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Culture Shock: A Biblical Response to Today's Most Divisive Issues
We live in a reactionary culture where divisive issues arise, people on either side throw stones, and everyone ends up more entrenched in their opinions than in reaching common ground--or even exhibiting common courtesy! If there ever was a time for Christians to understand and communicate God's truth about controversial and polarizing issues, it is now. Believers must develop convictions based on research, reason, and biblical truth--and be able (and willing) to communicate these convictions with a love and respect that reflects God's own heart.In Culture Shock, bestselling author, pastor, and radio personality Chip Ingram shows readers how they can bring light rather than heat to the most controversial and divisive issues of our day. Covering topics such as right and wrong, sex, homosexuality, abortion, politics, and the environment, Culture Shock is every engaged believer's must-have guidebook to replacing reactionary hate with revolutionary love.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
129 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Chip Ingram
286 books224 followersChip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock, The Real Heaven, The Real God, The Invisible War, and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 4, 2017
First off, I recommend this book to everyone, particularly Christians like me who frequently find themselves wondering what planet they’re on. If you feel like you don’t even know where to start when talking about current divisive issues, maybe you should start with this book.
Too often these issues are attacked with screaming, name-calling, finger-pointing, and general ignorance of what it is we’re even talking about. Ingram assists us in putting that nonsense aside and examining biblical and scientific reality with a balance of cool and Christ-like compassion. He wants is to take our mission to share the truth in love seriously.
This book is so good that I want to review each section individually. Topics covered, each in their own chapter are: Human Sexuality, Homosexuality, Abortion, The Environment, and Politics.
Human sexuality
It’s disturbing that society cares about our physical health and the health of our relationships until it comes to the point of what people choose to do intimately. At this point, suddenly, all that matters is the consent (however that may be defined) of the parties. Criticizing anything beyond that makes you a judgmental bigot, and a prudish one, to boot. On the other side, the confused Victorian belief that sexuality is something shameful and dirty even between a husband and wife is destructive, and unbiblical. Ingram addresses both of these extremes and attempts, through medical information, statistics, and the Bible, to help us gain a balanced and Godly understanding.
Homosexuality
We discussed this issue in my college ethics class—but not really. I kept thinking to myself, “Do people know this stuff? Have they been told? Have people who believe these practices are safe, healthy alternatives simply overlooked modern medicine, basic anatomy, and the Bible?” I almost hope it’s true. This book made it clear that the gay community doesn’t need any more Christians chasing them away with condemnation, but instead needs us to show them Christ’s compassion and love while communicating the truth. Please don’t skip this chapter.
Abortion
I’m very familiar with this issue, but this book still helped me to think about it from the human angle and mentally put myself in situations where I would need to know what Jesus would do. Ingram communicates the facts, but also a message of healing, forgiveness and encouragement for those who have been faced with overwhelming circumstances that have forced so many women and couples to see abortion as the only choice. We the church need to make reaching out to these people—post-abortive, and those considering abortion—a major priority.
The Environment
This is an issue not discussed nearly enough in many churches. I admit that I wasn’t quite sure where I stood on it myself. But Ingram takes us straight to the Bible to examine what God says on the issue. His study reveals a God deeply invested in his whole creation--a creator that wants us to be wise and appreciative stewards of his awesome creation. I didn’t realize how much the Bible had to say on the subject. Very helpful.
Politics
Churches tend to tiptoe around political issues, but Ingram points out that all of the above are considered political issues by many. We cannot afford to standby and ignore the political world when it needs to hear our voice on these things. He also discusses the Christian’s challenges of dual citizenship, and what Jesus had to say on the issue.
Overall, a very readable accessible book, clearly and compassionately written. Did it mention I highly recommend it? Oh.
Too often these issues are attacked with screaming, name-calling, finger-pointing, and general ignorance of what it is we’re even talking about. Ingram assists us in putting that nonsense aside and examining biblical and scientific reality with a balance of cool and Christ-like compassion. He wants is to take our mission to share the truth in love seriously.
This book is so good that I want to review each section individually. Topics covered, each in their own chapter are: Human Sexuality, Homosexuality, Abortion, The Environment, and Politics.
