Chasing Elephants
Chasing Elephants: Wrestling With the Gray Areas of Life by Brent Crowe is a book that I and many others asked him to write. The first time I heard Brent deliver this content was at a Student Leadership University Youth Pastor’s Institute. I was impressed by the way he scripturally dealt with some really difficult issues others often avoid.
He lays the foundation for our freedom in Christ right from the opening pages but clearly balances this with our Biblical responsibility. His first chapter “Refrigerator Art” leaves a lasting impression of our “good works” and is an illustration I wish I had thought of first. I will never view my offering to God the same way again as a result of this word picture.
This is not a theological book but it is clearly biblical. Chapter 2 – “Meats, Idols and Special Days” – is an exposition of Romans 14 and 15. Brent unpacks the truth of these chapters in a way that every student or student leader can grasp. “Liberty Meets Responsibility” in chapter 3 overviews 1 Corinthians 10; and chapter 4 “Christ Has Set Us Free” looks at Galatians 5.
Brent says, “My goal with this book is to give you a tool so that you never have to live on assumptions….don’t be afraid to challenge everything based on what the Bible teaches.” Chapter 5, “Asking the Right Questions” provides sixteen questions formulated from the passages discussed in previous chapters. These questions are insightful and penetrate to the heart of Biblical and moral decision making.
Did I mention that Brent broaches topics that others often avoid? If you thought I was being sensational, just take a look at the titles of the last five chapters:
- Homosexuality
- The Cyber World
- Social Drinking
- Entertainment
- Humanitarian Efforts
I think this book will be one of the best tools in any youth worker’s toolbox as well as giving students the ability to live principled not programmed lives. I recommend you pick up a copy for your ministry.
