What if the world's view of success is God's definition of failure? What if your beliefs about marriage, career, or money aren't based on God's values, but upon those of a broken culture?
When Dale Partridge's outwardly perfect life, marriage, and family were crumbling on the inside, he began questioning if culture's definition of success was something to seek after or to be saved from. What he found challenged everything he believed about "the good life" and equipped him to rebuild an even better life upon God's timeless principles.
With straight talk and without mincing words, Dale offers readers a bold vision for charting their lives. But, he says, these ideas are not his. They are part of God's blueprint for living. Each chapter provides a sharp contrasting picture of "what culture says" with "what God taught me." Peppered with Scripture verses, sprinkled with gripping personal stories, and packed with practical advice, Saved from Success is the book millions of burned-out and bedraggled Christians have been waiting for.
Dale Partridge is the President of Relearn.org and Founder of Reformation Seminary. Dale holds a Graduate Certificate from Western Seminary. He is the author of several Christian books, including “The Manliness of Christ” and the bestselling children’s book “Jesus and My Gender.” He is also the host of the Real Christianity podcast and the lead pastor at King's Way Bible Church in Prescott, Arizona.
Really disappointed. I had high hopes for this book.
There were quite a few things in this book I absolutely agreed with. But there were also some things I didn't. The author's view on marriage kinda troubled me. For one, I felt shamed about being single, and his writing discouraged me. The world says if you are single, there must be something wrong with you. But this author seemed to take it to a whole new level. If you are single, you are disobeying God. Really? I, myself, have come to see singleness as a gift. I'm not saying I will be single forever, but I like to think I'm not doomed if I am. Unfortunately, this book did nothing to support that idea, in fact, it was the opposite.
There were also some occasions where this author came across as harsh and condemning, without any understanding or compassion. I get that he is trying to "tell it like it is," and there were times that was great and reasonable. But then there were times that he just sounded like a jerk.
Again, good points were made, but some of them were rather basic. I found nothing profound in this. This is great if you are just starting out trying to think outside the box, but once you are actually thinking outside the box, some of the points seem like they are in the box still.
So overall, it could have been SO much better. There are greater things to talk about regarding this topic, things that needed to be pointed out so we don't end up doing things just because "it's just what you do" according to society. It's a topic that is important to me, but this just completely fell flat. So disappointed.
In this short and easy (yet deep!) book, Dale addresses some specific areas in which our culture and Gods word collide and go separate ways. I didn’t necessarily agree with EVERYTHING he had to say but I don’t think he’s asking us to which is why I still give 5 stars. I think the biggest strength of this book is getting us to really think about our lives and Gods ways and to really ask ourselves some tough questions. I disagreed a little on some of the scriptural interpretations but I agreed a whole lot on most of the conclusions and honestly changed my views (which wow...I NEEDED). I’m especially thankful for the chapter on children and also youth. Those two chapters alone made this book so worth picking up. I will be forever changed and my outlook from the day I finished the book has been a lot brighter and positive. Gods ways are best!! I didn’t realize how much I had allowed the culture to influence me....it’s like fighting a losing battle while not realizing your on the wrong side. Let’s all REALLY ask ourselves who’s ways we are following and align our ways with truth. Definitely recommend reading this book and forming a more godly perspective on life!!
I am so frustrated by this book. What I thought I was getting: a memoir of the mistakes the author made in his search for success and what God taught him through that experience.
What I got: an arrogant dissertation of Dale Patridge’s understanding of Christianity. I should have counted the number of times he referred to “most people” or “the majority of churches” when describing the way other people do things before he offered his wisdom. This included everything from family planning and money management to career choices and church membership. Partridge’s way is the straight and narrow; everyone else is lost.
What I found most ironic, though, is that the first two chapters are regurgitations of the beliefs of the “quiverfull” movement and Dave Ramsey’s teaching (while presented as wisdom Partridge and his wife discovered on their own) before he goes on to talk about the conviction he felt when someone pointed out that he was posting quotes on social media without giving proper credit.