Human sexuality
It’s disturbing that society cares about our physical health and the health of our relationships until it comes to the point of what people choose to do intimately. At this point, suddenly, all that matters is the consent (however that may be defined) of the parties. Criticizing anything beyond that makes you a judgmental bigot, and a prudish one, to boot. On the other side, the confused Victorian belief that sexuality is something shameful and dirty even between a husband and wife is destructive, and unbiblical. Ingram addresses both of these extremes and attempts, through medical information, statistics, and the Bible, to help us gain a balanced and Godly understanding.
Homosexuality
We discussed this issue in my college ethics class—but not really. I kept thinking to myself, “Do people know this stuff? Have they been told? Have people who believe these practices are safe, healthy alternatives simply overlooked modern medicine, basic anatomy, and the Bible?” I almost hope it’s true. This book made it clear that the gay community doesn’t need any more Christians chasing them away with condemnation, but instead needs us to show them Christ’s compassion and love while communicating the truth. Please don’t skip this chapter.
Abortion
I’m very familiar with this issue, but this book still helped me to think about it from the human angle and mentally put myself in situations where I would need to know what Jesus would do. Ingram communicates the facts, but also a message of healing, forgiveness and encouragement for those who have been faced with overwhelming circumstances that have forced so many women and couples to see abortion as the only choice. We the church need to make reaching out to these people—post-abortive, and those considering abortion—a major priority.
The Environment
This is an issue not discussed nearly enough in many churches. I admit that I wasn’t quite sure where I stood on it myself. But Ingram takes us straight to the Bible to examine what God says on the issue. His study reveals a God deeply invested in his whole creation--a creator that wants us to be wise and appreciative stewards of his awesome creation. I didn’t realize how much the Bible had to say on the subject. Very helpful.
Politics
Churches tend to tiptoe around political issues, but Ingram points out that all of the above are considered political issues by many. We cannot afford to standby and ignore the political world when it needs to hear our voice on these things. He also discusses the Christian’s challenges of dual citizenship, and what Jesus had to say on the issue.
Overall, a very readable accessible book, clearly and compassionately written. Did it mention I highly recommend it? Oh.
February 25, 2020
A really great series. Chip addresses some of the most difficult topics we "Christians" struggle with these days.
1. What is a Christians's response to the Environment? (Should we be concerned about Global Warming? What is my role in caring for the environment?)
2. How does the Church fit in with politics? (I would recommend this to any of my brothers and sisters who are still reeling from the recent election results. A perspective deeply rooted in scripture)
3. Understanding Abortion (More than picking a side, Chip tries to help us understand "The true value of life", "What drives a person to make that choice?" etc. Again, everything is rooted in scripture with practical evidence. This is not just an opinion)
4. How do I treat a gay friend? (While most people take a stance on either of the two sides: "All Truth and no Love" or "All Love and no Truth", Chip tackles the topic with "All Love and All Truth". I recommend this to everyone as most churches prefer not to talk about this topic as it seen as a very scandalous topic. )
5. Human Sexuality (He addresses live in relationships, the continuous depravity of man, rape, pornography etc)
1. What is a Christians's response to the Environment? (Should we be concerned about Global Warming? What is my role in caring for the environment?)
2. How does the Church fit in with politics? (I would recommend this to any of my brothers and sisters who are still reeling from the recent election results. A perspective deeply rooted in scripture)
3. Understanding Abortion (More than picking a side, Chip tries to help us understand "The true value of life", "What drives a person to make that choice?" etc. Again, everything is rooted in scripture with practical evidence. This is not just an opinion)
4. How do I treat a gay friend? (While most people take a stance on either of the two sides: "All Truth and no Love" or "All Love and no Truth", Chip tackles the topic with "All Love and All Truth". I recommend this to everyone as most churches prefer not to talk about this topic as it seen as a very scandalous topic. )
5. Human Sexuality (He addresses live in relationships, the continuous depravity of man, rape, pornography etc)
February 4, 2017
I thought this was great at describing what the issues are and even setting the groundwork for responding to these issues at an individual level. There were some practical applications but I would have liked to have seen a bit more. I feel like we just scratched the surface here and there's so much more to say about all of these issues.
August 30, 2020
Good points to ponder. This book takes you through 5 hot topics (Human Sexuality, Homosexuality, Abortion, Environment, and Politics). He gives the premise for the different "sides" of each topic and then tells you what the Bible says about it. Of course he starts the book with settling the "absolute truth" standard. THAT is what I liked. When we all choose our own sides without seeing what the Bible says, we are choosing to make ourselves God. I'm a lover of the Word. So I do love books that will point to scripture as our solid standard. This was great and I look forward to doing it as a study with out discipleship class at church.
