Feel

Feel by Matthew ElliottA few weeks ago I finished a book titled Feel by Matthew Elliott. Essentially the book is about debunking the myth that psychologists and now churches have put out that we need to follow reason or logic and not our emotions or feelings. The book was challenging for me. My entire life I had always thought back on my big mistakes as ones driven by emotions rather than a logical thought process. I have no doubt most of you have done the same. We think that it is because of our “heat in the moment” emotions that we make mistakes. Elliott has changed my thinking.

If I were to try and summarize how Elliott goes about changing my thinking I am sure I would do a poor job. Elliott uses scientific data, psychological studies, and Biblical studies on how emotions are viewed in the Bible. These things were more than convincing to me that I am ruining my relationship with Christ by living strictly through reason and logic. I am a very organizational person, I do not color outside of the lines. But I think I’ve been missing God’s ability to speak to me through my emotions.

One interesting thing to note about the book is that it tries to incorporate blogging. At the end of each chapter their a section of personal responses and then include a link of where to join in the conversation. Often we think of blogging and books as two very separate things, but this book is trying to bridge the gap. I’m not sure if it liked it or not. Often, I found myself just skipping to the next chapter.

Overall: Great book, recommend it to anyone who feels like they are living an emotionless life.

Matthew Elliott’s blog

Book Website

What is more important: emotion or reason?