I finished this book because, like a train wreck, I couldn’t look away, but I found it so arrogant and frustrating that I wasn’t able to glean anything from it. I would not be surprised to discover that Partridge and his wife were associated with Bill Gothard and others from the fundamentalist movement.
A timely book comparing the worlds and God's definition of success. Dale writes with clarity and a level of simplicity that made the book very easy to read. Filled with scripture and relatable situations it was thought provoking, exposing and one I will happily pick up again in the future.
I received this as an ARC. I've read Dale Partridge before, and just like his other books he talks about his experience. He talks about his company, how he made his millions, but then he drops a bomb- he was a failure. He failed in his friendships, his marriage, his walk with God (yes, in case you didn't get it from the title or know the man himself-he's a Christian).
I liked how his chapters contrast the difference between Culture's definition of success, and what God's model is. With topics like Marriage, Children, Money, Purpose, Influence, Freedom, and Youth, Dale takes out a mirror and hands it over to us.
His book is a short, quick read that has plenty of scripture to support his claims. He's not claiming to be perfect, nor saying he can help you be perfect. In fact, there are aspects of this book that I say didn't really apply to me. To me this book was more of a "Curves in the Road Ahead" sign more so than "Bridge is Out."
To me, I would say this book would be a great gift to a friend or family member you see scurrying up the ladder to try to reach the top. This might change their viewpoint.
The reason I gave it 3 stars was it just seemed a little more like a podcast or blog entry rather than a book.
It’s a short read but a good one! Dale opens the book with some personal stories that are incredibly vulnerable. Pay attention to those because it’ll make the tough information that’s coming easier to read. Dale will hit you with some honesty that not everyone will appreciate if they aren’t trying to make changes in their life to live the way God intended for them to live and how He wants them to live. This book really gave me some challenging ideas to chew on and discuss with my husband. It encouraged me to be self reflective and honest with myself and the life I’ve been living.
I strongly suggest reading each section and then pausing for a bit to digest the information and reflect on it. It’s even better if you read it at the same time as someone else or with a small study group to discuss!! When you’re done with the book make the changes. Don’t just let this be another book sitting on your shelf, another number on your Good Reads profile, more knowledge in your head. Use it! Make changes.
I'm a Goodreads giveaway winner. The book has a great title and concept that excites the reader. However, I was disappointed about the book. The author does a great job of pulling bible quotes to fit the topic. For me the book was lacking a personal touch. Tell us a story, what's his conversion story or really reversion story back to Christianity. It seems that he skims the surface of a story and then glosses over. The chapters read more like blog posts. The author really engaged my mind in convincing me but I wish he had engaged my heart more. That would have given the book more depth.
Raw and real filled with the wisdom of the ages. Impacting the core of Christian discipleship with biblical foundations. This short but thought provoking read will challenge your perceptions of what it truly means to be an "Success" in this life. Forged in the fires of adversity and personal revelation, Dale shares the lessons that have been taught to him by God's word and love. A message that every Christian will hear and identify with as they turn their heart away from the world of distractions, to the living waters of eternal truth. The beauty of the principles taught is they are not completely new but the voice of the Lord speaking to our generation. Dale's ability to convey the mind and heart of our maker is sublime. He has been guided and directed to bring forth this work to help enlighten and show us all the more excellent way. As you read the pages you will feel the conviction of God's message for you. You will have a greater desire to follow his will. You will receive personal instruction on the next steps you are invited to take to become even more Christ like in word and deed. Ultimately you will begin to replace lies with everlasting truth. Truth that stands forever and ever. That truth which brings the greatest joy and peace not as the world giveth but as the Lord giveth. As Christians we are called to be different from the world. God's ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts... This book will help you cut through the cultures deceptions of darkness and see the light! Things which many are not aware of. I pray this supplement for your covenant journey may lead you to do "Success" the Lords way.
I'm turning off my filter. It was awful. It concerns me that there are people who find this type of theology helpful. He clearly thinks very little of women and of Christian's in general. I kept waiting to find a little glimmer of helpful content but his overly privileged and pious views were blinding. I've never seen an author take up so much of their own book quoting themselves either. The only reason it got one star was for his style of writing.
