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If you've read my other review under the book Passion and Purity, then you know that I really do enjoy reading about other peoples' lives. I sincerely want to stress the fact that the examples given to us in this book are not all great examples of what a godly relationship ought to be. In my opinion, Elisabeth Elliot has done a great job in giving us glimpses in not-so-exemplary relationships so that we might learn from other peoples mistakes. What you see here is a lot of life testimony regarding the pain and personal anguish that results in a broken world through the means of human relationships.
Elisabeth Elliot puts forth challenging questions and the occasional quotation of scripture. She offers insightful observations of what may or may not have been done correctly in a relationship. She also offers insight into situations in life that may not result in relationships at all. It's a pretty well rounded book, and it doesn't glamourize Christian relationships, nor does it assume that all Christian relationships are okay. You see some very destructive and painful occurences in here, and it is absolutely worth the read.
I guess the only reason that I gave the book four stars is because I wish that there were more letters from those who God chose to remain single. Love doesn't always have to be relegated to human relationships as the triune God is a very lovable and relational person. I'd give this book a 4.5 if I could, but we live in a broken world, so nothing is ever perfect;-).
Even though I've made my own peace by now, my heart still hurts for all the people around me who chase after romantic relationships, thinking that they have to "have" a girlfriend or boyfriend in order to find their own personal worth. I see friends who are on their way to being strong Christians get sidetracked, willing to sacrifice everything they know and believe about God and themselves just for the sake of feeling good about one particular relationship. That never works, and then they have to start from scratch not only romantically, but in their relationship with God that they've betrayed. No wonder it hurts so much!
Stop before you start. Really seek God's will in ALL areas of your life. And if you struggle with romantic temptations like so many of us do, then give Elisabeth Elliot a chance. This book sure made me mad the first time I read it--I thought she was terribly closed-minded. But I was the one who wasn't willing to change for God. Focus on your love story with him before you worry about anyone else.
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In the final chapter, however, when he tries to blame the horrors of modern total war on the psychology of the hoplite battle, he goes astray. As bloody and unpleasant as the hoplite battle was, it was really a system designed to limit non-combatant casualties. Only the soldiers on the chosen field of battle exposed themselves to injury while the city-states themselves suffered little behind their stout walls. Hoplite warfare was sort of like settling international disputes by means of a very bloody football game.
This all changed when Hoplite met Immortal in the Persian Wars. In addition to learning that the Immortals were misnamed, The Greeks learned total war from the East. In this war for survival as a civilization, the Greeks began to look on battle as more than bloody and sometimes fatal sport. The bloodbath that began at Marathon continued through Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea, and the Greeks began to understand warmaking in terms of total war. Hanson overlooks this Persian "contribution" to the Western way of warmaking.
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Elisabeth Eliot is bold in giving us a feel for her emotions, struggles, and frustrations - which is what makes this book a great resource in pursuing humble commitment to God's passion for His own exaltation. You see the love for Christ that these two [eventual Elliot's] have, and yet you see how they battle through those things that might conflict with their love for Him. If you like biographical type writings and don't mind having your thoughts and concepts pricked a bit, then pick this book up. If for nothing else, it's a very easy read as well.