December 12, 2024
I wish everyone could read the chapter on abortion. The rest of the book was okay.
August 5, 2023
Ingram begins the book by sharing examples of how our culture has gone off the tracks. The morals and understanding of right and wrong has gone by the wayside. He gives statistics that show how vast the chasm has come. In chapter 2, he gives a historical analysis to show how this sharp difference in moral standards has changed so drastically.
He lays out five divisive issues in our culture that have seen great changes in just the last 15 years. These issues are human sexuality, homosexuality, abortion, the environment, and politics. In each of these areas, there are extreme poles of the argument from conservatives to liberals. Each side has at least partial truths to espouse and debate. But we’re missing one another in the middle. We have made these debates about our views instead of caring for one another. There are real people dealing with real situations that we cannot minimize.
The first issue is human sexuality. Truth has been changed from absolute to relative. We can no longer simply quote the Bible and expect people to agree with it or follow it. Some people do not have the biblical framework or knowledge of what the Bible says. People have changed their views and practices in sexual matters. Even worse, Christians seem to be compromising with reality. History has not helped the Church deal with the issues.
The author develops and walks through a biblical approach to sex within marriage. The church has become shrewd about it and not talk what the Bible says about sex. He lays out some misunderstandings of the Church and the biblical truth that goes against them. He uses examples from his own life. He gets to the heart of the issue, idolatry: loving sex and sexual things about God.
Next, he addresses homosexuality in our culture. Christians have a hard time speaking up about these issues. You don’t want to upset your fellow neighbor, but the Bible says very specific things about homosexuality. He begins the chapter by apologizing to the house sexual community for the Church has done, focusing more and truth than love.
He takes on the propositions of scientific and homosexual community to try to make it normal and natural. He gives all the reasons they give for attacking Christians and trying to make them not only tolerate but accept and promote that lifestyle. Cannot do that according to Scripture. He then gives truths that show what the Bible actually says about this issue. He gives some of the reasons a person chooses a homosexual lifestyle, explaining how the Church can minister to people instead of shun them. He helps to expose the lies of the homosexual lifestyle.
Third, he sheds light on the issue of abortion which has pervaded our culture. Women are hurt and much blame is thrown around. Once again, he shows that this is about real people suffering from the actions of their past. For many, the issue is a struggle they must deal with now. How do we minister to one another when this divisive issue is so hurtful?
Both the right and the left had used for their political platforms and arguments that minimize the women involved. The left has changed its argument over time because of technology. The argument has turned from, “It’s a fetus” to “How to be responsible about your career and family life.” The right continues to take the position that it is a life from conception, and must be protected, sometimes at all costs. They are talking over one another, and their stand the victims of abortion with the parents that are being ministered to. Again, he shows both sides of the issue of abortion but shows the biblical standard and why it is so important.
The fourth issue is the environment. One side of the argument says that the environment must be nurtured and protected, even above the life of a human being. The other side of the issue says that the environment is here for us to dominate and domesticate, to subdue it to our own wishes. The Bible lies in the middle. God created the earth, and He gave it to us to steward. There’s a good place in the middle of these arguments that Christians to find.
Do you try to take care of the environment as much as you can? He examines six claims the Bible makes about the earth and some of it may surprise you. Christians must be done with reminded about creation. Because it belongs to God, and He has entrusted it to us, we must take care of it as we would take care of something so let us borrow. We must have the right priorities about the environment, now use that make God proud of us. We don’t have to repeat the earth. But we don’t have to treat it like it will make it through another day.
The final issue he addresses is politics. When preachers talk about the Bible, they must also talk about politics to a point. Some people want them to stay out of it. Others are upset they don’t address it more. How do Christians approach politics? Is just voting enough? This might be the most divisive issue: the Church and politics.
He gives for absolutes from the Bible about the Church and politics. The author focuses on Jesus’s answer to the question of “Must we pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Christians to citizens of earth and heaven. The Bible also says that Christians must submit to the governing authorities. Government has the role of restraining evil. Jesus put the Church here to make disciples. It does not make change through outside force, but through inner transformation.
Each Christian should decide how much he or she gets involved in politics. At the very least, we should be conscientious voters, seeking to choose the candidate that best represents God’s mountains. Some Christians will get involved in politics by running for office or supporting a political candidate in a very public way. Each one must settle this with God. As with all these five issues, Christians must be informed and stand for Christ in each issue.
