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I think the book has valid ideas--that change can only come from the inside out--but it is rather dry reading. ( )

The goal of change from the inside out is neither conformity to Christian standards nor increasing levels of happiness. Both conformity and happiness must develop as by-products of maturity. Real change produces maturity, that rare type of character that makes it possible to genuinely love. People who offer a quality of relationships that strikes deep into the souls of others are mature. And developing maturity requires an inside look. Change from the inside out is rare. Very few people are willing to deeply embrace their disappointment. And even fewer, when they've faced their disappointment and are filled with exscruciating pain and sadness, are willing to firmly say, 'My pain is not the problem. The problem is my determination to relieve my pain any way I can.

As usual with all of Larry Crabb's books, this one hit me straight in the gut. He writes with refreshing honesty about his life, struggles, and how that relates to all of us. His analysis of the gospel is correct in that we cannot do it ourselves. ( )

Despite our good intentions and real efforts, change is often allusive, ignoring either the problems in our world or the pain in our hearts. Acknowledging both our deep longings (physical, social, and spiritual) and profound disappointments, Inside Out reveals our wrong strategies (self-protection) and points us towards the seat of true change – a repentant heart. Crabb provides the church a great service by pointing us beyond behavioral sin and reminding us of the sinfulness of our hearts. Thus, true change must come from the inside out. A- ( )