Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters [NOOK Book]

Great intro to Christian doctrine

For many Christians the idea of discussing church doctrine or biblical theology is the equivalent of taking an extra dose of NyQuil after a long day at work–it puts them right to sleep. Theology is hard, they say. Doctrine is for priests and seminarians. This is simply not true. As Christians, our understanding of what the Bible teaches helps shape our worldview and strengthens our convictions. Besides, everyone has thoughts about God, who He is, how He relates to people, what He has done in history and in Christ. When you think on these things and form opinions, you are doing theology. The question is whether or not you are doing good theology.

If you can identify with the type of person described above, then please pick up a copy of Joshua Harris’ book Dug Down Deep. In this book Harris provides a simple, non-academic introduction to the great biblical doctrines. He covers topics such as the incarnation of Christ, the atonement, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and the theology of the church in a reader friendly, practical way.

Don’t leave theology up to the priests and seminarians. If you desire to know better what the Bible teaches concerning the foundational confessions of the Christian faith, then there is no better place to begin than with this book.

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How would you like to read a book on systematic theology that y

How would you like to read a book on systematic theology that you could enjoy, learn from, and constantly forget that you were reading a book on theology? In this volume that is exactly what you will get. There's real depth here but it's sprung on you subtly. The cumulative amount of doctrine taken in will surprise you by book's end. In our day when Christians would rather face an IRS audit than read a book on systematic theology, this book has great potential. In fact, I don't think large theology books are read by anyone outside the categories of pastor or scholar, and probably few pastors have read such a work in years. This book will allow you to think of the great subjects again.

Mr. Harris can write. There's no question about that. When he uses the example of rumspringa from the Amish world in chapter one to lure us in, I was caught a third of the way in. We realize the gap between what we say we believe and what we do is often helplessly far apart. This could be because we have never really grasped what the Bible is saying to us as we have imagined we have. Another hint: Jesus Christ is part of the answer no matter what the question is.

I loved how he used his story and the earlier story of his father to tell this story. That's how he pulls it off. The story is captivating and doctrine woven through it. When you finish the story, you think, wow, that was interesting. Then as you think about it, you find yourself wrestling with the greatest doctrines.

He begins with the doctrine of the Bible as a foundation to decide our beliefs. He reads well and is never superficial. From there he makes us face the doctrine of Christ. Next he carefully draws a realistic picture of the depths of the tragedy of sin in us. How our age needs this discussion! We forget how badly we need Jesus because we haven't fully comprehended the mess we are in.

In chapter 7 the chapter is as good as its catchy title: "How Jesus Saved Gregg Eugene Harris". I think you will find it quite similar to the story of how Jesus saved you. There's no overt Calvinism in the chapter though you suspect he believes that regeneration precedes your putting faith in Christ. Still, the chapter was thought-provoking. In his chapter on the Holy Spirit I was absolutely shocked that he, to some degree, looked favorably on speaking in tongues. Had the few sentences that spoke of that been deleted, you would find an exceptionally balanced presentation of the doctrine of the Spirit.

The book works on every level. He even addresses common misunderstanding that are driving the Christian world and how they don't quite mesh with God's Word. As a pastor, I found the book personally rewarding. It was review, it was more perspective, and it seemed to suggest dozens of sermon ideas. Beyond that, I recommend Christians every where read this book and mine its treasures.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .

Excellent writing.

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris is a practical theology. It takes the matters many find confusing or weighty and relates them in a clever narrative style. With chapter titles ranging from 'God with a Bellybutton' to 'The Invisible Made Visible,' the attitude of the book is clearly conversational. Somehow the author is able to quickly deliver on deep topics in only 185 pages.

Like - I love the writing. His theology is spot on and his shepherd's heart is clear but the way Harris writes is truly entertaining. On several occasions I laid the book down and just thought to myself what a great writer Joshua is.

No Like - I have no complaints.