In the final chapter, Ingram asks the question, “Where do we go from here?” These issues aren’t new. He wraps up the book by addressing the moral systems we live under and how to settle truth in Jesus. He is God’s Truth incarnate. The way our culture deals with Jesus shows its values and how far apart Christians are from the world. The truth is what we stand for.
Ingram wrote his masters thesis on absolute versus relative truth. Once you to be able to give a reason for the hope you have in love and truth. Make a difference when these issues,. He includes an appendix on how to answer questions about homosexuality from a biblical standpoint. This was a very helpful part of the book.
I really like the author’s approach with facts and statistics, as well as true stories where he changes the name. He shows that these issues affect the real lives of people around us. Christians must have a response to the changing nature of these crazy times. We must know the facts, and we must be able to see all the sides of the argument.
Ingram does a fine job of showing both sides of every issue he covers. My only wish is that he would do an updated version of the book with updated information. We need to continually be informed of these issues without anger and hostility each side brings to the table.
This book will greatly increase your knowledge, show you the arguments from all sides of each debate, and arm you with the biblical helps to defend your views in a way that honors God. I recommend this for every Christian because we cannot stand on the sidelines, bury our heads in the sand, or just come out swinging. We need truth and love to prevail, and Chip Ingram helps us do that today. It is the best book I have read on current issues to date.
He lays out five divisive issues in our culture that have seen great changes in just the last 15 years. These issues are human sexuality, homosexuality, abortion, the environment, and politics. In each of these areas, there are extreme poles of the argument from conservatives to liberals. Each side has at least partial truths to espouse and debate. But we’re missing one another in the middle. We have made these debates about our views instead of caring for one another. There are real people dealing with real situations that we cannot minimize.
The first issue is human sexuality. Truth has been changed from absolute to relative. We can no longer simply quote the Bible and expect people to agree with it or follow it. Some people do not have the biblical framework or knowledge of what the Bible says. People have changed their views and practices in sexual matters. Even worse, Christians seem to be compromising with reality. History has not helped the Church deal with the issues.
The author develops and walks through a biblical approach to sex within marriage. The church has become shrewd about it and not talk what the Bible says about sex. He lays out some misunderstandings of the Church and the biblical truth that goes against them. He uses examples from his own life. He gets to the heart of the issue, idolatry: loving sex and sexual things about God.
Next, he addresses homosexuality in our culture. Christians have a hard time speaking up about these issues. You don’t want to upset your fellow neighbor, but the Bible says very specific things about homosexuality. He begins the chapter by apologizing to the house sexual community for the Church has done, focusing more and truth than love.
He takes on the propositions of scientific and homosexual community to try to make it normal and natural. He gives all the reasons they give for attacking Christians and trying to make them not only tolerate but accept and promote that lifestyle. Cannot do that according to Scripture. He then gives truths that show what the Bible actually says about this issue. He gives some of the reasons a person chooses a homosexual lifestyle, explaining how the Church can minister to people instead of shun them. He helps to expose the lies of the homosexual lifestyle.
Third, he sheds light on the issue of abortion which has pervaded our culture. Women are hurt and much blame is thrown around. Once again, he shows that this is about real people suffering from the actions of their past. For many, the issue is a struggle they must deal with now. How do we minister to one another when this divisive issue is so hurtful?
Both the right and the left had used for their political platforms and arguments that minimize the women involved. The left has changed its argument over time because of technology. The argument has turned from, “It’s a fetus” to “How to be responsible about your career and family life.” The right continues to take the position that it is a life from conception, and must be protected, sometimes at all costs. They are talking over one another, and their stand the victims of abortion with the parents that are being ministered to. Again, he shows both sides of the issue of abortion but shows the biblical standard and why it is so important.
The fourth issue is the environment. One side of the argument says that the environment must be nurtured and protected, even above the life of a human being. The other side of the issue says that the environment is here for us to dominate and domesticate, to subdue it to our own wishes. The Bible lies in the middle. God created the earth, and He gave it to us to steward. There’s a good place in the middle of these arguments that Christians to find.
