All That's Good

I received an advance review copy from the publisher and Net Galley

I was excited to read this new title from Hannah Anderson having read her previous book 'humble Roots' and really enjoyed it. I was not dissapointed. This book is fantastic. I don't think that I have ever read a book on the topic of discernment and many books addressing the subject either come down on one side or the other, either incredibly legalistic and calling believers to step away from the world or far too lax, with an all encompassing view of the world into the life of the believer.

However, Anderson calls us to realise that there is beauty in this world and by using the verse from Philippians 4:8
"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.", she takes each segment and offers pointers to how we can discern for example what is true?

Packed full of scripture, personal illustrations and quotes from other books this is a thoroughly researched thought provoking book which is one of my favourite reads of 2018.

With chapters labeled: Good and Taste, The Good Earth, Worldly Wise, Whatever is True, Honorable, Just, Pure, Lovely, Commendable, Every Good Gift, and Our Common Good, we learn through Hannah Anderson’s stories and Biblical perspectives, the art of discernment. Whether your knew at learning discernment or have know the art for years, this book lends one to new discoveries. Hannah writes, “In broader usage, discernment simply means developing a taste for what’s good. It’s developing an instinct for quality, a refined sensibility, an eye for value—to know the difference between what’s good and what’s not in order to partake of the good.” I think this is something we all need in order to have a good life.

Life is full of choices and how we make them is the crux of this book. We live in a world filled with options and feel emptier than ever. This isn't what God has in mind for His children.
The author stresses discernment; a practice of thoughtfully and prayerfully making decisions as a Kingdom citizen.
A practical, well written book, this one hits on a timely subject.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is easily one of the best books I've read this year. The topic is discernment, and works directly with Philippians. If you want a Biblical approach to discernment, this is a great book to start with. And this is her first book to include discussion questions, so would be perfect for a small group study.

I've come to appreciate the author's sound thinking. She tells a good story, and is especially wise in her theology. She takes a close look at our approach to social media as believers, and makes the argument for Bible learning and the overall discernment that comes from maturing in Christ.

I loved both of Hannah Anderson's previous books, but All That's Good is her best yet. In an age where so much seems to be driven by the lowest common denominator, Anderson's call to practice discernment by filtering choices and decisions through the lens of "whatever is true...noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable...excellent or praiseworthy" is a needed one. She offers not a one-size fits all 12-step process, but a framework, a scaffolding on which to build our decisions, our days, and our lives. I highly recommend this book.