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In but Not of: A Guide to Christian Ambition and the Desire to Influence the World
Hugh Hewitt has worked for and with people in some of the most powerful and influential positions in the country. He knows what is required to reach and thrive in such positions, and in this book he shares some of that valuable, hard-won knowledge. In, But Not Of provides readers with valuable insights, wisdom, personal experiences, and advice on how to rise in the world and achieve the kind of radical success that honors God.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 1, 2026
Couldn’t put this book down. Great advice for me especially as a high school graduate going into college. A must read for all Christian college students.
August 21, 2013
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Hewitt isn't afraid to pull punches and tells readers things they should and shouldn't be doing and character traits they may have that he would recommend they just put down the book, as it isn't for them.
He efficiently lays out a lot of good advice relating to jobs, conversations, work environments, money, and a host of other things with a viewpoint of trying to influence the world for Christianity. A lot of the advice seems standard and obvious, such as "Unless you own the company, you can be replaced," but much of it bears repeating, such as don't say negative things about coworkers behind their backs. He identifies the type of person who can get in and influence the three distinct centers of thought in America: Los Angeles for culture, New York for business, and Washington, D.C. for politics. Starting with college and where you choose to go, he gives advice and pointers for all of your career decisions until you are old enough to be a mentor.
I like the style, the efficient writing, the short chapters. His advice from credit cards to conversation tips is all good. If I have kids, I consider giving them this book while they are still young enough to start from the beginning and telling them to pick a path.
It's not a book on things permissible to Christians, things not permissible to Christians, how to find a job you love. It is completely about gaining influence in the three areas. So while tattoos and dreadlocks might not be a sin, he points out that looking out of place and doing something out of the ordinary like that will often sabotage your efforts to be taken seriously in a serious world.
However, he is an interventionist when it comes to foreign policy. He basically says that as a free country founded on Christian beliefs, we need to battle evil overseas to give them the same freedoms we have and that in turn will make it easier for us to spread the Gospel. I think his view on war seems a little naive. Evil isn't always a clear definition and as often as not, good isn't either. Take Syria. I was falling for the "poor rebels, they're just fighting against their oppressive government" view and someone told me that things aren't always that black and white. And sure enough, it turns out the rebels are using chemical weapons and associated with terrorist organizations, and care about killing civilians about as much as the government is said to. Neither side is good. So should we have gone into a war over it? I don't think so. Also, the idea that we can just go in and remove evil just like that is simplistic. Whenever we go in, civilians die. A conflict of war, maybe. But if we invited ourselves in, then not only are we going where we aren't wanted, but causing the same pain and suffering we were supposed to be freeing them from and creating animosity along the way. Just because we think that democracy and freedom of religion is the best doesn't mean they think it is the best... and maybe you can remove their "evil" head of government and force them to democratically elect another one... but if the people don't believe in democracy, and the people in power don't believe in democracy, how will it last? And if you "free" a strongly religious nation, who's to say that they will grant religious freedom? Or just turn around and make their religion then only allowed religion? And in some cases, like Egypt, they had a democratically elected leader, who was then ousted by the military.
I think he has it backward on cause and effect. Yes, I'm sure freedom of religion would be helpful when it comes to spreading the Gospel. But this country was founded as a Christian nation with that as one of its values. You can't simply march into another country and expect them to value the same things. And unless you change their values, what good will it be to use the military to change their leadership?
It seems short-sided and simplistic, ignoring most of the ill effects of war for the stated ideals to battle evil around the world. But currently, it seems everywhere we are "battling evil" is hardly grateful for the help and just grows more frustrated and upset with America for interfering.
Other than that though, which is really just a few sentences in his book, I thought his advice was good.
He efficiently lays out a lot of good advice relating to jobs, conversations, work environments, money, and a host of other things with a viewpoint of trying to influence the world for Christianity. A lot of the advice seems standard and obvious, such as "Unless you own the company, you can be replaced," but much of it bears repeating, such as don't say negative things about coworkers behind their backs. He identifies the type of person who can get in and influence the three distinct centers of thought in America: Los Angeles for culture, New York for business, and Washington, D.C. for politics. Starting with college and where you choose to go, he gives advice and pointers for all of your career decisions until you are old enough to be a mentor.
