I am writing in response to the review of Rachel Jankovic’s You Who? Why You Matter and How to Deal with It in the July/Aug. issue. I have not read Jankovic’s book but I have heard criticisms of it,…so I am looking for more in-depth feedback on whether this book is worth reading or if perhaps we need to do so with a greater-than-normal degree of discernment. I have brought this up with my pastor also.

— Roberta Van Vlack

Providence, R.I.

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Regarding the book You Who? Why You Matter and How to Deal with It (Rachel Jankovic), I’m compelled to warn against it due to errors in biblical application and theology. Having appreciated Jankovic’s earlier books as I am a mother of littles, it was with interest that I picked up this book.

My concerns lie with her repeated emphasis of obedience and what we do without a corresponding emphasis on the work of Christ in us and how the Holy Spirit equips us to obey. She’s almost right, and that is what makes errors difficult to recognize. When she urges obedience, obedience, and more obedience, the author ultimately holds out the law as works without the sanctifying work that the Holy Spirit produces through faith. Some quotes:

“We can have…confidence that if we live a life given to him…in one million small acts of obedience, we are safe.” (161)

“Wherever the gospel goes so will the story of what she [the widow and her mites] has done. It will be told in memory of her.…We can still offer our everything to Christ…and have him glorify it forever.” (111)

“[Obedience] quenches our thirst…provides us with sustained energy…provides clear direction and joy.…” (126)

“We are not the same people we were before obedience, and we shouldn’t want to be.” (161)

I wish I could share more worrisome statements. I do earnestly urge you to avoid this book.

—Alicia Hemphill

Seattle, Wash.

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