Phrases In The Book 'Half Truths' By Adam Hamilton

In the book “Half Truths”, written by Adam Hamilton, a senior pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Pastor Hamilton questions whether common phrases used by people are actually true or Christian. Phrases such as “everything happens for a reason, God helps those who help themselves, and God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” Pastor Hamilton uses scriptural references from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible to break down these phrases and clarify the meaning of them to his readers. He also expresses that although most people have good intentions for quoting these phrases, they “…can sometime hurt people and lead people to conclusions about God that not only are not true but that may push some people away …show more content…
One of the phrases that Professor Hamilton debated in his book is “God helps those who help themselves.” A phrase recited by people regularly which is in part true; however, not true in other facets. The Latin term “ora et labora”, which means to pray and work, helps explain the truth in this phrase. “Our faith is meant to move us to action even as we trust in God” (58). We cannot just expect that by prayer alone that God is going to take care of putting a roof over our heads or food on our table, we have to work hard in addition to praying. However, it is also important to realize that some people are not able to help themselves, their trials and tribulations are so great that they need help to find a way out of their dark times. It is not our place to judge people, in the New International Version of the Holy Bible, the Book of John, chapter 13, verse 34 states, “ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” God’s command is to love one another, not judge. Additionally, God does help people who are unable to help themselves by working through us, in other word, God works through people to help other