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Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

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From the Back Cover:
I know from experience that it's possible to be a Christian but live life on the surface. The surface can be empty tradition. It can be emotionalism. It can be doctrine without application. I've done it all. I've spent my share of time on the sandy beaches of superficial Christianity.

This book is the story of how I learned to dig into truth and build my life on a real knowledge of God. How I first discovered that orthodoxy isn't just for old men but for anyone who longs to know a God who is bigger and more real and more glorious than the human mind can imagine.

The irony of my story is that the very things I needed, even longed for in my relationship with God, were wrapped up in the very things I was so sure could do me no good. I didn't understand that seemingly worn-out words like theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy were the pathway to the mysterious, awe-filled experience of truly knowing the living Jesus Christ.

They told the story of the Person I longed to know.

--Joshua Harris, Dug Down Deep

The Story Behind the Title:
The name for the book was inspired by a parable that Jesus told. Last summer I was on a beach in Florida reading Luke 6 and I came to the familiar story of the two builders. One built his house on sand and it was washed away by a flood. But the other "dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock" (Luke 6:48 NIV). When the torrent struck, his house stood firm.

Jesus said that the man who built his house on rock was a picture of the person who comes to him, listens to his words and them puts them into practice. That simple, slightly off-beat phrase "dug down deep" jumped out at me. And I knew I wanted to use that as name of the book I was writing. For me, it sums up the heart of what it means to build your life on what Scripture calls sound doctrine. Ultimately it's all about the person and work of Jesus. It's about coming to him, hearing his words and then putting them into practice.

Dug Down Deep has eleven chapters--eight of which are reflections of key Christian beliefs including the Doctrine of God, Scripture, the Person and Work of Christ, the Atonement and the Holy Spirit. The book is very personal and narrative-driven. I share the questions, misconceptions and hang-ups I've had what it's meant to allow Scripture's truth to reshape my thinking.

I hope the book will be accessible to people who might not normally read theological books. That includes Christians who are turned-off by doctrinally faithful but arrogant believers as well as people who are skeptical of the usefulness of Christian doctrine. I also hope that it will be given to friends outside the faith who have never really understood basic Christian beliefs.

Many of you have prayed for me during the writing of this book. Thank you so much. If you get to read the book, I hope you'll be encouraged. Please continue to pray as the final stages of copy editing, proofing and design are finished by the publisher.

In the coming months we'll be posting book-related updates and news, including plans for the cover and a book-themed film contest. Stay tuned. If you're interested in getting periodic updates, please consider signing up for our email list or using Twitter or Facebook to get information. You can also Pre-Order the book from Amazon.


Posted by on July 24, 2009

Comments (32)

I'm really looking forward to it Josh.

Posted by Vicki | July 16, 2009 10:50 AM

As am I! Much of my recent thinking/blogging has been around thoughts like this. I have many friends who fit your description of those sceptical of the need for doctrine - some of whom have read your previous books and benefited from them - so it will be a great book for them too.

Posted by Matthew Weston | July 16, 2009 11:02 AM

I'm so excited! I'm a big fan of your books, keep them coming!

Posted by Lindsey Roberts | July 16, 2009 11:16 AM

OOooh, I'm excited!
I also have a friend who loves your sermons, but is annoyed by....how shall I put it? Christianity in general.... I think he'll be excited about it, too!

Posted by Derr | July 16, 2009 11:23 AM

Sound great! Can't wait to read it!

Posted by Lydia | July 16, 2009 12:07 PM

Excited for this =) But as a member of CLC, I'm also excited it's done so you can preach more on Sundays =)

Posted by Jason Malnar | July 16, 2009 12:28 PM

Wow, sounds great! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Posted by Stephanie Joanna | July 16, 2009 12:44 PM

Josh - I'm very excited for the release of this book. Thanks for serving the church with your gift of writing.

Posted by Stephen Altrogge | July 16, 2009 1:25 PM

I like how you mention, the second-to-last paragraph, who the book is for. I have 2 or 3 friends who are in the situation you mentioned. They want to find solid truth...but at the same time, people who blurt, brag and bellow about doctrines are a turn-off to them.

Posted by Daniel Gardner | July 16, 2009 1:31 PM

Very good book title. I am looking forward to it.

God Bless you!

Posted by Mikes Sumondong | July 16, 2009 2:43 PM

Sounds like a great book!