Do you try to take care of the environment as much as you can? He examines six claims the Bible makes about the earth and some of it may surprise you. Christians must be done with reminded about creation. Because it belongs to God, and He has entrusted it to us, we must take care of it as we would take care of something so let us borrow. We must have the right priorities about the environment, now use that make God proud of us. We don’t have to repeat the earth. But we don’t have to treat it like it will make it through another day.
The final issue he addresses is politics. When preachers talk about the Bible, they must also talk about politics to a point. Some people want them to stay out of it. Others are upset they don’t address it more. How do Christians approach politics? Is just voting enough? This might be the most divisive issue: the Church and politics.
He gives for absolutes from the Bible about the Church and politics. The author focuses on Jesus’s answer to the question of “Must we pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Christians to citizens of earth and heaven. The Bible also says that Christians must submit to the governing authorities. Government has the role of restraining evil. Jesus put the Church here to make disciples. It does not make change through outside force, but through inner transformation.
Each Christian should decide how much he or she gets involved in politics. At the very least, we should be conscientious voters, seeking to choose the candidate that best represents God’s mountains. Some Christians will get involved in politics by running for office or supporting a political candidate in a very public way. Each one must settle this with God. As with all these five issues, Christians must be informed and stand for Christ in each issue.
In the final chapter, Ingram asks the question, “Where do we go from here?” These issues aren’t new. He wraps up the book by addressing the moral systems we live under and how to settle truth in Jesus. He is God’s Truth incarnate. The way our culture deals with Jesus shows its values and how far apart Christians are from the world. The truth is what we stand for.
Ingram wrote his masters thesis on absolute versus relative truth. Once you to be able to give a reason for the hope you have in love and truth. Make a difference when these issues,. He includes an appendix on how to answer questions about homosexuality from a biblical standpoint. This was a very helpful part of the book.
I really like the author’s approach with facts and statistics, as well as true stories where he changes the name. He shows that these issues affect the real lives of people around us. Christians must have a response to the changing nature of these crazy times. We must know the facts, and we must be able to see all the sides of the argument.
Ingram does a fine job of showing both sides of every issue he covers. My only wish is that he would do an updated version of the book with updated information. We need to continually be informed of these issues without anger and hostility each side brings to the table.
This book will greatly increase your knowledge, show you the arguments from all sides of each debate, and arm you with the biblical helps to defend your views in a way that honors God. I recommend this for every Christian because we cannot stand on the sidelines, bury our heads in the sand, or just come out swinging. We need truth and love to prevail, and Chip Ingram helps us do that today. It is the best book I have read on current issues to date.
July 10, 2015
Modern culture seems to have a misconception that Christians are only capable of speaking what is true or only what is loving. While this misconception sadly is true, especially in light of recent events, Chip Ingram presents each issue in the book with an emphasis on our response. While he gives sufficient evidence and arguments for a Christian worldview about sex, homosexuality, abortion, the environment, and politics, he explains how to convey these facts in a way that is true, but respectful and loving. Most importantly, he constantly brings us back to the conclusion of the matter: the Bible has been, is, and always shall be an infallible, unchanging, and relevant source of absolute truth, and that Jesus is the only One to whom we can trust and find complete fulfillment and joy.
July 28, 2020
The author gives a level-headed analysis on controversial topics, including sexuality, the environment and politics. He first presents a seemingly objective summary of the different sides of a give issue, then presents the Biblical evidence.
Unfortunately, his statistical analysis on the issue of homosexuality (arguably the most divisive issue) is all 20-30 years old. This makes me wonder about his objectivity on this issue. Although I do not necessarily disagree with his conclusion, I was deeply disturbed with this seemingly disingenuous use of information.
Unfortunately, his statistical analysis on the issue of homosexuality (arguably the most divisive issue) is all 20-30 years old. This makes me wonder about his objectivity on this issue. Although I do not necessarily disagree with his conclusion, I was deeply disturbed with this seemingly disingenuous use of information.
September 17, 2022
SCORE
3 Star = I feel neutral about this book. It wasn’t bad but also wasn’t great.
I went over this in an apologetics class I'm taking at my church.
SUMMARY
PROS & CONS
The topics and wisdom for them are very helpful (mentioned in “SUMMARY”).
The biggest issue with it is that it's out of date and some of the things Chip didn't expect to happen ...
Also, I kind of wish there were references to what he was saying because he would mention a Greek/Hebrew word but not say the word, instead, he just gives a definition. Nor does he mention where you can find the verse, instead, he paraphrased it.