I like the style, the efficient writing, the short chapters. His advice from credit cards to conversation tips is all good. If I have kids, I consider giving them this book while they are still young enough to start from the beginning and telling them to pick a path.
It's not a book on things permissible to Christians, things not permissible to Christians, how to find a job you love. It is completely about gaining influence in the three areas. So while tattoos and dreadlocks might not be a sin, he points out that looking out of place and doing something out of the ordinary like that will often sabotage your efforts to be taken seriously in a serious world.
However, he is an interventionist when it comes to foreign policy. He basically says that as a free country founded on Christian beliefs, we need to battle evil overseas to give them the same freedoms we have and that in turn will make it easier for us to spread the Gospel. I think his view on war seems a little naive. Evil isn't always a clear definition and as often as not, good isn't either. Take Syria. I was falling for the "poor rebels, they're just fighting against their oppressive government" view and someone told me that things aren't always that black and white. And sure enough, it turns out the rebels are using chemical weapons and associated with terrorist organizations, and care about killing civilians about as much as the government is said to. Neither side is good. So should we have gone into a war over it? I don't think so. Also, the idea that we can just go in and remove evil just like that is simplistic. Whenever we go in, civilians die. A conflict of war, maybe. But if we invited ourselves in, then not only are we going where we aren't wanted, but causing the same pain and suffering we were supposed to be freeing them from and creating animosity along the way. Just because we think that democracy and freedom of religion is the best doesn't mean they think it is the best... and maybe you can remove their "evil" head of government and force them to democratically elect another one... but if the people don't believe in democracy, and the people in power don't believe in democracy, how will it last? And if you "free" a strongly religious nation, who's to say that they will grant religious freedom? Or just turn around and make their religion then only allowed religion? And in some cases, like Egypt, they had a democratically elected leader, who was then ousted by the military.
I think he has it backward on cause and effect. Yes, I'm sure freedom of religion would be helpful when it comes to spreading the Gospel. But this country was founded as a Christian nation with that as one of its values. You can't simply march into another country and expect them to value the same things. And unless you change their values, what good will it be to use the military to change their leadership?
It seems short-sided and simplistic, ignoring most of the ill effects of war for the stated ideals to battle evil around the world. But currently, it seems everywhere we are "battling evil" is hardly grateful for the help and just grows more frustrated and upset with America for interfering.
Other than that though, which is really just a few sentences in his book, I thought his advice was good.
July 19, 2021
I can't rate a book I'm solidly happy that I listened to as less than 4 stars, but your mileage will probably vary. This book is definitely a hodgepodge, and you'll find some elements useful, some too obvious to bother mentioning, and a streak of "old hen" as James Herriot would have said.
Having just read Daniel Markovits' The Meritocracy Trap, I can recognize where Hugh is laying down the ground rules for joining the (at that date less fully developed) meritocracy. Things have continued to evolve since then. I suspect he's wrong to discount tech and the Bay Area as the fourth grand theaters--alongside finance and New York, government and Washington, and culture and Los Angeles--of American life, but since the book dates to 2002 it may have been less clear then how much power that sector would come to wield in society.
The book avoids the topic of discernment completely as far as I could tell. That's not necessarily a bad thing... there are other books about that. Still, it feels strange to me. The book is kind of like Mere Christianity in that a person who takes the work seriously MUST transcend it and make difficult decisions--in CS Lewis / MC's case, the decision of which living Christian tradition to join and adhere to; in this case, the decision of which path to influence to follow. Hugh knows the law / government path and his examples are all from that sphere. It would be worth pausing to reflect on how the book would sound coming from one of the other big three (four) spheres.
As a Catholic, the chapter on choosing a church is provocative. It's completely from the church-shopping perspective, and worth taking seriously in order to give the devil his due. I definitely feel the need to be part of a more energized community than I have (almost) ever been in; there is a tremendous lack of support for the attempt to live a serious Christian life in basically every parish I have ever attended. Still, the answer does not have to be church-shopping. There are other ways to find supportive Christian friends, grow, and then feed that energy back into one's parish, and I think that has to be the actual way to go.