May I ask a question? Why has the subject of the book been a secret until now? Was that just a marketing strategy, or was there a real reason?

Thanks for making it so easy to ask you questions!

Posted by Bethany | July 16, 2009 9:56 PM

Bethany,

The main reason I haven't talked about the subject of the book is because I didn't want to prematurely define it. We were still in the process of finalizing the title and subtitle. And I was focused on actually writing it. Now that it's finished and the release date is in sight I feel more comfortable talking about it. But honestly, I didn't think many people were concerned so I'm flattered that you've cared and felt it was a secret! Have a great day.

Joshua

Posted by Joshua Harris | July 17, 2009 12:20 AM

Josh,

Excited about the new book. Hope it comes out on Kindle as well. >

Aaron

Posted by Aaron | July 17, 2009 2:51 AM

..i am looking forward to read your new publish book..i had just only done reading your 3rd book,not even a hint..

Posted by lhanie | July 17, 2009 5:25 AM

..i am looking forward to read your new publish book..i had just only done reading your 3rd book,not even a hint..

Posted by lhanie | July 17, 2009 5:25 AM

Sounds like it will be a helpful book!

Posted by Dave H | July 18, 2009 8:40 PM

Looking forward to your book.

Posted by Mike | July 19, 2009 1:33 AM

Wow, sounds like a great book. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for your hard work!

Posted by Natash | July 19, 2009 1:54 AM

Hoo boy! I join the rest in saying that I'm really looking foward to this. You really had me curious when you said that you'd "never done something like this before". I thought maybe it would be a children's story or a book of intelligent poetry about the moon, little baby bunnies, and the wind that wuthers on the moor, or some such :)...
~Meg

Posted by Meg | July 19, 2009 1:53 PM

holding my breath

Posted by NEnye | July 19, 2009 2:35 PM

I have been blessed by your other writings and am looking forward to the new book!

Posted by humanitas remedium | July 19, 2009 4:55 PM

Looks terrific, very much looking forward to this book, Josh.

Posted by Aaron Armstrong | July 24, 2009 7:56 PM

Hi Josh,

I hope this eventually gets published in the Philippines, too. Looking forward to it.

Posted by Marix | July 24, 2009 7:58 PM

Can't wait!

Posted by Lydia | July 24, 2009 8:11 PM

this sounds fantastic. Look forward to it!

Posted by Rob Tombrella | July 24, 2009 8:45 PM

I will definitely read your book Josh. You're such an amazing writer. Your book "Not Even a Hint" really helps me a lot. I thank God for giving such a wonderful writer as you.

Posted by Jon | July 25, 2009 3:44 AM

Josh, the subject matter of your book is very important for Christians who grew up in churches with Reformed theology that got stuck in tradition. You made an important discovery: that the answers are in the very things you disliked - the doctrine of the Bible, if it is not petrified in tradition, is the life-blood of the church and the secure foundation for our beliefs and life style. Thanks for writing this book, I am looking forward to it.
Dirk (missionary in South Africa)

Posted by Dirk Boersma | July 25, 2009 5:43 AM

It kind of fits into where I am in my own Faith walk at the moment.... Will be expecting it...

Posted by akaBagucci | July 25, 2009 9:12 AM

That's a sweet cover. It's simple and it's got some pop, I like it.

I can't wait to read the book...sounds really good. :-)

Posted by Josiah Faas | July 27, 2009 10:53 AM

Hi Josh,

I am so excited about your new book! I only read the little blurb above and already I love it. :-)

I also wanted to take the time to thank ylou for your example and for all the work you do as a pastor and man of God to further the Name and fame of Jesus. You are a blessing and encouragement to us all.

--David

Posted by David Alves | July 27, 2009 9:06 PM

will it be available here in the Philippines?

Posted by Y | July 28, 2009 4:46 AM

"I hope the book will be accessible to people who might not normally read theological books. That includes Christians who are turned-off by doctrinally faithful but arrogant believers as well as people who are skeptical of the usefulness of Christian doctrine." After reading this line, I'm looking forward to reading this. I am that Christian who is skeptical of the usefulness of Christian doctrine only because I have come across the doctrinally faithful who are anything but humble. You nailed it on the head but declaring the elephant in the room - those types of believers do come across as very arrogant and needlessly argumentative. Again, I'm looking forward to your book. Thanks for your service to God's kingdom.

Posted by Mark | September 3, 2009 2:53 PM

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