Book Review: Challenges to Living God’s Way – Dr Chris Richard & Dr Liz Jones
This review was first published in the CViE Newsletter Summer 2024.
Our children are faced with some very difficult issues in a society that has rejected Biblical teaching and morals. This is especially so as they reach their teens. In Challenges to living God’s Way: Tough Topics on Sex and Relationships – A Biblical Perspective for Young People, Dr Chris Richards and Dr Liz Jones tackle some of these issues in a simple, accessible way. Whilst aimed at teens it is really a book that has relevance for all ages, young and old alike, as it is not only important for the young to learn what the Bible says about the challenges they may face, but also to refresh those of us who are older.
A number of key areas are covered:
- Cohabitation & Marriage – The book clearly states from a Biblical basis how marriage (the one institution to take place before sin entered the garden of Eden) is the only right way, and points out a number of issues with cohabiting, including how it can have a negative impact on fertility as many couples will live together before marriage, but wait until they are married to have children, by which time they are much older and find it harder to conceive. For those who have been married for a while this chapter provides a welcome reminder for us about our sacred vows. For those couples contemplating marriage, it would do much good to sit down together and read through this section.
- Pornography – This is not an easy topic to discuss, but is covered in a sensitive, sympathetic but also direct way, highlighting just how easily pornography can be accessed even when there is no intention to search for it. The authors reiterate how important it is for young people to surround themselves with Christian minded friends, who share the same values.
- Homosexuality and Gender Identity – Sadly today these are big issues, so although these chapters make for uncomfortable reading, they have been well thought out, and are recommended.
- Men and Women – This is a very good chapter. We live in a day where society is all about equality. The book tackles this in a careful, balanced way giving the Biblical teaching on equality and the differences between the genders.
- Abortion – In places this chapter makes for heartbreaking reading. Tragically it has become all too easy to overlook the fact that on average 540 babies are murdered in the womb each day in this country alone. Whilst not easy to read, it is vital and has been carefully and tenderly written.
Challenges to living God’s way is clear, simple, current and doesn’t hold back in tackling the challenges faced by Christian young people. The book’s foundation is the Bible and the authors have backed up everything with scripture references, emphasising the need to prayerfully search the scriptures and to be willing to let God speak into your life.
Each chapter starts by pointing out what the Bible has to say. It comes with warnings that if we turn away from God we begin a trajectory of rapid descent. However, it is also positive in reminding that God is a God of love and that where there is real repentance we will receive forgiveness. Each chapter ends with real life testimonies relevant to the topic which are very encouraging.
It’s a book that could be read individually or as part of a group study and would be beneficial for a 14+ age group, to open their eyes to the dangers before they walk into the traps with their eyes shut.
It’s good to see the golden thread emphasised throughout the book, that God’s way is right and that we can truly say, ‘as for God, His way is perfect’.
An alternative review of this book by a young person can be found on Lovewise Online.
Challenges to Living God’s Way, Dr Chris Richard & Dr Liz Jones, 160 Pages, Paperback. Published by Lovewise / Evangelical Press
