Customer Reviews

Boundaries

5 star:		(78)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

what a challenging book! helps you to re-evaluate the relationships you do have and set healthy "boundaries" with people so that you don't have to build walls in order to live your life how you want to!

Most Christians struggle with the demands and frustrations resulting from their everyday relationships. Cloud and Townsend have produced a true classic in this volume, presenting Biblical concepts that address those demands and frustrations. I have just finished reading this book again for the second time, and chances are good I will read it again in the future.

The authors introduce their work with a short section entitled, "A Day in a Boundaryless Life." Most persons can easily identify with the young woman depicted in this typical life situation. The authors then describe the concept of boundaries in detail, and how boundaries are developed in our lives. They present ten laws of boundaries, and then proceed to describe common myths regarding them. These laws and myths, as well as the rest of the book's content, are very readable and easy to understand.

In the second portion of their work, the authors touch upon the areas of life in which boundaries can be helpful. I cannot think of any area that is unaffected. These areas are: family, friends, spouse, children, work, self, and God.

The authors conclude by describing typical resistance to boundaries. They also summarize the benefits to be gained as persons persevere through that resistance to a more ordered life. Before ending their book, Cloud and Townsend revisit the young woman depicted in the opening section. This time the title is, "A Day in a Life with Boundaries." She now has learned to incorporate boundaries into her own life, and the change for the better is amazing.

This book is a must-read for every Christian believer who wants a wealth of Biblical insight into Christ-honoring relationships. I have recommended it to others in the past, and after this second reading am even more enthusiastic about doing so. Buy it, read it, and allow God to transform your relationships for the better!

All books that claim to be Christian, as well as all books in the category of "self-help" must be approached with both an open mind and a fair amount of discernment. I personally found this book to be one of the better books I have read in both categories. Much of the information in it is practical and useful. I believe that it is bibically sound, but not so over the top that those who are not christian will be turned off by it. That in and of itself is noteworthy.

I find it ironic that the negative reviews are not only extreme in their negativity, but passionate about their dislike for this book. It sounds to me like they need to actually read the book, or try reading it again with a more open mind. Those who can blame all that has gone wrong in their particular relationship on this book are definitely in need of some healthy boundaries themselves, as are the people around them I am sure.

I know of at least 5 people personally, as well as myself, who found value in this book. Some more life changing than others, but still a good read either way.

Wow, why didn't I ever know about this book? You don't hear much about it- I stumbled upon it browsing around Amazon one day. For people wondering if they should buy this book, get it if:

-you're not turned off by a Christian writing approach
-you feel like there's a problem because you're trying to be a good person all the time by always saying "yes"

In a nutshell, this book is for people who don't know how to set boundaries for themselves. In other words, they're always saying "yes" to things and taking responsibility for things- even when it's not their job.

And boundary lines of your responsibilities need to be present in more areas of your life than you might realize, such as...

-your family
-your friends
-your mate
-your kids
-your self

The book covers boundary conflicts in each of these areas leaving no stone unturned. Therefore, its no big deal if you have only one or two problem areas- just go to those sections.

This book will help you realize what a boundary is, why it's okay to have them and just how to develop them. So if anything in this review sounds like if might apply to you- don't hesitate to check out the book. Other neat self-help books I liked include Finding Happiness in a Frustrating World.

I don't know what Jesus this Dr. Stewart reads about in the gospels -- perhaps the Jesus of "Happiness is a Warm Fuzzy Jesus." She should read People Of The Lie by M. Scott Peck. All people don't deserve open unconditional entry into your life or unconditional accepting love. There is an ENEMY, folks, and he/it will wreak havoc with your life if you don't discern what spirit(s) people are operating under. And there is also the FLESH controlling what some people say and do, and just as we are to make no provision for the flesh and its lusts in our own lives (Romans), we need to be careful about feeding the carnal appetites and destructive behaviors of others. Jesus cast out demons; He told people to repent; He met people on the terms on which they should be met. Paul turned a believer over to satan because of his misbehavior. "Let's be a doormat for Jesus" is not spiritual -- it is just as fleshly as being hateful and putting up WRONG boundaries. Jesus's God authored the Old Testament, and Jesus endorsed its teachings, and the book of Proverbs has much wisdom that can be applied today, too. It speaks of fools and sluggards and liars and evil people, people who misuse others, etc., and tells how to deal with and respond to them.

I have worked as a jail chaplain for almost twenty years and this book has been both an inspiration and a clarifier. Not only is it important for me to set clear boundaries in the work place with inmates, but because of the nature of the work on my personal life, I've needed to set countless boundaries in my relationship with people who don't understand my love and concern for the incarcerated. I have asked all of my volunteers to read the book also because we've used it as a teaching tool for inmates, most of whom have never learned how to set boundaries. We have found it most helpful in dealing with battered and abused women, as well as those needing anger management. Because the text is filled with biblical principles, I believe it is in line with what God chooses for us, but allows us to make the choice for ourselves. Personally, I also have children and grandchildren and I'm using the guidelines to create a place of harmony in my home. Thank you, Drs. Cloud and Townsend for giving us a user friendly guide to boundaries and the happiness they give.

This book gives one the TOOLS to build healthy boundaries. It's a virtual Home Depot of psychology and living.

Boundaries is a great book that delves deeply into the role of how we need boundaries and structure in various aspects of life. Talk about a topic for our generation! Easy to read, a must read for people who need help organizing their lives and needing to learn how to say no to distracting or harmful things in their life.

The 2 books of boundaries I've received are in excellent conditon. They are new!!!! Very pleased with my purchase.

this is a great book but not for the faint hearted... it really does dig deep and you need to be sure your ready to face everything it will draw out... I have not rushed this book I have found that little bites help, as it gives me time to pray and allow God to reveal and help where necessary... This book has been a geat help and so far have really enjoyed all it has to offer.