We
are made for intimacy, Ortberg writes. He shares here his experiences
and insights into having meaningful relations with others and with
God. He believes “God uses our relationships with other people to
teach us how to love him.”
(Loc 182/4380)
He
has ideas on what intimacy is and is not. He shares obstacles to
intimacy, why we fear intimacy, myths about intimacy, how people
differ in their ideas about intimacy, and the various way intimacy is
developed.
My
favorite part of the book was his section on intimacy with God. Our
image of God, Ortberg says, will shape how we interact with others
and the world around us, and how we see ourselves. I was intrigued
about his ideas on lack of self awareness and self knowledge. I also
appreciated his teaching on self deception and how sin blinds us. He included many psychological insights that also reflect Scripture truth.
Ortberg's
writing style is easy reading. He tells lots of stories from his own
life and from the Bible to illustrate his points. He also quotes
other books at length. Readers who enjoy stories and quotes will like
that aspect of the book while I liked more his sections with actual
teaching points.
This
is a good book for anyone wanting insight into intimacy in
relationships, what sabotages it, and how it can be developed,
including aspects like suffering. You'll get some good teaching on
psychological issues too.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
John
Ortberg is the senior pastor at Menlo Church, an author and speaker.
He has written several book on spiritual formation. He holds a master
of divinity and doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Fuller
Seminary. He was previously teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community
Church in Chicago. You can find out more at
http://www.johnortberg.com/.
Tyndale
Momentum, 320 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review. I read an ARC of this
book and the quote may have been changed in the print copy.
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