The last 20% or so of the book was what hauled my personal rating up to 4 stars... unsurprising since I'm 42 and not going to redo my education (although I've been tempted to try to varying extents). As Hugh notes with pleasing self-awareness, a self-help book like this is generally about reminding the reader about the obvious in order to get their values and efforts consistent and in workable shape.
Having just read Daniel Markovits' The Meritocracy Trap, I can recognize where Hugh is laying down the ground rules for joining the (at that date less fully developed) meritocracy. Things have continued to evolve since then. I suspect he's wrong to discount tech and the Bay Area as the fourth grand theaters--alongside finance and New York, government and Washington, and culture and Los Angeles--of American life, but since the book dates to 2002 it may have been less clear then how much power that sector would come to wield in society.
The book avoids the topic of discernment completely as far as I could tell. That's not necessarily a bad thing... there are other books about that. Still, it feels strange to me. The book is kind of like Mere Christianity in that a person who takes the work seriously MUST transcend it and make difficult decisions--in CS Lewis / MC's case, the decision of which living Christian tradition to join and adhere to; in this case, the decision of which path to influence to follow. Hugh knows the law / government path and his examples are all from that sphere. It would be worth pausing to reflect on how the book would sound coming from one of the other big three (four) spheres.
As a Catholic, the chapter on choosing a church is provocative. It's completely from the church-shopping perspective, and worth taking seriously in order to give the devil his due. I definitely feel the need to be part of a more energized community than I have (almost) ever been in; there is a tremendous lack of support for the attempt to live a serious Christian life in basically every parish I have ever attended. Still, the answer does not have to be church-shopping. There are other ways to find supportive Christian friends, grow, and then feed that energy back into one's parish, and I think that has to be the actual way to go.
The last 20% or so of the book was what hauled my personal rating up to 4 stars... unsurprising since I'm 42 and not going to redo my education (although I've been tempted to try to varying extents). As Hugh notes with pleasing self-awareness, a self-help book like this is generally about reminding the reader about the obvious in order to get their values and efforts consistent and in workable shape.
July 28, 2021
This book was recommended by the same friend. I read it again. I wasn’t a huge fan the first time, and I still am not (I should stop taking his recommendations).
I imagine that I would disagree with Hewitt about most topics. He essentially lists modern men who did great things for the kingdom (aligning with 7 Men by Metaxas), and then outlines how to get to their point, because you need to be them to make the most impact for God’s Kingdom. Which, to be fair, we like to look up to Christian celebrities because of their holy fame. But I would argue that we are placed where we are to be used. Who shares the gospel with people in my internship? They definitely aren’t seeking out Bonhoeffer letters to learn about God. I also felt that there were a lot of contradictions: Christians are found all over the political spectrum, but it’s wrong to be on the Left; don’t get wrapped up in what the world calls success but you need a master’s degree to be valuable. Maybe I won’t reach the business people in New York City, but somebody else will, and they won’t reach my circle, but I will.
This book is not without a few good quotes and valuable conclusions, but it’s hard to find them when I disagree with most of his pages.
I imagine that I would disagree with Hewitt about most topics. He essentially lists modern men who did great things for the kingdom (aligning with 7 Men by Metaxas), and then outlines how to get to their point, because you need to be them to make the most impact for God’s Kingdom. Which, to be fair, we like to look up to Christian celebrities because of their holy fame. But I would argue that we are placed where we are to be used. Who shares the gospel with people in my internship? They definitely aren’t seeking out Bonhoeffer letters to learn about God. I also felt that there were a lot of contradictions: Christians are found all over the political spectrum, but it’s wrong to be on the Left; don’t get wrapped up in what the world calls success but you need a master’s degree to be valuable. Maybe I won’t reach the business people in New York City, but somebody else will, and they won’t reach my circle, but I will.
This book is not without a few good quotes and valuable conclusions, but it’s hard to find them when I disagree with most of his pages.
March 9, 2020
While I'm uncomfortable with some parts of Hugh Hewitt's view here of power, influence, and ambition, there is still a level of street-level wisdom that rings true. Immensely helpful and full of applied wisdom.
August 15, 2012
A must read that contains more must reads.
Want to Read
November 15, 2022Mentioned in Koukl‘s Tactics.
