"We’re all different. But alongside much diversity, there are still many things that we all have in common. We all have good days and bad days. We all like to laugh and smile. We are all relational. We are all afraid – of something at least. We all want to be loved. It’s fair to say that we have more in common than not."
In a fun, thoughtful, and engaging way, Pete Jackson examines different aspects of what we call ‘the human condition’ – things that are common to us all – and reflects on how Jesus Christ addresses what we are like. Through twelve short chapters, he uncovers some of the things we share, and then presents us with an invitation that is open to us all.
Pete Jackson has been an Anglican pastor for twenty years – the last fourteen as vicar of a church on a council estate and former mining community in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He is married to Sharon, and they have three children.
I read lots of books which are about evangelism, or written to be given away to non-Christians, and I have to say I think Things We All Have In Common is the best I've read for a while, it's just so versatile.
In particular I liked that each chapter was stand alone.
The author looks at 12 things everyone has in common: desire, image, anxiety, addiction, refugees, delusion, faith, worship, dependency, fear, shame and law.
Some seem obvious, others not as much, but when you start to look you see he's right.
He then brilliantly weaves the gospel into each chapter, yet it never feels shoe-horned in (as some evangelistic books do).
His tone is gentle, but clear, and I would feel comfortable giving this to a non Christian friend to read though.
The thing that struck me about the book is that I needed to read it. I may have been a Christian for over 25 years, but I needed reminding just how much I can relate to my non Christian friends in all these ways. I actually think this should be sold to Christians, it would surely make a huge difference to our witnessing and outreach!
This short book is aimed at non-Christians, sort of like a book-length tract, with questions at the end of each chapter to discuss with a Christian friend. It's accessible and interesting and would work well in that situation (I am thinking of a couple of friends I might buy it for). It's also encouraging to Christians, though, as we never outgrow our need to hear these truths. Each chapter looks at one of twelve things every human has in common. In a culture that's seeking to highlight differences, this is refreshing.
A short captivating book which has 12 stand alone chapters looking at things all humans have in common - such things include desire, image, dependency and worship. The author cleverly weaves the gospel into each chapter. Mainly aimed at non Christians but is also enjoyable for Christians. I thoroughly enjoyed it
5 stars for fulfilling its purpose in quickly addressing some of the things we all have in common from a Christian perspective. Doesn't aim to answer all the questions but simply start a conversation and point to Jesus. I'd warmly recommend to a friend, Christian or non.
A great reminder if the need we all have and how Jesus can fulfill them all...and more ! Exploring, looking for something to share with a friend, wanting a different perspective on faith? This is a great book to help.
A really delightful little book oriented towards non-Christians introducing them to the truth of the gospel through 13 things we all have in common. This would be a great book to pick up and read with a friend who does not yet know Jesus.
Great little evangelistic book to give away, especially for people who are not hefty readers. I love the premise throughout the book that our starting point with people who are not Christians is (as the title suggests) the things we have in common rather than our differences - essential and obvious but too often overlooked.