Finding the Right Hills to Die On

Finding the Right Hills to Die On
By: Gavin Ortlund

1. Would you Recommend this Book?

Absolutely.


2. What is the Main Point?

Everything does not all matter the same amount in Christianity, some things are more important than others. Some things are important enough to call out as heresy and divide sharply over, emphasizing that differences here impact whether or not someone is even a Christian, while some things are important enough to divide over as local churches, to separate as denominations, though not important enough to treat each other as if we are not Christians together, while even other things can be disagreed upon by fellow members in the same local church without issue.


3. Which Parts should I read if I’m short on Time?

Chapters 1 and 2.


4. Why does this book Matter?

This book helps us walk the line between standing firmly for the things that are most important, but not disrupting real unity on the things that we are able to join Christians throughout history in disagreeing over. You have heard us as pastors use the phrase “Theological Triage;” we get it from this book. This helps us designate topics as either Tier 1 - like the deity or resurrection of Christ, Tier 2 - like baptism and church authority, and Tier 3 - like eschatology, and respond wisely to each in right manner. This book helps both the unity of the church universal and its witness as a pillar and buttress of Truth.


5. Is this Book an “Easy-Read?” (Include Length)

Yes Ortlund is very easy to read and this book is short, around 200 pages.


6. Who is this Author and what did you think of their writing?

Ortlund is a scholar and a pastor, and is best known for his YouTube channel “Truth Unites,” which I watch almost daily, as well as his books such as this one, “What it Means to be Protestant,” “Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t,” and more.
 
Ortlund is, as always, incredibly gracious and takes care not to overstate his case or be too dogmatic where it would be unwise to do so; however, he does not shrink from strong statements with clarity. He is very easy to understand and is pastoral in his writing; he is often the source I look to first when beginning to think through an issue or topic.


7. What is One Key Take-Away or Application for my life?

Strive for unity whenever possible, whenever tier-1 issues are not at stake, but stand strongly for those issues. Additionally, while disagreeing at tier-2 levels may not be ideal for Christians, it is inevitable and okay; Christians have always had such disagreements with everyone just seeking to honor Christ.


8. What was One point of Disagreement?

Nope.


9. What are any other things that stood out to You?

Ortlund, as always, emphasizes well that being right in the wrong way can be as harmful as anything.


10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would recommend one to read first to help with this one?

Nope.