August 29, 2019
This was really good. Made me wish I had a real relationship with Hewitt. I didn't have much guidance when I started my first jobs. Something like this would have been perfect.
Notes:
Thesis: Christians should seek power and influence for the sake of the gospel. Personal note: I'm declined to disagree. I'd say Christians should seek the gospel, and power and influence will be added according to God's desire. Let's see how much I change my mind.
Status matters. Hewitt recommends going to the most prestigious school you can get in to
Never knocking means never getting in
Paul cited his credentials to establish his authority
The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome #1) by Colleen McCullough
How do you display depth of intellect? You can't. But you can demonstrate that you'd like to develop it. Personal note: I like this insight (even if it might not be completely true). It bespeaks humility while stretching for excellence.
Tattoos convey that you're concerned with silly things
Make lots of deposits in the favor bank
Success is not zero sum, so promote the success of others
The key to success is helping others succeed
The essence of good taste is never to be offended by bad taste
Never take offense
Flattery is praise from someone of lower status. Praise from an equal is simply praise.
This means we must be careful and sparing with praise to superiors, but we should constantly praise those on equal or lesser standing.
Politics is controlled mental combat
Notes:
Thesis: Christians should seek power and influence for the sake of the gospel. Personal note: I'm declined to disagree. I'd say Christians should seek the gospel, and power and influence will be added according to God's desire. Let's see how much I change my mind.
Status matters. Hewitt recommends going to the most prestigious school you can get in to
Never knocking means never getting in
Paul cited his credentials to establish his authority
The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome #1) by Colleen McCullough
How do you display depth of intellect? You can't. But you can demonstrate that you'd like to develop it. Personal note: I like this insight (even if it might not be completely true). It bespeaks humility while stretching for excellence.
Tattoos convey that you're concerned with silly things
Make lots of deposits in the favor bank
Success is not zero sum, so promote the success of others
The key to success is helping others succeed
The essence of good taste is never to be offended by bad taste
Never take offense
Flattery is praise from someone of lower status. Praise from an equal is simply praise.
This means we must be careful and sparing with praise to superiors, but we should constantly praise those on equal or lesser standing.
Politics is controlled mental combat
February 7, 2020
Hugh Hewitt’s In, But Not Of, is a book on gaining and maintaining Christian influence in the world. Hewitt, successful in the political world, offers advice on advancement by secular standards, such as choosing the best university, mastering something that is of interest to powerful people, networking, doing favors to get favors, and using flattery. How is this Christian? At times Hewitt’s writing is an awkward mix of worldly ambition and desire to influence others towards Christ. He does not hide the fact that this is a book about ambition; the key consideration is to what end you put it: “The reality for all Christians is the obligation to equip themselves for their greatest impact and to seek every opportunity to increase that impact” (6). One must look at the context of the whole book to see this does not contradict Christianity. There are some blunt statements that can discourage the Christian, such as you can be a player or a pastor, but not both; and “God does not much care what you look like… but the world cares” (184). I don’t think Christians would deny this is the case, even if one would say it shouldn’t be. But Hewitt’s book is useful to consider, motivating, and has challenges to action that are good.
May 7, 2011
There's some practical advice here, to be sure. Don't go into credit card debt, don't get a visible tattoo if you want to be President someday, learn some history, etc. But since the book seems to be directed at young people on the verge of applying to elite universities, is this not redundant information in all but the rarest of cases?
Regardless, there's some questionable advice in here, all running along the lines of "Figure out what's important to those in a position to advance you materially, and make those same interests, priorities and habits your own." That aspect of the book struck me as rather anti-Christian. Maybe that's really what it takes to become a White House staffer or a radio talk show host; I can't honestly say.
There are plenty of teachings of Christ that urge us not to pursue the recognition of other people as a first priority (and additionally, that if we do as Christ insists, we may find that we receive the recognition anyway and won't have sold our souls to get it).
This may be a great book about personal advancement, but I'm at a loss to see what is decidedly Christian about it.
Regardless, there's some questionable advice in here, all running along the lines of "Figure out what's important to those in a position to advance you materially, and make those same interests, priorities and habits your own." That aspect of the book struck me as rather anti-Christian. Maybe that's really what it takes to become a White House staffer or a radio talk show host; I can't honestly say.