This book is a quick and easy read (being said by a guy that doesn't much care for reading) that will, at the very least, challenge your views on your definition of success in several key areas of life. Dale writes of how the culture today, even and sometimes especially Christian culture, has drifted from what God originally intended. Christianity is not meant to be a sub-culture, but rather a counter-culture, and this book helps identify some of society's mindsets to be on guard against.
There were many "lightbulb moments" for me in this book that just plain made sense from a Biblical world-view, but because my thinking had been so heavily influenced by society and not by scripture, I hadn't connected certain dots and formulated truly scriptural postures yet. My wife and I read this book together which sparked several conversations that enabled us to know whether or not we were on the same page with things that don't normally come up in day-to-day conversation.
Let me insert a small caveat, I can't say I agree with 100% of the contents of the book, but let me clarify. Firstly, I can count on one hand how many things made me kinda squint my eyes a little. So there's not many at all. And secondly, I can't really say that I do disagree yet either. They were things that just challenged my view on something and require greater thought and prayer past an immediate "amen!" But even though I may not agree with it, the fact that it's thought-provoking is still a plus. Overall, it's an amazing book and I highly recommend it.
Where to start? This book is a short read, but so deep! Saved From Success will definitely leave you pondering your life and the motivation behind the choices you make each day. Dale explains so clearly what culture is telling us vs what the Bible actually says. The book opened my eyes to what the Bible literally says regarding success, before this book I was unknowingly taught success through the media. Having Scripture so clearly shine on the most important topics of life in such a clear and understanding way was eye-opening and convicting. Dale really made it easy to understand the misconceptions that define success that many Christians, myself included, blindly follow. The chapter on marriage was spot on explaining why many avoid marriage in today's culture. I only wish I could have read this book 5 years ago! The chapter on children was very convicting. I, like many other 30-somethings, have put off having children seeing them as burdens that would stop my dreams from becoming a reality. The book was a sweet reminder what beautiful gifts children are and has me rethinking the why behind my reasons for waiting. I am still processing the book and plan to reread with my spouse. I suggest this book to all, you are sure to learn or relearn the definition of success and have your eyes opened to God's meaning of many different aspects of our daily life.
Honest, heart-felt discipleship that beckons us to maturity
“Saved from Success” is the fireside chat we all needed but didn’t know how to ask for. It’s the “sit down, let’s talk about this before you get in over your head,” kind of talking to, by a wise beyond his years, Dale Partridge. He’s been there and done that in terms of cultural success and in Chapter 00 he throws this simple yet profound life raft towards you and me, that whether we’re already drowning in it, or just testing the waters, there is a better way than what we’ve been told. It’s not new. It’s not easy. It’s different. But it’s well worth it.
He sets right what many of us probably didn’t even realize was wrong, what we thought was “just life” and how we’ve learned to live it. He does it with biblical founding and a heart of discipleship. It’s a simple read, being a very well-written book that doesn’t boast on its quantity of pages for value, but the depth and quality of what they hold. It left me hungry for more. And with discipleship, that “more” is up to me and you. Digging in, studying, praying through and applying the Word of God for the impact that will shift failure to true success, a life surrendered.
I finished the whole book, front to back, today. It’s an incredibly short read but I think it’s appropriate to the subject matter. Its packed full of scripture and information, keeps the reader interested, and has very little ‘fluff’. I appreciated the honesty Dale spoke when drawing parallels to his own life, and many parts of the “Succeeding at Failure” chapter kept reminding me of John Bevere’s “Driven by Eternity”. I welcome this style of Christian-based book, as it doesn’t sugarcoat what it means to be a Christian, but speaks truth. My favorite chapter was “Children”. I have become all too familiar with the “I don’t want kids, but a career” mentality from those around me, and it breaks my heart. The ending chapter hit me hard with the consumer v. doer mentality. SO many times I find myself reading and consuming knowledge, and then moving on to the next book without taking the information and doing something with it. That will be what I take most from this read.
***This book is only for people who want to become better versions of themselves, for those who want to grow, mature, and change, and for those who want ACTUAL success and happiness in life.
