Book Review: Chazown by Craig Groeschel

The premise of Chazown is to find your calling in life by completing a series of exercises designed to determine what your true passions are. In order to get the full impact of the book, you should complete the questions and exercises the author sets out in Chazown.

According to the author, Craig Groeschel, the word Chazown is based on a similar sounding Hebrew word meaning revelation, vision or dream. The book is based on this interpretation of Chazown. The purpose of this book is to give you biblically sound, life-planning strategies so that you will become successful in all aspects of your life.

Negative Points

The reason I decided to read this book is that I found the concept interesting; especially being that the Craig Groeschel decided to use a Hebrew word for the title of a Christian based book. What I was personally hoping for was a kabalistic view of finding one's true calling. Along those lines, I was disappointed.

What Craig Groeschel did accomplish was to help you find your inner calling, your true path in life, through a very Christian perspective. His path for you includes service and charity, whether or not you feel this is part of your personal calling.

Positive Points

One of the best exercises in the book involves making a Venn diagram that includes three interlocking circles. The three circles are labeled core values, spiritual gifts and past experiences. There is one place where all three circles meet; this is your calling or Chazown. Following the steps laid out in the book will guide you through filling in the circles.

There are other steps to take to determine your exact calling. Every chapter has an exercise to complete or it discusses a life lesson learned by a person the author knows.

Chawzon is short, just 235 pages including all appendixes. References to an accompanying website are located throughout the book. Although I read the book, I had no desire to check out the website.

Overall Opinion

The book is worth reading, especially if you are currently experiencing difficult times. I would only recommend this book to my Christian friends as those who do not share a Christian world view would have difficulty reading through it. The book is published by Multnomah publishers and it is available through the major online book retailers.

Sources:

Water Brooks Multnomah Publishers: Chawzon, by Craig Groeschel