No family today is more dysfunctional than Joseph's. No one faces greated temptation than Potiphar's wife offered Joseph. No faith is challenged more severely than was Joseph's on death row. Yet Joseph stood firm, exemplifying what is possible when ordinary people maintain their connections with God. Like an epic novel filled with intrigue, tension, and torrential emotions, Joseph's triumphiant story touches us all. This third volume in Charles Swindoll's"Great Lives" series presents a fresh look at one of the most intriguing characters in the Old Testament and focuses on the virtue of forgiveness in the face of deceit and betrayal.
Details: Chuck Swindoll is definitely a gifted writer. There isn't a dull sentence in this book. I've been truly touched by Joseph's life and his devotion to God. However, I do think that this book focuses too much on Joseph instead of God. Swindoll talks of Joseph's integrity, his leadership and how we should emulate him. Of course, when there are great spiritual role-models, we are to look up to them but to emulate them is not our Christian goal. Following and serving Christ is our ultimate goal. Although, Joseph was a great man of God, I felt the book said too much of "Isn't Joseph great?" rather than "Isn't God, who used Joseph, great?"
The book should be read with a grain of salt. Three stars.
Review Summary: Joseph by Chas. R. Swindoll
Date: 2007-08-16
Details: The preacher of my church preached one Sunday morning about Joseph, the fellow with the multi-colored coat fr. his father. Before getting into Joseph's life, the preacher told of how Jacob came into Rachel's family, and about Rachel's dad, Laban. Fascinating to me it was. I wanted to find a book to read about "Joseph, etc."--read what an author has penned. Charles R. Swindoll does an excellent job and in an excellent style of writing. I found the book to be a full-fledged account. Joseph's life was awesome.
Review Summary: Wonderful lesson in forgiveness
Date: 2007-01-11
Details: This is yet another wonderful book in the series. Well worth the reading and study. Have ordered additional copies to give as gifts.
Review Summary: Joseph Great Lives Series: Volume 3
Date: 2007-01-09
Details: I really like the accuracy of the book. Charles Swindoll is one of my favorite pastors and authors. He didn't let me down with this book.
Review Summary: "One of the two best on Joseph!"
Date: 2004-04-25
Details: Although my favorite Joseph book is 'With Joseph in the University of Adversity: the Mizraim Principles', by Dr. Parks, this one is a close second! If you want a pastor's heart in the telling of the story--this one is best! If you want sound principles for everyday life that you or a graduate can use, and really well-organized--go with Parks (if you can get your hands on a copy!). Swindoll does this as part of a series, and it's excellent! These are the best two Joseph books around.
out of 11 Reviews
