Holy Curiosity: Encountering Jesus' Provocative Questions

by Winn Collier

Book Overview

As Jesus was known in his day as a teacher who spoke with authority, it may be surprising to discover just how many times he asked a question of his listeners rather than telling them something outright. This thought-provoking study of the 'questioning' Jesus is a unique exploration of one of his most subversive teaching tools.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801068339
• ISBN13: 9780801068331
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Baker Books
• Length: 173 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Curiosity does not kill the cat... it breathes life into it!

Excellent book... Winn is really a gifted author... His ability to retell the biblical stories and the biblical story inspires me to believe that there may actually be a different, more real way to read the bible and follow Christ in the humdrum of a cultural Christianity that has lost its aliveness... I especially felt moved to look at Jesus again as someone who is very curious and interested in those around him rather than a commander and chief. As a result, I want to be more interested and curious of others - which is really a great gift to give someone.

A Curiously Good Read

In Holy Curiosity, Winn Collier examines one of the most poignant aspects of Jesus' ministry. Collier uses some of Jesus' most revealing questions to illustrate something that a large majority of people try to avoid: a curious faith. Collier shows that the questions Jesus asked cut right to people's hearts, exposing their greatest need. He wasn't afraid to ask questions that had difficult answers, and expressed the characteristic that, according to Collier, all true friendships have: genuine curiosity. The book has a meandering style, but has more of a linear and organized flow than other works of this style, such as Blue Like Jazz. Collier's frequent reference to his children is interesting, as he uses his relationship with them in comparison with his relationship with God. He uses stories of his friends and family to illustrate certain points, and his ability to connect them to the reader is amazing. I felt as if I wanted to get to know them better. Holy Curiosity is an exceptional journey through the dialogue of Jesus Christ. Collier shows that the wisdom and grace Jesus showed his contemporaries is available to us today. Definitely a great read.

A Pastor's Heart and a Journalist's Inquisitiveness

Winn Collier writes with a pastor's heart and a journalist's inquisitiveness. The combination fits well as the title to his new book, Holy Curiosity. In it, Collier takes a look at a handful of well-placed, probing questions that Jesus asked His followers. Unpacking these inquiries create a fascinating framework for successful Christian living today. With questions like: Who condemns you? Why are afraid? How much bread do you have? Why do you doubt? What do you want? Collier hits on heart issues like shame, fear, doubt and desire that often prevent Christians from living in authentic, deep relationship with God and others. Collier weaves in ancient and contemporary insights for a well-rounded, soul-stirring read that ends all too soon. Any Christian who wrestles with questions of faith will find a kindred spirit here.

Winn does it again!

I am always amazed with what Winn has to say... and what God says through him. This is a work I have looked forward to and I trust Winn will deliver again! I'll have more of a review after I have actually read it!

Like a mirror, I saw a piece of myself in each encounter.

What an amazing gift to be able to hear a speaker's and a writer's voice develop. Winn is a dear friend and shepherd and it has truly been my privilege to hear his voice grow, change, and deepen as his own journey has taken him to new places. Holy Curiosity, in my opinion, is hearing his writer's voice at a new level. With the ending of each chapter, I longed to continue reading, to hear more of his heart and what he would say, entwined with the questions of the Christ. If I have any complaint about the book, it is that it was too short. I wanted to continue to hear more of what Winn would say in his Winn-way with his redeemed heart discussing Jesus' questions. It was also interesting for me to read Holy Curiosity because I had been a part of the community where Winn first began to explore Jesus' questions in a sermon series. I enjoyed the series, but I enjoyed reading Holy Curiosity much more. Perhaps the difference is that the ideas were taken to the next level, or perhaps the fact that I was alone with the book rather than in a community of listeners. But no matter what, I found myself my own experience echoed in the characters of Scripture to whom Jesus asked these profound, soul-searching questions. I found my struggles, heartache, sin, and searching in Christ's questions and I also found something of who God is forming me to be (and has been forming me to be) in the encounters Winn explores. It was a profound experience when I would allow Christ to speak through words he spoke long ago in a very different context. Holy Curiosity will be a book I will re-read and which will shape my understanding and knowledge of who Christ is and His loving approach toward others as well as myself. I hope you also find truth and life in Winn's words as he echoes the heart of Christ toward humanity. I know if you take your time and allow the words to speak to you, they will speak, and Jesus' questions from hundreds and hundreds of years ago, will touch your soul in ways you never imagined. Thank you, Winn. What a privilege to hear your voice again.