It is easy to go soft on this work and others by Mr. Maxwell because of the reputation he has among many Christians. Mr. Maxwell’s books seem to get results and, overall, they are just plain fun to read.“Beyond Talent” is, like many of his others, an easy and enjoyable read that, on first glance, seems to have much to offer the reader in the way of worldly-wisdom and encouragement. That’s the problem with it.
Well written, warm and conversational, reading “Beyond Talent” is like sitting down with a very friendly, wordly-wise favorite Uncle and picking his brain. The teaching of “how-to” is mixed in with personal stories and inspiring quotations of those who have. Readers who are interested in getting an enthusiasm boost or in finding knowledge that will point them in the right direction and encourage them to get moving, might find some information here that will help them to achieve their dreams; sadly, they will find some very dangerous information, too.
John Maxwell was once a Pastor. He no longer has that platform. Today, thanks to his mentoring of businesses, his writing and speaking venues, his platform is much, much bigger; with a bigger platform comes greater accountability and greater danger.
When you first read this book, it is easy to be taken in by it. It really is an enjoyable read. Those not interested in biblical doctrine probably won’t have a problem with it. However, anyone with a serious interest in God’s Word ought to have a serious issue with “Beyond Talent” for this reason: man, not Christ, is exalted. Beyond that (as if we can get beyond that) the quotes and stories Mr. Maxwell choose to include sometimes show a lack of biblical discernment. For one who was once a preacher, Mr. Maxwell is failing to protect the flock. If a former Pastor doesn’t start and finish with Christ, what does it say to the rest of us?
But, you say, this isn’t a theological treatise? No, you’re right; it isn’t. That hardly matters, though, for Mr. Maxwell is known as a Christian writer and this book was published by a Christian publishing company. The Christian message cannot be escaped. Achievement in life doesn’t begin with what we ought to do to become; achievement must begin with “why are we doing this?” and “who are we doing it for?” and the Who must be Christ since all things exist by His hand and for His glory. Because he fails on this main point, Mr. Maxwell’s book misses the mark greatly.
My take? Mr. Maxwell might just have succeeded in doing what he set out to do: no doubt some folks will read this book and find encouragement to go forward in pursuing their dreams; then, in the eyes of the world, both Mr. Maxwell and the reader will have succeeded. In the eyes of God, however, they will not have because, sadly, the counsel presented here is based in building up and pleasing oneself rather than in glorifying and pleasing Christ. It would have been acceptable (though sad nonetheless) to find this in a secular book but it is both unthinkable and deeply saddening to find it so in a book touted as Christian. Mr. Maxwell should have shown much more spiritual discernment; since he didn’t, you must. Stay far, far away from this book.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookSneeze for purposes of review. I was not required to give a positive review, simply a fair one. My opinions are my own.
For the reasons you cite, I avoid Maxwell. While he is insightful into how things work, he seems disinterested in why they work as they do, his wisdom being primarily in the ways of the world, and divorced from the person and ways of God.
For the firmly grounded disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, an objective reading of such materials may be possible; even purposeful. I am not above being misled by such writing, so must elect to stick with what is clearly scripturally based.
I agree. I threw away all of my John Maxwell books when I discovered the Doctrines of Grace. I accepted this book for review so that I could point out his weaknesses. Thank you for your input. After re-reading what I wrote, I realized that my objections weren’t stated strongly enough. I’ve fixed that and the new review is now up.