Worth It

I purchased copies for our youth group after hearing about it. I decided to read it before I handed it out and this book, while primarily for teens is a good reminder for this adult as well.

This honest, insightful book speaks to teens about the challenges of being a Christian in today's world. Teacher and school chaplain Chris Morphew spends a lot of time with teens, and it's clear how well he understands their concerns, and how much he cares about them. He has previously published short books about specific faith questions. In this new, longer book, Morphew addresses multiple issues and themes, exploring why it's worth it to follow Jesus in a post-Christian culture.

Morphew takes readers back to key aspects of the Christian story, explaining why he believes all of this is true, and why it changes everything, even when your friends think that you're weird and on the wrong side of history. He also addresses common questions about putting all of this into practice, sharing advice about topics like family life, dealing with suffering, and being a good friend.

Morphew doesn't shy away from hard topics, and never talks down to teens. He writes in an engaging, conversational style, and he shares personal stories and examples of conversations he's had with teens. He builds a sense of credibility and honesty throughout this book, and this book can encourage teens who are very serious about their faith, and speak to skeptical teens who are on the verge of abandoning their childhood beliefs. Morphew takes people's questions and doubts seriously, and shares thoughtful and honest responses.

This is a great book for Christian teens and young adults who are looking for encouragement in their faith, or who want to explore possible answers to some of their doubts and questions. Also, even though the author's writing style and examples gear this book towards teens, this is a really great, encouraging book for adults to read as well. This is a powerful, encouraging Christian living book that addresses important topics in a disarmingly honest and thought-provoking way.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

“I think this is one of my favorite Christian authors,” I said to my husband one evening. I had read the Big Questions series by Chris Morphew to my son a few years earlier, and that evening, I had just finished his new book Worth It, which may be one of my favorite Christian books for youth living in a post-Christian, post-churched, and post-reached world.

Morphew understands the struggles and issues that youth (and adults) are encountering in today’s post-Christian ...culture. Whether that is feeling narrow-minded or intolerant for holding Christian beliefs, doubting if God is really loving, or wondering if you are on the “wrong side of history.” The main theme of the book is whether or not following Christ is worth the hassle–and if it can even make a difference in our lives now.

I loved his reminder that "[Jesus] didn't say, I have come that they may have all the facts about God perfectly arranged inside their heads. He said, 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'" Morphew provides a well-rounded book that reminds us that we can trust Jesus, even in a complicated time.