Title: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
Author: John Ortberg
First published October 29, 2019
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525653097 (ISBN10: 0525653090)
Rating: 4.55
Overview
Author John Ortberg was at a crossroads in his life when he asked himself a powerful question: “What kind of person do I want to become?” Despite his outward success, he realized that he was feeling spiritually drained and emotionally depleted. Seeking guidance from a trusted mentor, he received a surprising answer: “The key to your spiritual health is to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
This revelation set Ortberg on a path of discovery, leading him to explore the insidious role that busyness and constant distraction play in our modern lives. In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Ortberg shares his insights and offers practical advice for anyone who wants to cultivate a deeper connection with their spiritual self while navigating the frenzied pace of the world around them.
More than just a self-help book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is a powerful call to action for anyone who feels that their life has become too cluttered and chaotic. With his trademark wit and wisdom, Ortberg offers a roadmap for staying grounded and present in the face of overwhelming demands and distractions.
Whether you’re seeking greater spiritual fulfillment, better emotional health, or simply a more peaceful and fulfilling life, this book is an essential guide for anyone who wants to thrive in the midst of chaos.
Editoral Review
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Ortberg is a timely and insightful book that offers a much-needed antidote to the frenetic pace of contemporary life. Ortberg, a bestselling author and teaching pastor, draws on his extensive experience in pastoral counseling and spiritual formation to explore the damaging effects of our addiction to busyness and the urgent need for rest, stillness, and awareness in our hyper-connected world.
At its core, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is a call to reclaim our humanity and rediscover what truly matters in life. Ortberg argues that in our quest for productivity, success, and achievement, we have lost sight of our souls and the deeper longings that give meaning and purpose to our existence.
Through a blend of personal anecdotes, theological reflections, and practical advice, he invites readers to slow down, reorient their lives around God, and cultivate habits of Sabbath-keeping, prayer, and spiritual disciplines. One of the strengths of the book is Ortberg’s engaging writing style and his ability to blend humor, insight, and compassion in his storytelling.
He uses vivid metaphors and memorable quotes to illustrate his points and brings a sense of warmth and authenticity to his prose. Additionally, Ortberg’s deep knowledge of the Christian tradition adds depth and richness to his analysis, as he draws on the wisdom of ancient spiritual teachers and contemporary scholars to support his arguments.
Another strength of the book is its relevance to the challenges of our times. Ortberg does not shy away from addressing the ways in which our culture of speed and efficiency contributes to anxiety, burnout, and loneliness.
He speaks candidly about the traps of social media and the false promises of consumerism, while offering practical tips for unplugging, connecting with others, and cultivating gratitude. In this sense, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is not just a book about spirituality; it is a book about how to live well in a complex and turbulent world.
One potential weakness of the book, however, is its narrow focus on the Christian faith. While Ortberg acknowledges that the book is written from a Christian perspective, and he invites readers of all backgrounds to consider his ideas, some readers may find his theological language and references off-putting or exclusionary.
Additionally, there are times when Ortberg’s prescriptions for rest and renewal seem more prescriptive than generative, and his rigid approach to Sabbath-keeping may not resonate with everyone. Overall, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is a highly recommended book for anyone who desires greater emotional health, spiritual vitality, and balance in their lives.
It is a book that rewards careful reading and contemplation, and its insights will stay with readers long after they finish the final chapter. Whether one agrees with Ortberg’s theology or not, there is much to be gleaned from his wisdom, his humility, and above all, his conviction that we can and must do better in our pursuit of meaning and purpose.