Saved from Success challenges you in every aspect of life that we hold most dear: family, purpose, relationships, money, and work. You are given two different viewpoints, and it's up to you to choose which perspective you want to live your life through. Dale gives his personal testimony in each of these life aspects, so you're not left wondering if this lifestyle is "good in theory but not in practice." Saved from Success challenges you to live with fulfillment, joy, and contentment—but in a way that's not the "norm." You can't be "successful" living like everyone else, and that's the core message of Saved from Success—you have to be radical, unique, and a trailblazer.
This book is a game changer. I love how Dale is always speaking God’s truth and wisdom no matter what is trendy and what culture says. This book will challenge the way you view success, and will challenge you to evaluate your life and if it is truly lining up with God’s way. Christian or not a Christian you should read this book. For those of you who feel empty and lost, you should read this book. Find God’s love and follow his commands, that is what this book is all about. This book has had some great take aways for myself, and has already been a great tool for helping others strengthen their faith. I have passed this book around to 3 people already and they all have found it to be inspiring. I will continue to tell people of this book, and to look up Dale’s mission on home church. So so so good! Thanks Dale!
This book is hands down one of the most powerful reads I have ever read! I'm not sure how Dale fit so much insight in such a short read. He rescued my perspective from culture's definition of success not just for work life, but also marriage and family life. This book shows us what God wants for our life versus what society tells us we need to be "successful". The material in the book is presented so clearly and makes true success seem more attainable than I ever thought or realized.
I'm currently re-reading this book again for a second time, because honestly it is that GOOD. In closing, I want to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book, " God has far more work to do in us than through us. Meaning while we're looking out, toward our destiny, He's looking in at our maturity." This book will change your perspective and your life. I can't praise it enough!
This book, in my opinion, is not at its best. While the topics addressed are interesting (money, youth, marriage, etc.) but it lacks in-depth coverage proven by no commentaries or companions cited in this book which is actually essential to get into the context of every verse referred by the author. It is so sad to realize that this book is visually appealing but its content is disappointing. I don't mean that relating Bible verses to real-life experiences are bad but one can't just quote every other verse to fulfill his writing needs. It'll be better if Dale Patridge would refer to the context of the quoted verses by using commentaries and companions so that what's written is not only from his own perspective but also from established theories or explanations which can be scientifically defended.
📚 Saved from Success (How God Can Free You from Culture's Distortion of Family, Work, and the Good Life) by Dale Patridge
Saved from Success is a short and an easy read. In this book, Dale Patridge questions the society's definition of success and discusses how different is society's perspective of success to God's.
This book has hard hitting concepts about success that if you are a sensitive person or a person who does not sit well if your values are being negated, this book is not for you.
But as for me, when reading this kind of book, I always make sure to open my mind to the differences of values. And I always ask myself and try to read as much as I can about the topic at hand. This kind of book can lead you in straight pathways or can lead you astray.
Dale has such a way with words to cut through all the cultural chatter and popular opinions to concisely say truth in a logical and Biblical way. I so appreciate this! And the book is also a quick read! So great for busy moms of littles. Can't recommend this book enough!!!!
Is it for you? Here is what he has to say about that. "This book is for Christians. ... This book is for people willing to submit their perspective to God's ways regardless of how unpopular they may be to the culture or how uncomfortable they might be to your flesh. ... This book is for people who are ready to surrender." I mean, wow! If you are ready to be open to what the Bible has to say on tough subjects like marriage, children, etc pick up your copy now! -A. Thompson
The advice is useful but with the books I've read lately, the information discussed here I feel I've already learned. Does that make this a bad book? Absolutely, not! But it's shorter than others which translates to a lack of depth, useful facts, and repeatability. For reference, these other books I've found more valuable are Jordan Peterson’s 12 rules for life, Been Sasse’s The Vanishing American Adult, and Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life. I just recently read Chik-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy’s book on wealth and it’s comparable to this book. They both appear like quick reads with enough information to get someone started down a path of answers but do not contain the answers themselves.
