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acagno01's review
5.0
I was hesitant to buy this book , because ,well there are a lot of similar books out there right now and I have read them. But I loved her last book, so I thought I would give this one a try. This book did not disappoint , there was great depth in her writing and I loved the way she structured the book. I am very thankful for her words , I hope she continues to write more.
jeansbookbag's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
This was a poignant, well-thought-out look at the “emotional prosperity gospel.” I really liked Opelt’s voice and I very much appreciated the topic. I would definitely recommend this one, even if you’re not religious.
readsewknit's review
5.0
My older daughter had bought me HOLY UNHAPPINESS for Christmas after I'd pointed out a couple items in our bookstore, and I lucked out by talking it up with our small group so that it was chosen as our spring read.
Amanda Held Opelt lays out the foundation that while many Christians might easily object to the prosperity gospel, we often buy into an emotional prosperity gospel, subconsciously believing that if we live and act in the "right" ways, all will go well for us. She explores this through the lens of parenthood, work, marriage, community, suffering, and more, with a blessing closing out each section.
This was a welcome gift (in all the meanings of the word), being the perfect book for me to read with loved ones in a time of uncertainty. Certain phrases have entered into regular repetition in our home (exhaustion is not a sign of failure, the work can have value even if the ground is cursed, etc) as these mantras try to ground us.
Opelt is around my age and has faced her own losses keenly, so I knew I could trust her words and welcome her perspective. I'm grateful that my friends found this to be true for them as well.
Amanda Held Opelt lays out the foundation that while many Christians might easily object to the prosperity gospel, we often buy into an emotional prosperity gospel, subconsciously believing that if we live and act in the "right" ways, all will go well for us. She explores this through the lens of parenthood, work, marriage, community, suffering, and more, with a blessing closing out each section.
This was a welcome gift (in all the meanings of the word), being the perfect book for me to read with loved ones in a time of uncertainty. Certain phrases have entered into regular repetition in our home (exhaustion is not a sign of failure, the work can have value even if the ground is cursed, etc) as these mantras try to ground us.
Opelt is around my age and has faced her own losses keenly, so I knew I could trust her words and welcome her perspective. I'm grateful that my friends found this to be true for them as well.
coveredbychristine's review
5.0
“For as long as I can remember, I'd embraced the myth that my life had to always feel good, feel rewarding, and feel meaningful in order to be blessed. I was a faithful disciple of the emotional prosperity gospel. But I have come to believe that to simply exist as a beloved child of God, to see him and to live, to wrestle with him and know that he is always with me, this is the great gift. This is the Way. It is enough. As Frederick Buechner wrote, "Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” ❤️