Our Favorite Sins

Truly, this is one of the most unique books addressing sin. I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging writing style and the profound insights into the motivations of our sins. This book is for EVERYONE. One of the greatest hurdles in overcoming sin is realizing that our behaviors are in fact sins, and then understanding how we can get to the root of them. Bishop Todd Hunter shows us that our lives are transformed from the inside out, by the redeeming power of Christ.


I fear that most readers, however, will feel a disconnect at around Chapter 10. Hunter dives into Liturgical Prayers and Offices, as well as Sacrament, and it may be to big of a leap for those starting to understand their sins and working to surrender control to God in order to overcome them. If readers will hold on, one of the most beneficial parts of the book is the Conclusion. Even still, several parts of the Conclusion I found confusing. Bishop Hunter mentions going back to the exercises at the end of each Chapter . . . I can't find any. (unless they are in the paperback version and not the Kindle version which I obtained for review. The author lists "tools" to help you through overcoming sin and the first is Hope. My issue with this section is that the hope he speaks of seems to be based on an "inner" hope, not based on anything . . . stating, "hope is hard to get, and like a scared bunny, it is easy to run off." The only TRUE HOPE is found in Christ. So, I'm confused and disappointed that the author did not address this to individuals who desperately need solid ground to build their foundation.


("To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27


"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a LIVING HOPE (emphasis mine) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1 Peter 1:3)


As a Psychology major, I was interested in the Barna Group research in the Appendix, however in the Kindle version, it does not appear that the data is charted well enough to understand the numbers. Nevertheless, I'm not sure what value the data really provides. In a negative manner, the data simply assures the sinner that they are not alone. I wonder if it would minimize conviction due to the conclusion, "Everyone is doing it." Or "This is common, it's not really that big of a deal." Also, the data talks about how people "deal" with their sin. Again, I'm not sure how this data helps those trying to overcome their sin through Christ, since these individuals' coping methods are clearly the wrong approach. So, I just didn't find the data beneficial.


I would definitely recommend the book, however. It is a good read for inner conviction and growing closer to the Lord.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com [...] book review bloggers 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."