CONCLUSION
I wouldn’t really recommend this since it’s a bit out of date and doesn’t cover all/most of the pressing issues we face today. Another book I wanna read that might be more up-to-date as of 2022 is A Rebel's Manifesto: Choosing Truth, Real Justice, and Love Amid the Noise of Today's World.
3 Star = I feel neutral about this book. It wasn’t bad but also wasn’t great.
I went over this in an apologetics class I'm taking at my church.
SUMMARY
PROS & CONS
The topics and wisdom for them are very helpful (mentioned in “SUMMARY”).
The biggest issue with it is that it's out of date and some of the things Chip didn't expect to happen ...
Also, I kind of wish there were references to what he was saying because he would mention a Greek/Hebrew word but not say the word, instead, he just gives a definition. Nor does he mention where you can find the verse, instead, he paraphrased it.
CONCLUSION
I wouldn’t really recommend this since it’s a bit out of date and doesn’t cover all/most of the pressing issues we face today. Another book I wanna read that might be more up-to-date as of 2022 is A Rebel's Manifesto: Choosing Truth, Real Justice, and Love Amid the Noise of Today's World.
September 7, 2022
Chip Ingram has a way of communicating clearly and without ambiguity solid truth from the Bible concerning some major issues in our world today. The issues have been around for centuries, but the spotlight has been on them in recent decades unlike any other time in history. The goal of the author is to help Christians gain a better understanding of the issues and what the Bible has to say about them. We are to be salt and light in the world, but we often struggle with that because we lack knowledge of both the issues and what the Bible says. Too many in the Church have simply accepted the viewpoint of the world rather than studying to see what God says. Ingram says it in a manner that is understandable and easy to follow. We cannot simply spout that the Bible says such and such. We need to develop an understanding of it and live it in a way that draws others to want to understand. People want real answers, not just a quick comeback. If you are a serious Christian and student of the Word, you will find help in this book.
July 12, 2018
Chip is an excellent teacher who approaches the most controversial subjects of our day in a biblical, logical, and well thought out manner that I truly appreciate and enjoy. He does a great job of clearly outlining why people are on the polar opposites sides of most of these issues and then openly and honestly examining what the Bible says about them. If you want a book to help you gain a little more clarity in your thinking about topics like homosexuality, politics and abortion, this one it a great choice!
Favorite Quote: "What began as intellectuals arguing about the nature of truth, God and right and wrong has now transformed the worldview of an entire generation. Our violent, narcissistic, noncommittal, 'me-first' culture is simply the logical and predictable expression of 'truth' as a relative, subjective, unverifiable concept."
Favorite Quote: "What began as intellectuals arguing about the nature of truth, God and right and wrong has now transformed the worldview of an entire generation. Our violent, narcissistic, noncommittal, 'me-first' culture is simply the logical and predictable expression of 'truth' as a relative, subjective, unverifiable concept."
January 7, 2025
**Audiobook** Ingram addresses some of today’s most divisive issues with clarity, compassion, and a solid biblical foundation. What I appreciated most was how he tackled tough topics with a balance of truth and love, providing guidance rooted in Scripture without shying away from difficult conversations.
The book challenged me to think deeply about my beliefs and how I engage with the world around me. Ingram’s approach is both thought-provoking and practical, offering insights on how to respond to cultural conflicts in a way that reflects Christ’s love and truth.
Whether you’re wrestling with these issues yourself or seeking to better understand and engage with others, Culture Shock is a must-read. It equips readers to navigate complex cultural debates with wisdom and faith.
The book challenged me to think deeply about my beliefs and how I engage with the world around me. Ingram’s approach is both thought-provoking and practical, offering insights on how to respond to cultural conflicts in a way that reflects Christ’s love and truth.
Whether you’re wrestling with these issues yourself or seeking to better understand and engage with others, Culture Shock is a must-read. It equips readers to navigate complex cultural debates with wisdom and faith.
January 3, 2022
I found this horribly biased and hiding behind the guise of being unbiased. Chip begins topics by presenting a dichotomy of both sides, sometimes falsely, and explaining that both need to be more understanding of each other. He then presents (often emotionally charged) anecdotes that nudge the reader towards his personal opinion before presenting any biblical based evidence, which I often found unsubstantial. He selectively chooses what evidence get supported by sources (sometimes outdated) and which we have to take his word for. I found this to be incredibly judgmental in its language and full of correlation but not causation assumptions.
