Review: Create: Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Stuff
Create: Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Stuff by Stephen Altrogge
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sometimes you need a good swift kick to get moving. That is what Altrogge gives us in this brief book. His argument is not complex, but it is effective. He doesn’t develop a biblical theology of work, but he does bring a biblical perspective to creativity and productivity. That makes this book stand out in the genre of motivational books.
Altrogge takes a broad swipe at creativity. He doesn’t dwell on any one aspect, whether writing, painting, or gardening. I appreciate the way he acknowledges we are all creative. You don’t have to be an artiste to create. No cape or beret required. Just get up and get to work.
This book is fun. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and gives good plain advice. Despite the lightheartedness, it did provoke me to more serious thought. There are pockets of Christianity that are creative and productive and there are other pockets that are not. What about the not-pockets? Why are they not more productive and creative? What is a pastor’s role in encouraging and facilitating God-glorifying creativity in his people?
All good questions and many others beside. I have thought of some answers, but that is beyond the scope of this brief review. I recommend reading Altrogge’s offering and asking and answering your own questions. Get to work.