You wrote a spot on review of this amazing book. Eliott was a huge influence on me during my years of the early 80’s at Wheaton as a young highly impressionable new evangelical. As I matured - I was troubled with many of her strident ideas and opinions that she often passed off as “gospel essential”. But I found Lucy Austen’s bio a rich and wonderful read of a complex women who I continue to deeply admire - albeit with some very differing views than Elizabeth. What strikes me is her steady and ever growing awareness of her ever faithful God and His keeping care.
I grew up in the 1950s and 60s in Fundamentalist churches. We were familiar with Elisabeth Elliot and her story. I'm glad that Lucy Austen has provided a nuanced, balanced look at a complex person. I didn't know that she had appeared in her later years with Bill Gothard. My parents followed the Basic Youth Conflicts program he wrote, which caused unbridgeable estrangements within our family. I admire Elisabeth Elliot as someone who followed what she believed, but don't subscribe to her religious views
Having just finished Austen's book, I really appreciate reading this review. I agree with you. It feels like Elliot's expansive, thoughtful views shrank down after her 2nd and 3rd marriages. I felt sorry for her, but frustrated too. And I sort of wish Austen had spent more time talking about Passion and Purity and its repercussions on an entire generation of readers. But it's an excellent biography, so carefully researched and well written. I definitely away with a new appreciation for Elliot's commitment to God. Thanks again for your review.
Gina -
You wrote a spot on review of this amazing book. Eliott was a huge influence on me during my years of the early 80’s at Wheaton as a young highly impressionable new evangelical. As I matured - I was troubled with many of her strident ideas and opinions that she often passed off as “gospel essential”. But I found Lucy Austen’s bio a rich and wonderful read of a complex women who I continue to deeply admire - albeit with some very differing views than Elizabeth. What strikes me is her steady and ever growing awareness of her ever faithful God and His keeping care.
I grew up in the 1950s and 60s in Fundamentalist churches. We were familiar with Elisabeth Elliot and her story. I'm glad that Lucy Austen has provided a nuanced, balanced look at a complex person. I didn't know that she had appeared in her later years with Bill Gothard. My parents followed the Basic Youth Conflicts program he wrote, which caused unbridgeable estrangements within our family. I admire Elisabeth Elliot as someone who followed what she believed, but don't subscribe to her religious views
Excellent review! I had very similar thoughts after finishing, and am so thankful to Austen for writing it.
Having just finished Austen's book, I really appreciate reading this review. I agree with you. It feels like Elliot's expansive, thoughtful views shrank down after her 2nd and 3rd marriages. I felt sorry for her, but frustrated too. And I sort of wish Austen had spent more time talking about Passion and Purity and its repercussions on an entire generation of readers. But it's an excellent biography, so carefully researched and well written. I definitely away with a new appreciation for Elliot's commitment to God. Thanks again for your review.