Why Being Yourself Is a Bad Idea: And Other Countercultural Notions - Paperback

by Graham Tomlin (Author)

Most people just want to be happy and to make a difference in the world.

We're often told we'll achieve this by being ourselves - but when we begin to reflect, that's not quite as simple as it sounds. All sorts of questions and countercultural notions arise. Maybe trying to 'be yourself' is not such a good idea after all?

In this book Graham Tomlin dares us to let go of some of the assumptions we make about life. Drawing on current research, contemporary events and ancient wisdom, he offers an invitation to journey to places we may never have imagined before. In doing so, he vividly reveals how the revolution that Christianity began can still make remarkable sense of our experience of wonder, love, evil, justice, identity and freedom.

Exploring these universal experiences in a down to earth, easy to read manner, Why Being Yourself is a Bad Idea is a book for anyone struggling with the search for identity and self-discovery, and will leave you uplifted and reassured that seeking God can and will help you to make sense of life.

'Intriguing and provocative, speaking to our deepest concerns and heaviest questions.'
James Mumford, author of Vexed: Ethics beyond political tribes

'I kept saying "YES!" as I turned the pages of this book.'
Pete Greig, author of How to Pray

Author Biography

Graham Tomlin is Bishop of Kensington in London UK, and President of St Mellitus College. He taught theology within Oxford University, specialising in the Reformation period. He was Dean of St Mellitus College which is now one of the largest Anglican theological colleges in the world. He is the author of many books and articles, including Looking through the Cross (the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book for 2014), and Bound to be Free: The Paradox of Freedom.