Is it for you? - I would strongly recommend the book on two fronts. Dug Down Deep may be a fascinating introduction to Theology for those with little to no theological education. It would give the novice a framework of understanding that can later be filled in with books like Grudem's Theology. For those with a formal education this book is a refreshing review. It ties it together and attempts to force all of the theories into the realm of flesh and blood. Everyone should read this book.

A great primer to the foundations of Christian Faith

Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths That Last by Joshua Harris

Having read Harris’s other books growing up I was familiar with his style. Over the years he has progressed and really produced a well written book about the foundations of our faith. Having completed a Master of Art in Religion I found that Harris provided an easy to read explanation of the foundations that are essential to the Christian faith and explained the necessity for understanding them and holding to them in your life. He used real life examples and explanations to make the book come alive to the reader and help them realize that they too can understand the “deeper” issues of Christian faith.



The book also has a discussion guide provided which is an added bonus as often that is an extra cost.

I found that I was constantly highlighting and agreeing with the points and explanations that were made by Harris. This book is now an added resource to my library to help me understand how to explain to others the Christian faith in ways that I may not have thought of before.

Disclosure:

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

my soul was encouraged...

Reviewed by Donna M for Readers Favorite

"Dug Down Deep" is a memoir about a man's journey with God. "Dug Down Deep" gives great insight into how we grow and develop individually as Christians. The author is funny, and knowledgeable about God's Word. He gives wonderful examples to illustrate our growth process as Christians. He also shows the great potential we have to experience the love of God and he manages to be frank about our vulnerabilities and the challenges we face as growing Christians. I especially like how he took us into the world of the Amish. I learned many things I never knew.

I must admit that when I first started reading this book, I felt a little hurt. I made the mistake of comparing my life with Harris¿s life. And to make things worse, I did this with my natural eyes and not my spiritual eyes. Big mistake! I had somehow come to the erroneous conclusion that much of Harris's blessings were because he was a white man in America, who is afforded the opportunities that many of us may not have access to. But of course we all know that all blessings come from God whether we like who or what God blesses or not. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that somebody could actually have the opportunity to run a magazine at 21 years of age. So obviously Harris has a life experience that is totally different than mine. So, in my humanness I felt a little hurt. I desired some of the same opportunities as Harris. I have been praying for a husband since I could breathe. OK, I admit it, I was kind of jealous. Opps! If I would have let my mind and heart linger on these points then I could have missed Harris's point completely, which is to dig down deep into the Word of the Lord and let it rule your life.

Therefore, my soul was encouraged by "Dig Down Deeper". As I read, l realized that even though Joshua and I come from two different worlds there was in fact a great equalizer. And that equalizer was the Word of God. It did not matter if we lived in the castles of America or in the devastation of the inner cities. Following the narrow pathway is hard for everybody no matter our race, creed, or social standing. Rich or poor, we all still have to somehow find our way through the eye of the needle. Americans can erroneously believe that to be rich is to have it all. And I'm not saying that Harris is rich. Richness, like reality, can sometimes be relevant. Certainly, money gives us more options and maybe we feel kind of powerful because we can do whatever we want if we have money. Perhaps when we have money and success it¿s easier to get caught up in self pride and come to falsely believe that we accomplished our goals through our own merits.

Great Read

Orthodoxy.

Theology.

Doctrine.

Those simple words are enough to make many people afraid, uncomfortable and wanting to look for the nearest exit. Though the words are common in churches and Christian circles, there is often something overwhelming and almost mystical about them. We've heard them a million times, but the majority of us couldn't truly explain them even if we were offered a large sum of money.

In his book, Dug Down Deep, Pastor Joshua Harris tries to put these terms and their application into language we can all understand and relate to. After growing up in the church and going through the motions of being a "good" Christian, Harris realized that it's so much more than that; it's all about following God's word and standing firm in them. Dug Down Deep is a mixture of his journaling about this revelation and some teaching about doctrine, theology and orthodoxy.

At times the book went a little over my head but that might be attributed to the fact that I was usually reading it late at night when I should have been sleeping! ? Despite that fact, I found the book to be very conversational, not preachy or textbook-ish. I really enjoyed the stories and illustrations, both in words and in pictures, Harris shared throughout the book. I think this could definitely be a book that I'll re-read at a later point in life; there are so many truths hidden in it that I'm sure to find more with each additional reading.

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for this review. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Starts Out Good, Gets Boring

I've been tempted to read books by Josh Harris ever since I went to high school with a guy by the same name. I had high expectations, and in many ways Harris' book "Dug Down Deep" both lived up to and failed to live up to those expectation.

In "Dug Down Deep," Harris admonishes readers to make theology a higher priority in their lives. "What we know about God shapes the way we think and live," Harris writes. "What you believe about God's nature - what he is like, what he wants from you, and whether or not you will answer to him - affects every part of your life. Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong."

With several references to Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" (bringing back many memories for those of us who had to read it over and over again in college), Harris' book becomes a mini "Systematic Theology" written for Christians not normally interested in extensive research. Consequently, Harris uses more stories and less Scripture.

For many, Harris' words will be sweet reminders of truths they already know. Others will be bored with the theology presented because they also already know the basic. And hopefully, many Christian young in their faith will learn many new truths. No matter how readers view the theology presented, Harris' words should spur them on to a greater desire to know theology, to know the reason for their faith. Harris' compelling argument for the need to have a solid knowledge of doctrine and theology makes his book work on so many levels.

While not a textbook by Grudem, "Dug Down Deep" navigates the foundations of the Christian faith, among them being sin, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church.

Harris' discussion of the Holy Spirit may raise the hairs on the backs of some readers. Harris makes it clear that, while he does not adhere to some of the manipulative and false teaches of some Charismatic churches, he does believe in and practice the speaking of tongues. His belief may discredit him to some or at least disappoint certain fans. To his credit, though, Harris emphasizes the common denominator of both sides of the argument: opening your life to the Holy Spirit so that He can change you, use you, and bless you. Harris even references another writer who does not believe in the modern existence of tongues.

My feelings also clashed with the book when I got to Harris' chapter on the church. I would have been encouraged by more on why its important to attend church and become a part of a community, but, instead, Harris focuses on the Great Commission and the missions side of church, which made me feel inadequate about the gifts that God has given me that glorify Him but don't necessarily involve missions. There were a few other things I wasn't sure what to think about, but I won't mention them here.

Bottom line for me, personally: I got a lot out of the first few chapters encouraging the seeking out of solid theology, but the rest of the book was old news - been there, done that. But I'm sure there are plenty of others out there that need this book. As for me, Harris just made me want to skip his book to go read Grudem.

deeply a good book

Joshua Harris is the senior pastor of Covenant Life Church in Portland Oregon, and was a student of C.J. Mahaney who had helped to found that same church. Josh is also the author of several books including I kissed Dating Goodbye and Stop Dating the church.

His latest book is actually a reprint that now comes with a study guide and a fancy cover. I got this book as a "freebie" to review, but I am so glad I picked this one up.

Joshua's book is sort of a beginner's guide to doctrine. Through each chapter, Josh takes the reader alongside his own personal journey all the while expressing deep theological truths. Dug Down Deep covers the nature of the trinity, the Holy Spirit, atonement, sin, the sovereignty of God, propitiation and regeneration. That to say, it's not some thin drop in the bucket either - this is a real book - it has weight and substance (and hand drawn monster pictures).

While I was reading it, I was thinking, "I am going to buy this book for everyone who becomes a believer at my church." I think this would make a great 'guide' for people new to the faith, because it covers all the bases and would get new Christians off on solid footing.

Josh writes, "The doctrine of Scripture teaches us about the authority of God's Word. Scripture must be the final rule of faith and practice for our lives. Not our feelings or emotions. Not signs or prophetic words or hunches."

The book reads easy as much of it are stories from Josh's life, but at the same time the author gives a very orthodox outline of the basic Christian faith. I loved this book - highly recommended.

Theology Matters

Recently, I was talking with a man in my congregation. He told me that a Pastor had once told him to study hard but don't mess around with theology, you will never understand it. Not only do I disagree with that statement, I think Dug Down Deep proves my point.

Joshua Harris takes a subject (systematic theology) and makes its accessible to everyone. Not only that, he also tells us why it is important to all of us. The strength of his book lies in his approach. He explores how he grew deeper with God in his own way.

Harris is transparent, smart, and has a passion for people to truly dig deeper into their faith. The foundation that remains after taking this journey with him, will help any Christian grow in their relationship with God and understand who they rely on and why. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All opinions are my own.

Dug Down Deep

Joshua Harris, in his new book, "Dug Down Deep; Building Your Life on Truths That Last" tells a personal growth story through the lens of a familiar parable told by Jesus Christ. He uses the story of two builders. One builder built his house upon the sand. The storm come against it and it fell. The other builder built his house upon a rock. The storm come against it and it stood. Dug Down Deep is a call for every believer to dig down and understand what God wants them to know that will lead them into a deeper and richer relationship with Him. Harris maintains hat superficial understanding of the Bible will not hold when tried and tested by the storms of life. The opening statement of the book sets the stage for the rest. Harris writes, " We're all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true." Harris writes that doctrine, the proper understanding of God and what He is like, coupled with orthodoxy, the proper practice of what we know to be true about God, will make or break a believers walk with Christ. Harris deals with doctrinal matters in a way that takes them out of the classroom and places them into real-life practice. In each of his chapters, he deals with a different doctrinal discipline and makes it easy to understand. A few of those doctrines are: God, Jesus Christ, Salvation, the Bible, Sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. I appreciate the path in which Harris took in writing this book. He has built the case for every believer becoming a student of God's Word and not being afraid of digging deep. This book is well written, it is deep, but not overly academic. His personal story woven throughout the book is what makes the book believable. The study guide that is included in the book is a great tool for small group study. I highly recommend this book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Fantastic book:must read

As Christians, we nearly all have sang the song "The Wise Man Built His House Upon The Rock." as children, and as we grew older, we already had presumed that we were the wise man. Is this always true? In this theologically brilliant book, Joshua Harris reveals that not all Christians have a solid foundation. He then proceeds to show some important doctrines that every Christian should agree with, such as "Jesus is the Son of God." and others of this simplicity. He uses both humorous examples and his own true stories to prove his point, all the while showing the truth within the message.


I can not agree with Josh Harris more. Every Christian should cement their foundational beliefs and doctrines, lest they be washed away by a storm. Even if they don't completely agree with all of the beliefs written in the book, this book still is a great reminder to be prepared with our doctrines fully ready for any storm the devil throw our way, so we can come out of our house after the storm without even a dent of damage. Overall, I thought it was a great book. I am still a huge fan of Joshua Harris's, and Alex and Brett Harris for that matter. I have loved all of their books that I have read. Josh has done it yet again with this wonderfully sound theological manuscript.

Great for New Believers

Joshua Harris, author of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" has written a new book entitled "Dug Down Deep." In his new book Josh sets out to explain about theology and doctrine and how it is vital to the Christian faith. This book is written in a very clear format, step by step about what theology and doctrine and in a clear explanation of why it is important.

However, I found this book to be a bit boring. I believe this book is great for new Christians and offers a lot of good information, but it didn't really hold my attention. This book is a great starting place for many new Christians and offers real life experience from Josh as he seeks a deeper knowledge and understanding of doctrine while explaining to readers difficult concepts. In addition, this book includes an in-depth study guide, which makes it even more understandable for new believers.

In one part of the book Josh states, " I know from experience that it's possible to be a Christian but live life on the surface .The surface can be an empty tradition. It can even be doctrine without application." These quotes challenged me to go to a deeper level, but again, I believe this book covers many basics of the faith. It was a great refresher, but not a book that I truly enjoyed.


Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah publishing company for providing me this complimentary book to review. These opinions are my own, they did not pay me for this review.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

This is a book that I wish I could've read 30 years ago! Joshua Harris does a great job of making deep truths easy to understand. I am giving this book out as a gift as often as I can! Love, love, love it and the fact that it made we want to read the Bible even more!

"Dug Down Deep"

Do you wonder why you believe what you believe? Do you have more head knowledge than heart knowledge about God? If so, this is the book for you! Joshua Harris uses practical stories and Scripture to point out how each of us can come to know God more deeply, thereby becoming a better Christian. Chapters like, "Ripping, Burning, Eating," "God With A Bellybutton," and "Changed, Changing, To Be Changed" pull the reader in, as each chapter begins with a wonderful quote setting the tone for what you are about to read. His easily understood principles and encouragement make it easy to find yourself in a deeper relationship with God.


This is the first book I have read by Joshua Harris, but it won't be my last! I found his writing style pulled me in just as Max Lucado's does. The book is great for a personal Bible study, but would also be wonderful for groups. There are many discussion points here, and either way you read it, you will want to talk with someone about what you learn.

Good stuff

This was just an outstanding book all around. I am an old-school Max Lucado fan and I found this book to be very much written in the same style of what I have read by Lucado. Josh Harris has developed the same knack of teaching through story telling and getting some major points of theology across in a simple and easy to understand manner. I enjoyed reading his personal stories and his humor was refreshing.

I particularly liked the last two chapters in the book the best - which I took very personally. Josh makes the very sobering point that our goal should not to be able to win a debate or an argument - but to present the gospel in love. Theology should be a tool in that endeavor - not in being puffed up with personal knowledge.

Finally there are lot of nuggets of wisdom in this book. I found myself writing down a lot of quotes from both Josh and others (like C. J. Manhaney) while reading this.

Great deep and conversational book!

The following book was received from WaterBrook Multnomah to read and review.

I have enjoyed books by Joshua Harris in the past, recently Stop Dating the Church! So, when I saw this new book by him available to read and review, I very happily signed up. And I am very glad I did.

"I've come to learn that theology matters. And it matters not because we want a good grade on a test but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live." pg. 10

The book Dug Down Deep is a book about "Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters." This book was about theology and doctrine, but also somewhat an autobiography of Joshua Harris. Mixing these two subjects together, made this book enjoyable, but at the same time challenging (In the best way!).

While reading this book, I began to think many things (These are some of my personal thoughts while reading)...

What do I believe?

Does it truly make a difference in my daily life?

Am I truly enjoying a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus?

Or am I just living life on the surface?

Am I truly living a life that aims to glorify God?

I loved how this book helped me to think about these things and realize that I always want to be growing in my relationship with Christ and growing to be more like Him. And the more I learn about Him and His Greatness, the more I realize how much I need Him active in my personal life!

"We live in a world that endlessly longs for personal, physical, relational, and political change. People search for change everywhere. But ultimately, only the gospel of Jesus Christ offers real hope for radical, lasting change because only through faith in Jesus can a person's nature be changed." pg. 149

This book talks about many deep, theological topics (Like justification, adoption, and sanctification) in a way that makes the common reader understand and not feel overwhelmed or inadequate to be reading such a book. I personally love books about theology and found this book to help me grow in my understand of our amazing Savior!

Dug Down Deep really encouraged me to make sure that I know what I believe, believe it to be true, and live it every day! I personally enjoyed Chapter 3, Near But Not In My Pocket, the best!

I slightly disagree with Joshua Harris' theological views in Chapter 9, I Believe in the Holy Spirit, on the gift of speaking in tongues, an issue that is well debated in the Christian church, in general. However, the fact that we slightly disagree on this topic does not deter me from reading books by Joshua Harris in the future, because I truly do believe that his heart is in the right place and the fundamentals of his Christian doctrines of grace are correct and biblically sound.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book and found it to be highly encouraging, as I have found with all the Joshua Harris book I have read.

Thank you again to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book to read and review!

I loved it !