I had high hopes for this book only to be left disappointed. I felt as if the author was better at condemning people (ex. basically shaming people for being single, not having multiple children, etc.) rather than encouraging people. Don’t get me wrong he didn’t beat around the bush on his topics but he was just really harsh about it. I feel like he only sees black and white and either you can live like him and his family or you’re doing “it” wrong. I felt worse after reading this book because I’m not as “successful” as he is rather than ending the book feeling encouraged. I gave her he author two stars because he did have some good points and scripture that backed him up with some of his points.
The subject of this book is like an ice cold splash of water on your face......it’s radical truth and it’s a perspective that is so counter to the message that is being sold to us everywhere we look today. This message is so important. This book is for EVERYONE, whether you're married or single. We must train for the trials we’ve yet to encounter. We will not escape life on this earth without experiencing a few topics this book covers......so go ahead, set yourself up for success. Guard your heart before you’re battling a war within yourself and risk losing it all. I wish I read this book a year ago. Invest in yourself and your future. Read this book! -KELLI TRONTEL
Where do I even begin? This book has blown my mind. I have never really been a church goer myself. There’s a long history behind my reasoning. But i did except Christ as my savior at a very young age. And I remember this very strong feeling come over me. As though i made the best decision ever. I had this same exact feeling come over me while reading this book. This is a VERY quick read but I took my sweet time with this book. I wrote notes and sat on certain chapters and really meditated on them. If your lost with your faith. Or just in life in general, I HIGHLY recommend Dale’s Saved from Success. I truest and whole heartedly love every letter of this book!
I rarely recommend or promote books, but this one is an exception. This is written for a Christian audience. This book is raw and filled with timeless wisdom. Defining in simple terms the core of Christian life and purpose. This short but thought provoking read will challenge your perceptions of what it truly means to be “successful”. Forged from adversity and personal experience, Dale shares the lessons that have been taught to him by God's word and meaningful personal relationships. A message that every Christian should be challenged with, focusing their desires and efforts away from the lures & distractions of the culture, to what God values and defines a successful life to be.
Dale’s book Saved From Success is just what I was needing at this time in my life. As most of us have, we’ve grown up with some accepted truths and cultural norms we simply follow and accept. This book helps us challenge some of our views and points us back to scripture to see if our ways are truly biblical or just accepted in the Christian culture. From marriage, children, the church, etc. many topics are covered giving you a lot to think about and reflect on in order to make sure you’re living biblically. Although a lot is covered, the book is an easy read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to align their lives with what the Bible says!
This is a quick and pretty easy read that packs a powerful punch in the face of the Westernized and secular version of success. It practically breaks down the worldly view of success and then demonstrates what God says about success throughout all areas of life - children, marriage, finances, etc. I can always count on Dale to speak out Biblical truth even when it’s unpopular and/or not PC! I loaned this book out to other family members and they have all truly enjoyed it. I will be reading this book again!
It’s alright. He’s not a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but it was still good insight. This gave good insight on how we can better align our will with God’s and how not to become swept up by worldly success. It shows different categories of life like marriage, children, and influence and refutes the worldly views on it. I thought it was pretty good! It was a pretty easy/quick read. What I thought was funny is that he quotes himself on some pages but it was good. I kinda want some people I know to read this.
This book touched on nearly every aspect of my professional and spiritual journey I am on right now. As a business owner, husband, father, and friend, this book change my perspective and opened my eyes to things I never have seen before. A must read for anyone in the times we are currently living in. WOW. WOW. WOW!!! Truly life changing. Also, it is a very quick read. I read the entire book on a flight from CT to FL.
Dale has had success beyond what many of us can dream. However, by doing so he also has experienced the emptiness that occurs when achievement no longer fulfills you fully. When you know there must be more. That your soul is not quiet right.
Saved from success is a vulnerable and real look at our society and culture vs Biblical wealth and success. It’s hard to put into words but if you’ve had success and feel like something still isn’t right, this is for you.
The day I received this book, I read it from cover to cover in about 3 hours. I have admired Dale's voice on speaking Biblical truth into our culture and this book is no exception. His perspective on the topics that shape our lives such as family, purpose, finances and influence allowed space for me to really dig into my beliefs and daily motivations. I look forward to using the study guide in my small group as a foundation for deeper conversations and accountability for developing my faith.