It turns out, giving up your “right” to be offended can be one of the most freeing, healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things you can do.
It’s a radical, provocative idea: We’re not entitled to get offended or stay angry. The idea of our own “righteous anger” is a myth. It is the number one problem in our societies today and, as Dallas Willard says, … Dallas Willard says, Christians have not been taught out of it.
In Unoffendable you’ll will find things of immeasurable value:
- a concrete, practical way to live life with less stress
- adjusting your expectations to fit human nature and
- replacing perpetual anger with refreshing humility and gratitude.
Unoffendable seeks to lift religious burdens from our backs and allow us to experience the joy of gratitude, perhaps for the first time, every single day of their lives.
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Brant Hansen counters the common opinion that Christians are entitled to “righteous anger,” while also making a case about how learning to let go of our “right” to be offended can change our lives. He uses scripture as well as examples from both Christian and secular writers and thinkers to back up his claims.
This is the kind of book that you can get a lot out of, or you can dismiss as not for you, or even dismiss as flat-out wrong. One of the biggest arguments people seem to have for anger being all right (even a good thing) is that Jesus himself got angry. But I think one of the most important things to remember is that Jesus is God. He was perfect and sinless when he threw out the money changers. We need to remember that when we get angry about the sin of others…we’re just as bad, even when we find a way to feel like we aren’t.
It’s also important to note that Brant is not necessarily claiming that we should necessarily be able to find it easy to never get angry. We’re human; we get angry. The issue is feeling justified in holding onto that anger. In letting it drive us, and especially, in letting it drive us to sin.
More than just anger, Brant also addresses self-righteousness and hypocrisy. I think some of these areas convicted me more than the issue about anger. Not that I don’t get angry, but I definitely am guilty of letting myself believe I’m “not as bad as that other person.” I’m not going to pretend I’m all better now, but I’m noticing these things more in myself and I think that’s the first step to letting God get rid of them in me.
When I first started reading this, I really wondered how Brant could write an entire book about anger. But there were a lot more facets to it than I realized. He speaks simply and honestly, makes some really good points, and I can see from my personal life that there is a lot of truth in the claim that learning to be unoffendable can make your life better. I recommend this book for all Christians; even if you don’t feel like you need it, I’ll bet you can find some understanding here. I also believe, and see from reviews of others, that non-Christians can find some truth in this book as well. And no matter who you are, I suggest you check out The Brant & Sherri Oddcast.
Excellent read—especially today when everyone thinks they have the right to be offended about any and every thing!
Life changing. Eye opening. A must read for all Christians
Our book group loved it! Highly recommend
Useful approach to living with less offend-ability in this age when it seems like everyone seems to wear their feeling on their sleeves.
the author is christian and wrote this FOR christians, guiding them to the why and how of not being offended at the many harsh realities of our secular world. let it be known that i am an atheist but still read it bc i think we could all use a little pep talk in the art of calming the fuck down already.
I liked this book. He is a good writer
The is a very thought provoking book. We are all so conditioned to become offended, or at least I am. I didn’t realize how frequently nor to the degree that I am offended until I read this book and became aware. All too often, I choose to take offense.
The author presents a clear case for letting go of our anger in a biblical and authentic way, it just makes sense. Not preachy, embracing if you desire to grow in your faith and get rid of this stumbling block like I did and do..I highly recommend In-Offendable!
Compellingly written. It moves right along yet isn’t “windy”. The author reads the Audible version, lending conviction.
This is one of those few books I reread, annually. If applied, it will change your life.
One of the best books in an era of perceived need of safe spaces for snowflakes. Peace and joy by refusing the anger option.