We place ourselves in our nice little Christian bubbles - too afraid to engage a messy world that may require addressing thoughts that challenge us. This has to stop! Equip yourself!
In the back of the book are proposed reading lists that will aid in growing your intellect. Why not check this out? What do you have to lose?
Christians are lazy. We hide our heads in the sand pretending that problems will magically disappear. We place ourselves in our nice little Christian bubbles - too afraid to engage a messy world that may require addressing thoughts that challenge us. This has to stop! Equip yourself!
In the back of the book are proposed reading lists that will aid in growing your intellect. Why not check this out? What do you have to lose?
August 28, 2021
The main thesis is that Christians should develope their minds for God's glory. I agree.
He wants us to develope our minds with philosophy, literature, etc. (in addition to the Bible ofcourse), by reading the classics and serious stuff that is not, infact, 'over our heads.' I agree...
and if you agree also, then I would suggest picking up another book because this book has very little accademic, cultural, theological, and philosophical implications that you probally have allready reasoned or derived from scripture.
It is simply a narrative in wich White tells many borring stories and recommends relatively few books to actually develope our minds.
Don't waste your money... just start buying the classics. Because that's the whole book in a nutshell.
He wants us to develope our minds with philosophy, literature, etc. (in addition to the Bible ofcourse), by reading the classics and serious stuff that is not, infact, 'over our heads.' I agree...
and if you agree also, then I would suggest picking up another book because this book has very little accademic, cultural, theological, and philosophical implications that you probally have allready reasoned or derived from scripture.
It is simply a narrative in wich White tells many borring stories and recommends relatively few books to actually develope our minds.
Don't waste your money... just start buying the classics. Because that's the whole book in a nutshell.
December 17, 2007
This book is more of an essay in book form reminding us to form our minds, to be learners for the sake of the Gospel. The fact that he is as professor is obvious and he is definitely a fan of a classical education. Not much space given to literatures or learnings outside the western tradition in his book recommendations.
All in all though, it was a refreshing exhortation to never stop learning, to apply learning to our reading, and to never substitute 'information' for intellect. I want to read again.
All in all though, it was a refreshing exhortation to never stop learning, to apply learning to our reading, and to never substitute 'information' for intellect. I want to read again.
April 6, 2025
Loved this book.
It is short. Easy to read. Yet, in my mind, profound for those who want their faith in Christ to guide the way they act, think, and speak.
The book is a challenge to wisdom defined as "knowing what God would have us do and doing it." It is a challenge to "think Christianity" with some thoughts from the author and his many sources about ways to develop a mind that thinks in ways that reflect Christian faith.
This books exceeded my expectations. It will be one I reflect on for some time.
It is short. Easy to read. Yet, in my mind, profound for those who want their faith in Christ to guide the way they act, think, and speak.
The book is a challenge to wisdom defined as "knowing what God would have us do and doing it." It is a challenge to "think Christianity" with some thoughts from the author and his many sources about ways to develop a mind that thinks in ways that reflect Christian faith.
This books exceeded my expectations. It will be one I reflect on for some time.
September 20, 2014
This is a pleasurable read that offers both inspiration and practical advice for the development of our minds. Dr. White was a wonderful professor who exemplified the Christian mind aflame with truth for all us students.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting greater focus on their intellectual development. It is very readable even in a good sitting or as a seven part (based on the chapters) series for pondering.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting greater focus on their intellectual development. It is very readable even in a good sitting or as a seven part (based on the chapters) series for pondering.
December 30, 2012
12/2012 This short volume provided much food for thought on having a Christian mind, entering into intellectual dialogue, and exercising apologetics in today's world. The ideas in the book challenged me not to just read widely and think deeply, but to find outlets for engaging other people in discussion.
May 15, 2014
LOVED this one. A short but potent work whose theme is that Christians need to engage our world intellectually instead of hiding our heads in the sand of ignorance and apathy. I'm going to include it in our required reading for school next year. Excellent book lists and resources located in the appendices also.
July 8, 2021
Un libro excelente que nos desafía a desarrollar nuestras capacidades intelectuales.
Se necesita una nueva generación de intelectuales de excelencia con una sólida cosmovisión cristiana.
El autor desarrolla argumentos bíblicos, históricos y sociales para establecer este punto. Y si bien hay puntos que se pueden discutir, su mensaje es claro y apelante
Se necesita una nueva generación de intelectuales de excelencia con una sólida cosmovisión cristiana.
El autor desarrolla argumentos bíblicos, históricos y sociales para establecer este punto. Y si bien hay puntos que se pueden discutir, su mensaje es claro y apelante
June 24, 2013
To quote a commercial ... a mind is a terrible thing to waste and every now and then it's good to be reminded why! I'm challenged to read more classics and I'm thankful for being from a "reading family!"
October 12, 2016
This is a phenomenal book. It should be required reading in churches and even schools. It is a clarion call to fight against our culture and develop thinking minds. This is the second time I've read this through and find it even more inspiring every time.
April 25, 2015
This is a great basic lay-out of the idea that reading and learning about things like theology can better equip you to share your faith and further the kingdom. It isn't a very difficult or in-depth read, so if you're looking for something more challenging this might not be for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews