BOOK REVIEW

Monday, April 25, 2011

LOVE--Written in Stone

Finding God's Grace in the Boundaries He Sets

By Philip Carlson, MD

OVERVIEW: As both a pastor and a medical doctor, Philip Carlson brings a unique perspective to the connection between following God's guidelines and wellness in our lives. As he demystifies God's expectations regarding family relationships, nutrition, sexuality, the environment and more, Carlson's conclusions--backed up by recent research--may surprise you.

AUTHOR: Philip Carlson (MDiv,ThM, Fuller Seminary; MD, University of Southern California) is senior pastor of Bethany Church of Sierra Madre and practices family medicine in Pasadena. He lives with his wife, Carole, and their four children in Sierra Madre. 

MY REVIEW: Since I agree with his words completely and cannot say it better, I begin my review with the words of Preedar J. Oreggio, MD, Medical Director, Sierra Spring Family Wellness Center, Medical Staff Program for Torture Victims, LA, "This book deals with the root causes of the behaviors that leave us depressed, anxious, overweight, and undernourished, and provides motivation to see ourselves as God sees us and to respond accordingly." I strongly agree with him when he says, "This book stands out from the other self-help and behavior modification books that steer clear of values and absolutes and leave us without answers."

I was impressed that Carlson begins by talking about his own struggles with feeling loved. He said, "For years I found it hard to receive love, to believe that I was lovable. I more easily felt that I was defective, awkward, unworthy, that I didn't measure up." Many of us can identify with that. We struggle with trying to find what constitutes the good life. Carlson reminds us that Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). And although finding our way to such a life is no simple matter, Carlson does a splendid job of pointing to God's law and instructions to demonstrate a Father's passionate concern for our well-being. He points out that God's guidelines for living are not intended to cramp our style or make us miserable. They are shaped by a Father's love. They are there to point us toward the best possible life.

( I was provided this book free by Bethany House Publishers for an honest review)