There are plenty of teachings of Christ that urge us not to pursue the recognition of other people as a first priority (and additionally, that if we do as Christ insists, we may find that we receive the recognition anyway and won't have sold our souls to get it).
This may be a great book about personal advancement, but I'm at a loss to see what is decidedly Christian about it.
January 21, 2020
Hewitt is thought-provoking and uncompromising. My two main take-aways: the list of history books, and the reminder that I am not ambitious.
July 30, 2026
Only a few chapters in, I almost gave up on this book. I had just finished reading a different (horrible) book, so I was jaded and didn’t want to give more time to poorly written reads.
I am very grateful I did not give up on this book.
The author is a professional with words and it shows.
If you are in the world - if you spend 8+ hours a day in business, politics, or anywhere outside your home or church - this book is a great read. The book has wisdom for anyone, but it’s directed specifically at people working directly in the world.
Some plant. Some water. Watering in homes and churches is beautiful and required. Thank the Lord for those people. This book is simply directed at planters. People out in the world day in and day out. It’s reminding them how to gain a larger audience in order to proclaim the good news. It’s simple and practical truths. If you are looking to have a larger scale role in this world and want to remain rooted and fixed on how a Christian is to live, this book is a good and simple reminder.
I am very grateful I did not give up on this book.
The author is a professional with words and it shows.
If you are in the world - if you spend 8+ hours a day in business, politics, or anywhere outside your home or church - this book is a great read. The book has wisdom for anyone, but it’s directed specifically at people working directly in the world.
Some plant. Some water. Watering in homes and churches is beautiful and required. Thank the Lord for those people. This book is simply directed at planters. People out in the world day in and day out. It’s reminding them how to gain a larger audience in order to proclaim the good news. It’s simple and practical truths. If you are looking to have a larger scale role in this world and want to remain rooted and fixed on how a Christian is to live, this book is a good and simple reminder.
October 1, 2020
This was really good. Made me wish I had a real relationship with Hewitt. I didn't have much guidance when I started my first jobs. Something like this would have been perfect.
Notes:
Recommended by Greg Koukl
Audible
Thesis: Christians should seek power and influence for the sake of the gospel. Personal note: I'm inclined to disagree. I'd say Christians should seek the gospel, and power and influence will be added according to God's desire. Let's see how much I change my mind.
Chapter 2 / 00:13:59
Sat, Sep 19 | 6:57:05 PM
Advocating a moral obligation to have the upper hand?
Chapter 3 / 00:30:24
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:08:16 PM
This book is firmly entrenched in the culture war tack
Status matters. Hewitt recommends going to the most prestigious school you can get in to
Chapter 5 / 00:49:39
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:33:43 PM
Status matters. Pick the best school. It’s worth it
Never knocking means never getting in
Paul cited his credentials to establish his authority
Chapter 6 / 00:55:49
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:40:05 PM
Paul stating credentials to establish authority.
The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome #1) by Colleen McCullough
How do you display depth of intellect? You can't. But you can demonstrate that you'd like to develop it. Personal note: I like this insight (even if it might not be completely true). It bespeaks humility while stretching for excellence.
Tattoos convey that you're concerned with silly things
Chapter 9 / 01:32:15
Sun, Sep 20 | 8:55:13 AM
Serious people do not seek attention but for serious things
Make lots of deposits in the favor bank
Success is not zero sum, so promote the success of others
The key to success is helping others succeed
Chapter 13 / 01:57:20
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:20:39 PM
Contentment can become a mask to greater possibilities
The essence of good taste is never to be offended by bad taste
Never take offense
Flattery is praise from someone of lower status. Praise from an equal is simply praise.
Chapter 19 / 02:26:19
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:41:39 PM
Every time you assist another’s career you advance your own
This means we must be careful and sparing with praise to superiors, but we should constantly praise those on equal or lesser standing.
