True Identity is written by John C. Majors who works with Family Life and Cru. This book is written to youth and young adults and is the companion book for their Passport2Identity curriculum; youth leaders, parents, counselors and other people involved with youth could benefit from this book. It is designed to help youth discover their true identity. After a definition and discussion of identity, the author examines four areas of impact: gender, spiritual, relational, and missional. An overall fair book, some strengths to note are the author’s emphasis on the power of books and mentors that can shape identity in a positive way, and he provides many quotes and a bibliography for further reading of exceptional books. He is faithful to Scripture and the gospel message of faith alone and grace alone in Christ alone, through His Word alone, for His glory alone. Majors’ writing is easy-going, not technical, peppered with interjections and conversational elements. That said, it should be noted that this book, although quoting from the Bible, is not about the Bible; the reader is left with a heavy focus on personal and practical application and not rich in theology or doctrine or the story of God. Perhaps the weakness is too much identity of the reader and not God; rather than ask, “what is your identity”, a better question might be, “what is God’s identity and where do you fit in His story?” Unfortunately, more emphasis is placed on relationships, dating, friends, same-sex and transgender issues than dying to self, carrying your cross, and losing your life in order to find it. Although this might be a fair book as a shorter introduction to the topics discussed or to go along with the Passport2Identity curriculum, time might be better spent on more in-depth reading and study and prayer of the Bible and the fine books and authors referenced and noted by the author; Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper or Slave by John Macarthur readily come to mind.
This book was provided to me at no charge for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review.
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