Book Review - Bored with God by Sean Dunn

Have you ever known someone who was bored with God? Maybe it was a friend in high school or college. Maybe it was one of your children. For me, it has been a handful of students in my ministry. These are the students who can be the most challenging to minister to, because they are basically apathetic about whatever God is doing.

In Bored with God, Dunn addresses student apathy in its various forms. He shares stories, both good and bad, covering each topic. This glimpse into the real lives of students helps the reader better visualize how apathy can enter into a student’s life. Some of the forms of apathy which Dunn addresses are excuses, self-righteousness, insecurity and lack of proper priorities.

Why would you need to read a book on helping students overcome spiritual apathy? Dunn answers that question in the first chapter. “If they have hunger, they will grow. Without it, they will simply exist.” (p. 17) When students (and adults) simply exist spiritually it will not only affect their life, but also the lives of those they encounter. If someone is not hungry for God, then they will be hungry for something else. So, they seek out anything to satisfy their hunger.

There are students you know who are apathetic because they are frustrated with their spiritual development. These might be the teenagers you think are rebellious and you do not know what to do. Students with deep hurts can become apathetic and distant. Comparing who they are to someone else can lead to spiritual apathy. The more a teenager believes they are worthless, the less they will care about God. These are the types of students Dunn addresses. These are the students we cannot ignore while trying to gain others. Because, these are the students who could eventually walk away from God as they grow up.

This book is easy to follow and easy to apply. Therefore, it is a great resource for parents to have access to. There is not a lot of theory found inside the pages; rather it is full of practical tips and ideas. Dunn does not, however, claim to offer any magic formulas or quick fixes for student apathy. What you will find is advice from someone who has tried to lead students from apathy to passion. You will benefit yourself, the parents and the teenagers by applying the ideas in this book.

My advice (rating) – go out and buy it (4 out of 5)