Politics is controlled mental combat
Chapter 21 / 02:43:49
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:58:57 PM
Not every error needs to be confessed
Chapter 25 / 02:57:55
Sun, Sep 20 | 1:13:28 PM
There is no upside to stating in gratitude—even when it’s deserved
Chapter 25 / 03:01:10
Sun, Sep 20 | 1:15:46 PM
Leaders are builders of other peoples reputations
Chapter 35 / 03:58:01
Sun, Sep 20 | 4:13:23 PM
We tell ourselves that the exception is the rule. It is not
Chapter 36 / 04:01:24
Sun, Sep 20 | 4:27:12 PM
Always ask more questions than you volunteer answers
Chapter 39 / 04:30:15
Sun, Sep 20 | 5:58:30 PM
Rules for flattery If you’re generally impressed with the superior’s leadership, tell him (but not too often)
Chapter 39 / 04:30:26
Sun, Sep 20 | 5:58:38 PM
For people of equal or lesser status, never stop praising and encouraging
Chapter 44 / 04:45:22
Sun, Sep 20 | 6:08:50 PM
Anger as a tactic that must be under control
Go to Bookmark
Notes:
Recommended by Greg Koukl
Audible
Thesis: Christians should seek power and influence for the sake of the gospel. Personal note: I'm inclined to disagree. I'd say Christians should seek the gospel, and power and influence will be added according to God's desire. Let's see how much I change my mind.
Chapter 2 / 00:13:59
Sat, Sep 19 | 6:57:05 PM
Advocating a moral obligation to have the upper hand?
Chapter 3 / 00:30:24
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:08:16 PM
This book is firmly entrenched in the culture war tack
Status matters. Hewitt recommends going to the most prestigious school you can get in to
Chapter 5 / 00:49:39
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:33:43 PM
Status matters. Pick the best school. It’s worth it
Never knocking means never getting in
Paul cited his credentials to establish his authority
Chapter 6 / 00:55:49
Sat, Sep 19 | 7:40:05 PM
Paul stating credentials to establish authority.
The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome #1) by Colleen McCullough
How do you display depth of intellect? You can't. But you can demonstrate that you'd like to develop it. Personal note: I like this insight (even if it might not be completely true). It bespeaks humility while stretching for excellence.
Tattoos convey that you're concerned with silly things
Chapter 9 / 01:32:15
Sun, Sep 20 | 8:55:13 AM
Serious people do not seek attention but for serious things
Make lots of deposits in the favor bank
Success is not zero sum, so promote the success of others
The key to success is helping others succeed
Chapter 13 / 01:57:20
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:20:39 PM
Contentment can become a mask to greater possibilities
The essence of good taste is never to be offended by bad taste
Never take offense
Flattery is praise from someone of lower status. Praise from an equal is simply praise.
Chapter 19 / 02:26:19
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:41:39 PM
Every time you assist another’s career you advance your own
This means we must be careful and sparing with praise to superiors, but we should constantly praise those on equal or lesser standing.
Politics is controlled mental combat
Chapter 21 / 02:43:49
Sun, Sep 20 | 12:58:57 PM
Not every error needs to be confessed
Chapter 25 / 02:57:55
Sun, Sep 20 | 1:13:28 PM
There is no upside to stating in gratitude—even when it’s deserved
Chapter 25 / 03:01:10
Sun, Sep 20 | 1:15:46 PM
Leaders are builders of other peoples reputations
Chapter 35 / 03:58:01
Sun, Sep 20 | 4:13:23 PM
We tell ourselves that the exception is the rule. It is not
Chapter 36 / 04:01:24
Sun, Sep 20 | 4:27:12 PM
Always ask more questions than you volunteer answers
Chapter 39 / 04:30:15
Sun, Sep 20 | 5:58:30 PM
Rules for flattery If you’re generally impressed with the superior’s leadership, tell him (but not too often)
Chapter 39 / 04:30:26
Sun, Sep 20 | 5:58:38 PM
For people of equal or lesser status, never stop praising and encouraging
Chapter 44 / 04:45:22
Sun, Sep 20 | 6:08:50 PM
Anger as a tactic that must be under control
Go to Bookmark
October 24, 2014
This was a surprisingly wonderful book. I was expecting it to be more about being in the world, but not of it in terms of being a Christian in America. It was about that, but more focused on rising to influential positions. I was also skeptical that a public figure would have anything meaningful to say about being a genuine Christian...I was wrong!
