A book which advocates the hands-on discipleship many churches are lacking and many young people seek; however, this volume speaks very specifically to an American context and church leaders in more progressive parts of the world may find this to be a bit behind the times.

This is a perfect read-alone or group discussion book. Lends itself to plenty of discussions. Each chapter has real-world, relatable examples, as well as resources for further study.

This is definitely not my area of expertise when it comes to readying, but enjoyed challenging myself on this read.

I have a sign hanging above the door I go in and out everyday at my house that says “happiness comes from within”. I always struggled with realizing that no change will come to those who aren’t happy with themselves. I kept thinking about that the entire time I read this because it is so true and the author does a great job of explaining that.

Enjoyed this book well written. Told with truth and knowledge. A lot tips on bring the gospel alive in your own life

I affirm Escobar's assertion that "theology won't heal the world" but her recommendations for how theology should be practiced fall short of the gospel imperative. Given that this is a book about the act of doing—as opposed to just thinking—her reluctance to draw from the biblical text as it was originally intended to be understood for the audience of its day and practiced is underwhelming. While I agree Christians today must do a better job in loving one's neighbor and avoiding hypocrisy, Escobar divorces her interpretations of what that reality looks like biblically and leaves the reader with a merely moralistic-therapeutic book. I would not classify this as a Christian guide.

I agree that too many Christians cover their wounds by adopting head-knowledge that they never let transform their inner lives. Escobar is right when she says "As a wider group, we often insulate ourselves from perspectives that don't align with our experiences or the homogeneity to which we have become accustomed." However, this book does not draw a connection between the necessity of dependence on Christ for a transformative work that runs primary to other secondary aids and supports found in the secular space.

I greatly appreciate Kathy Escobar's understanding of and experience with living in this world as a follower of Christ. When reading her books, it is as if she is having a conversation and sharing with the reader over a cup of coffee.

Mrs. Escobar writes about what Christians need to do to live out our faith in a tangible way. To quote Escobar in the first chapter, "Practice is centered on deep inner work in our souls that propels us to habitually, intentionally, and repeatedly live out new healthier ways over the long haul."

Recommended for small group discussions, as well as, public libraries.

Thought provoking and inspiring. Really makes you think about HOW to be a change in our world. Very practical information.

I loved the first few chapters of this book and was highlighting like crazy. Then, the chapters started taking a turn towards a more liberal perspective and I had to put it down. Had this book stayed close to the premise that attracted me, I would have rated it higher. Instead, the book felt like a soapbox for the author to preach from.

Practicing is a hard book to read. I don't mean writing style. I mean with content. Escobar really challenges you to practice love by looking at how to truly do it. Teh author changes your perspective showing you when you aren't doing enough. The good news si there is no judgment, just help. The author shares stories that help you understand how to truly practice advocating for others. Each chapter has questions for you and encourages ways for you to g past what you are currently doing. This is a good book is you are really ready to look at our life and make it better.

The description of this book paired with the endorsement of some of my favorite authors made me really excited to dig in. I wasn’t disappointed! Escobar helps us think about what we personally can do to end injustice in our world.

Kathy Escobar’s “Practicing: Changing Yourself to Change the World” is an incredible wise, insightful, and practical book that gently guides us to not settle for a comfortable life, but a daring and courageous life. Kathy combines the prophetic and pastoral with literary finesse. I will be recommending her work broadly!

PRACTICING
KATHY ESCOBAR

Having received this Kindle book for free for the purpose of review I struggled through. What each of us needs to PRACTICE, writing style seemed slow and not particularly interesting.

I did agree that a changed world begins with our own changes and then practiced among people in our every day life and those who may be completely different. It is valuable to treat everyone, be it friend or foe, kindly. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you", Matthew 7:12.

Matthew 7:12 sounds easy enough and yet we know how difficult it can be. However, with each "Practice" it becomes more strengthened in our life.

So, all that said, I muddled through the book and found all suggestions worthwhile.

Practicing discusses a variety of topics: healing, listening, loving, including, equalizing, advocating, mourning, failing, resting, and celebrating. The book talks about the difference between how we treat one another vs how we SHOULD treat one another.

This book gives great guidance. I believe God touches us all different times with different things.

This book gave me great realizations in life!

Teaching to listen more and talk less. Many could benefit from this concept that comes from God. Loving others is also so important. Putting God above all else is important.
Interesting read.
I received an advanced copy from netgalley and the publisher

Wow yes I needed to read this book. At one point, Escobar talks about how take better care of others than ourselves. She writes here about what it truly means to rest in God. I really needed this right now. Thanks for writing this book.

Practicing
Changing Yourself to Change the World
by Kathy Escobar

Westminster John Knox Press

Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 18 Feb 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Practicing: Changing Yourself to Change the World through Westminster John Knox Press and Netgalley:




There are parts of this book I agree with like when Kathy Escobar says “Part of an active, vibrant, tangible faith is becoming healthier human beings and learning to practice a better way.” The importance of personal healing and listening, really listening being emphasized are also something I agree with.


The fact that more ears and less mouth are emphasized are something I understand as well, because I believe truly listening is one of the ways we can reach out to others and show them that our faith is genuine. But as I said there are things that I don’t agree with, it’s almost as if the author is accusing Christians in general of not taking the time out to truly listen before forming an opinion, and though I’m sure that wasn’t her intention it was the vibe I got.


The fact that as a Christian she says we can spend to much of the loving God part and not enough of the loving our neighbor part gets to me as well, first of all we are supposed to love God with all our hearts, I do think we need to love our neighbors in a deeper and more profound way but that does not mean we should focus less loving God, if we do it right we can effectively do both.


I honestly found the way she lumped all conservative Christians into this broad category, of judgement and hate.


Honestly I struggled to get through this book because in many ways it felt like an unbalanced personal attack.


I give Practicing three out of five stars, only because this book was well written, and some of the arguments were well thought out!

Inspiring and thought-provoking. The book is full of ideas on how to put our faith into practice by changing ourselves as the title suggests. At the end of each chapter, she has personal and group reflection questions as well as tips on how to put the particular theme into practice. Each chapter also has book suggestions for those who want to dig deeper into that particular topic. Overall, a great book that is easy to read and has a beautiful message.

I originally received this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Before I was halfway done I had ordered a copy. It's the kind of book you want to keep close by, so you can scribble in the margins and underline sentences and have available for use in your day to day life. 
This is a book explaining ten practices that any Christian can do, to help change the world. A little bit at a time. As Kathy Escobar says in the introduction, faith is a verb. Each chapter describes a faith practice explained through practical advice and stories. Each chapter ends with a prayer, questions for personal reflection, questions for group discussions, a list to help you get started on that practice, and book suggestions for digging deeper.