Book Review - Who Do You Think You Are by Mark Driscoll

In Mark Driscoll’s newest book, Who Do You Think You Are?, the reader is provided with 15 different identities that they are able to espouse if he is a believer in Christ. These identities are taken from passages of Scripture found in the book of Ephesians and Driscoll then proceeds to tell how each passage is applicable to the individual who has placed his faith in Jesus.

With so many Christians living defeated lives and believing the lies of Satan about their actions and their pasts, this is a much needed book. As stated, Driscoll takes a passage from Ephesians and shows how it identifies the reader. These include being a saint, being blessed, being appreciated, being saved, being reconciled, being heard, and being victorious, to name a few of them.

The text is very easy to read and Driscoll lays each identity out with a number of outlines to help the reader grasp the point he is trying to make. For example, in the chapter entitled “I Am Loved,” Driscoll defines five ways that Jesus loved the church. In the chapter “I Am Forgiven,” he gives the reader seven things that forgiveness is and seven things that forgiveness is not. These helpful lists can be found in numerous places throughout the text.

I have only two complaints about the book. First, Driscoll and I differ when it comes to our belief on the gifts of the Spirit. He believes that gifts such as healing and speaking in tongues still exist and are to be used today. I do not. He has had some unflattering words to say about cessationists in the past, but that was not reason enough for me not to read the book. Second, all of the chapters open with an illustration to help set the context for what is to come. Many of these illustrations deal with individuals who have had sinful or abusive pasts and these are often described in a rather graphic nature. Words like incest, prostitute, and rape are used throughout. While this may not be an issue for some, it can be a turn-off for others. I know from listening to him preach in the past that this is a huge issue from many in his congregation, but, when writing for a larger audience, it is wise to turn down the tone a bit.

Overall, Who Do You Think You Are? is an excellent resource. It is easy enough to understand for a new believer, but I can also see many sermons and series being born after reading this text. This is the type of book that a pastor will want to order numerous copies of to give away at counseling sessions and to new believers. Well done, Pastor Mark. Another excellent book.

Please note: I received a free copy of Who Do You Think You Are? from BookSneeze.com in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, but I did because I liked the book.

Recommended Reading