The author is very thoughtful in many areas that pertain to gaining influence. It's nice to hear someone who has thought so thoroughly and broadly about so many factors. He perhaps skips a few steps in his reasoning for the sake of brevity, but his conclusions are mostly spot on. He discusses tattoos, finances, friendships, etc., and how they can help or hurt your ability to gain influence. Not only does he discuss these topics in a practical sense that can be appreciated by non-Christians, but he also encourages behaviors usually only associated with committed Christians such as joining a small group, regular church attendance, consistent giving, and constant evangelism. It's not a watered-down message.
While the author tells pastors or those who do not seek power to put the book down, I disagree. All Christians should be seeking influence in some way, whether it is in the local town, with family members, or a community where you are doing mission work. These principles will generally apply to all those levels, albeit with slight modifications. This is a book that all Christians should read.
The author is very thoughtful in many areas that pertain to gaining influence. It's nice to hear someone who has thought so thoroughly and broadly about so many factors. He perhaps skips a few steps in his reasoning for the sake of brevity, but his conclusions are mostly spot on. He discusses tattoos, finances, friendships, etc., and how they can help or hurt your ability to gain influence. Not only does he discuss these topics in a practical sense that can be appreciated by non-Christians, but he also encourages behaviors usually only associated with committed Christians such as joining a small group, regular church attendance, consistent giving, and constant evangelism. It's not a watered-down message.
While the author tells pastors or those who do not seek power to put the book down, I disagree. All Christians should be seeking influence in some way, whether it is in the local town, with family members, or a community where you are doing mission work. These principles will generally apply to all those levels, albeit with slight modifications. This is a book that all Christians should read.
May 23, 2008
Hugh Hewitt lays it out straight up front: "This book is for Christians resolved to seek power, influence and authority." And then he goes on to say, if that's not you, then don't waste your time.
Part Emily Post book of etiquette, part how-to-take-over-the-world like Pinky & The Brain, part East coast high culture, and part Jesus and his Kingdom. This book really throws a brick into your face and says, "Wake up!", especially if you are a Christian.
This would be good to get into the hands of 15 and 16-year-olds who are both mature enough and have enough of a head start to implement some of these ideas, like from Chapter 5, "Assemble the Right Credentials". Basically, go to an Ivy League school if you want to do any damage for the Kingdom.
Now, keep in mind that Hewitt comes from a law and policy sort of background so a lot (but not all) of the book is bent that way.
It took me a while to warm up to the book, to get past what I thought was either mildly offensive, shallow, out-of-my-league, or just plain over-my-head. But by the end I got to appreciate where he was coming from...that influence, power, and authority can be used as instruments for the Kingdom of God.
Part Emily Post book of etiquette, part how-to-take-over-the-world like Pinky & The Brain, part East coast high culture, and part Jesus and his Kingdom. This book really throws a brick into your face and says, "Wake up!", especially if you are a Christian.
This would be good to get into the hands of 15 and 16-year-olds who are both mature enough and have enough of a head start to implement some of these ideas, like from Chapter 5, "Assemble the Right Credentials". Basically, go to an Ivy League school if you want to do any damage for the Kingdom.
Now, keep in mind that Hewitt comes from a law and policy sort of background so a lot (but not all) of the book is bent that way.
It took me a while to warm up to the book, to get past what I thought was either mildly offensive, shallow, out-of-my-league, or just plain over-my-head. But by the end I got to appreciate where he was coming from...that influence, power, and authority can be used as instruments for the Kingdom of God.
November 21, 2021
This was a unexpectedly interesting read! It's rare I find a nonfiction book that keeps me reading late at night. In the first couple chapters, this book seems to be speaking mainly to people who are interested or pursuing a role in American politics, which wasn't expressed in the title or description. I found that to be a little unhelpful and didn't like the idea that in order to make a real influence one has to be a politician, lawyer, or businessman. Also, although he talks about influencing 'the world', the real focus was on the US and I found it to be a little ethnocentric in that respect. This is probably because I'm pursuing a career in international relief work, but I thought the perspective could have been a little broader.
That said, there was tons of wisdom in the text, which I found to be applicable to me and any ambitious person. A lot of the things are obvious, but at the same time good reminders and need to be reinforced. Definitely worth reading and having on the shelf for a quick re-read in the years to come.