October 5, 2023
Although I did not agree with all of the authors premises or conclusions, it was still a good read and for the most part he navigated the balance between the truth of scripture and the love that Christians are to display to a lost world.
I especially struggled with the chapter on the environment, particularly statements made that were "from the Bible" but with no actual chapter and verse.
Overall, a read I would recommend, but keep your mind engaged, as some of his statements sound good and logical, but are not necessarily Biblical.
I especially struggled with the chapter on the environment, particularly statements made that were "from the Bible" but with no actual chapter and verse.
Overall, a read I would recommend, but keep your mind engaged, as some of his statements sound good and logical, but are not necessarily Biblical.
March 20, 2018
This book was a thought provoking look at several big issues. I feel like Chip does a great job outlining the presuppositions of each side of the arguments showing that each side is behaving logically based on their beliefs. He also gives practical thoughts on how we as Christians should interact with these issues. I found it thought provoking and believe many would regardless if they came to the same conclusions that the author does.
November 25, 2018
Not a whole lot new here, the book does address controversial topics and how to respond in love but takes a shallow approach. He mentions transgender people but fails to address gender dysphoria at all. He discusses abortion at length but says little about conditions that lead to feeling the need for abortion. His discussion on the environment is better but seems out of place with the other 2 topics.
April 28, 2023
Chip Ingram does a great job framing the underlying assumptions that people on both sides of an issue bring to the table, and then does a great job of bringing biblical truths to bear on the subject. He writes in a very calming and empathetic way, while not shying away from the truth and from making biblical judgments. Very well done.
The only suggestion I have is that it could use an update with a chapter on transgenderism.
The only suggestion I have is that it could use an update with a chapter on transgenderism.
April 8, 2019
This world is full of questions, immoral behaviors and not good things. Through all of that, we must be salt and light. While Chip certainly has Biblical knowledge as well as good writing, I felt his book left out some of the emotional value of the topics. All in all, still a good read and an important one for our day and age.
May 29, 2021
Be salt and light not heat
Culture Shock is a very good look at both sides of contraversional topics facing people today. I find it to be biblical and scientific study based which gives strong credibility. The great truth is that we should be salt and light and not heat and show the grace and love of Jesus Christ
Culture Shock is a very good look at both sides of contraversional topics facing people today. I find it to be biblical and scientific study based which gives strong credibility. The great truth is that we should be salt and light and not heat and show the grace and love of Jesus Christ
November 17, 2021
A good read when Christian's are so divided among themselves, how can we even look appealing to those not part of our faith???? A book that talks about multiple sides of some very divisive issues and not only from a church point of view.
July 31, 2022
I am new to Chip Ingram's teaching but have to say that I am really happy that I've found him. This book touches on some very difficult subjects and he give such sound, loving advice. A must read for Christian people.. Sound biblical advice on how to live peacefully in both worlds.
March 23, 2023
Okay book, not great. I'm giving it 4 stars for effort. I feel like absolutes were missing as well as spefic ways to answer tough question. There was a few answers at the end of the book but not quite what I was looking for.
May 19, 2023
Culture Shock is a good solid guide to Christianity and Culture. It deals with difficult issues with the grace, truth, and love God expects from those who represent His Name. It's not ground breaking, as there are other books that do the same, but it is among the best I have read on the subjects.
May 8, 2024
Really good study guide book and video's to do with a small group. Chip does an excellent job and bringing a biblical perspective to divisive topics and creating a way to discuss without arguments and/or judgment. The topics lead to really good discussions.
February 22, 2018
Better than I thought. I imagined it might be more basic than it was. I was especially impressed and impacted with his discussion on the environment debate.
February 27, 2018
An excellent job of seeking to bring biblical truth and love to these issues, plus he has had much experience dealing with the issues through his ministry.
July 11, 2020
A reference book for these times. Biblical and grace based answers to those difficult topics we face in social media and even at work. I plan to use this book as a how should I respond.
December 17, 2020
Challenging and thought provoking
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November 22, 2021Ingram is a thoughtful theologian. Well worth listening to, even if the cover design may be off putting
November 11, 2022
Love this one!
Details and easy to read. I love it. Highly recommended. Always love Chip Ingram's book. To the point and back to scripture.
Details and easy to read. I love it. Highly recommended. Always love Chip Ingram's book. To the point and back to scripture.
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