I loved this book from the very first page. As a matter of fact my daughter and I read it together. She loves it too. So that goes to show you that this book is for Christians of every age. I love how Joshua gets down to the nitty gritty of knowing what you believe.I had so many thought provoking "God" moments while reading this book. My fave was when he was talking about when Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say I am?". Think about it for a second...who do you say Jesus is? Man, I started getting all these thoughts running through my head like, Who do I say Jesus is with my life? I call Him Lord with my lips but is that what my life says? If you are looking for a great read that will have you rethinking some details that you thought didn't matter; then this book is for you. You should buy it ... like right now... I'm serious... its great!

Great Book! Faith Changing!

I received this book to review and as I sat down to read it...I just knew it was going to be awesome. I have to say I actually enjoyed reading most of this book. Mr. Harris uses language that makes you feel as though he were sitting in front of you speaking. He doesn't sound "uppity" at all.

If you are someone who is either just beginning to learn about your faith or someone who has had faith for a while but really felt as if something was lacking...I would suggest this book. Mr. Harris uses illustrations from his own life..so all throughout the book you get this feeling of "I'm really not alone....someone else has been through the exact same thing...". I really feel as if this book has helped me to be more in touch with myself...with my spiritual self...and with God. I feel like I "know God" better..and that helps me to better understand my faith.

Some phrases from the book that I took the time to put a sticky note near:

" My friend Curtis says that most people today think only of themselves. He calls this "me-ology." I guess that's true. I know it was true of me and still can be. It's a lot easier to be an expert on what I think and feel and want than to give myself to knowing an invisible, universe-creating God. "

" We have grown up in our own religious culture. And often this culture, with its own rituals and music and moral values, comes to represent Christianity far more than specific beliefs about God do. "


" I learned that God's purpose for me is inextricably tied to his purpose for his people. My faith isn't all about me. It isn't only about my story and my journey. Being a Christian is about us belonging to God and to each other and then together fulfilling God's mission in the world. "


Wow!! How on Earth someone could ignore statements like that...is beyond me. Mr. Harris delivers a powerful message in terms that even the person just beginning to walk in their Christian faith or people of below average intelligence could understand. This book will appeal to a broad range of people...and it will change lives.

This review was originally published at: http://www.handshouseandheartfull.com/2010/01/dug-down-deep-book-review-by-joshua.html and I received a free book to review, nothing else.

Inspiring New Book!

I have been a fan of Joshua Harris since I Kissed Dating Goodbye. His book Stop Dating the Church did nothing short of changing my view of God's plan for the church. I have all of his books and frequently lend them out and recommend them to friends. When I heard he was writing a new book, I was thrilled to read it. Dug Down Deep soared beyond my expectations.

Parting from what he is known for, Harris digs into the topics of orthodoxy, theology, and doctrine. Many authors would form these topics into dry, dusty textbooks, but Harris did nothing close to this. Dug Down Deep relates doctrine to everyday life. Harris explores such things as theology proper, God's sovereignty, and Christology. He shares how he built his life on truth, on a proper knowledge of God.

Dug Down Deep is subtitled "Unearthing what I believe and why it matters." This is a highly personal book. Harris writes in a warm, engaging manner. I found it hard to put this book down. I wish I could give this book to everyone I know-believers and unbelievers alike. It is hard to resist the deep-rooted faith Harris has found. Buy a copy; you will not regret the fresh fire you find while reading Dug Down Deep.

This book was provided for my review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Dug Down Deep, by Joshua Harris

As someone who grew up in the church just going through the motions, I was eager to read Joshua's account of finding a deeper relationship with God. However, when he spent the first 36 pages telling me ad nauseam why I should read the book, I couldn't help thinking that I would, if he'd just get on with it.

Luckily, when he did "get on with it", he had much of value to say. It is important that we each develop a personal relationship with God by delving into, meditating on, coming to understand scripture, and then putting it into action in our daily lives.

My favorite chapter in the book, however, wasn't about Joshua, but instead detailed his father's conversion story. It was very like my own, and yet very different as well. It was a wonderful reminder to me of why I cherish God, and how much he cherishes me.

The publishers recommend this book for new believers and long time believers who may have fallen into a spiritual rut and have perhaps grown immune or indifferent to scripture. I concur.

I would like to thank Waterbrook Multnomah for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.