That said, there was tons of wisdom in the text, which I found to be applicable to me and any ambitious person. A lot of the things are obvious, but at the same time good reminders and need to be reinforced. Definitely worth reading and having on the shelf for a quick re-read in the years to come.
March 31, 2023
This is an interesting book. It was written about 10 years ago, and I feel like some of the elements might need to be updated a little bit for the negative world that we find ourselves in. We find ourselves in a cultural moment where ambition is not necessarily enough for a Christian to have influence. In fact, often times by being a Christian, there will be active opposition to your acquisition of influence.
I will say that many of the principles in this book are sound, and there is a lot of good advice, especially for the college aged student. It is very clear, and I think that many people would benefit from this kind of straightforward advice. However, I don't know that these principles are always going to lead to the success you might expect from the tone of the book. The world is a different place than it was a decade ago. As a result, I really like the advice presented in this book, but keep in mind that the public perception of particularly conservative Christianity will make a difference.
I will say that many of the principles in this book are sound, and there is a lot of good advice, especially for the college aged student. It is very clear, and I think that many people would benefit from this kind of straightforward advice. However, I don't know that these principles are always going to lead to the success you might expect from the tone of the book. The world is a different place than it was a decade ago. As a result, I really like the advice presented in this book, but keep in mind that the public perception of particularly conservative Christianity will make a difference.
June 22, 2013
A very practical guide to gaining power and influence in the world while maintaining your integrity and commitment to following Christ and His example. This book is full of wisdom and one that I wish I had been able to read while a student in high school or college. Here are a couple of my favorite passages: "There are serious things to accomplish, and they are set before each human being. You choose to do them, or you choose to do other things. A love of adventures is a choice to do things for yourself. It is almost always a poor choice that cannot be reversed because of the expenditure of time that is involved. Those who would influence the world cannot afford wasted time. Skip the cliff swinging, and concentrate on the real challenges." "Ask questions in every conversation and with every sort of person. And listen carefully to the answers. This practice will set you apart from a vast mass of people too absorbed in themselves to notice the world around them."
April 23, 2008
This book is meant for graduates (high school, or college). In general, its theme: Go out and be ministers in the world, in politics and in corporations - is a great thesis. I think some of the book is too focused on the career above all else without having enough focus on community, and really becoming a part of a community and city; but overall it’s not a bad book.
June 6, 2012
Great little book with great lessons. Great gift for graduates.
One of my favorite chapters ... NO TATTOOS!
A tiny, powerful, pithy read!
Hugh Hewitt is an insightful, articulate, wise writer and commentator. His POV is unabashedly orthodox Christian. Thank God!
One of my favorite chapters ... NO TATTOOS!
A tiny, powerful, pithy read!
Hugh Hewitt is an insightful, articulate, wise writer and commentator. His POV is unabashedly orthodox Christian. Thank God!
June 18, 2012
My land, I thought this was going to be a book bashing Christian ambition, in light of the condemnation of selfish ambition in James 3. But no, this is how to be ambitious (for God, of course) by gaining ever greater power for yourself. Disturbing.
June 28, 2012
This book is incredible and inspirational. I just bought two more copies to give out to friends. Come on Christians. Wake up!
Good guidance on helping you to move up and forward in life to become influential and share the truth.
Good guidance on helping you to move up and forward in life to become influential and share the truth.
February 5, 2016
A little preachy for my taste. He purports to dole out advice to young people about what to do in life and how to succeed without staining oneself with the world. Not sure I agree with all his conclusions and advice.
January 16, 2009
Very good.
Read
April 17, 2009In, But Not Of : A Guide to Christian Ambition by Hugh Hewitt (?)
Read
January 18, 2010In, But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition by Hugh Hewitt (2003)
September 22, 2012
My review of this book is at my website, TribbleNews.com
http://tribblenews.com/2012/09/in-but...
http://tribblenews.com/2012/09/in-but...
January 3, 2014
My husband and I enjoyed reading this concurrently and discussing it. Some advice we did not really agree with, but it here were some great conversations provoked by this book.
March 17, 2014
I have read, re-read and highlighted this book. I came across it in community college and it encouraged me through grad school.
April 1, 2016
Practical and helpful. Must-read for anyone seeking to use influence the way it's meant to be used.
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