Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Abilene Christian University Press
Publish Date: February 9, 2021
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1684261414
ISBN-13: 978-1684261413
Created to Become… Guided by God
Colleges today are filled with talk about identity and identity politics. But Glanzer shifts the conversation in Identity in Action by focusing on something one rarely hears anyone mention-the idea of identity excellence.
In various professions, identity excellence means becoming an excellent accountant, biologist, social worker, or teacher. But professors rarely go farther to talk about the identities that really matter to students.
What does it mean to be
– an excellent friend?
– a good neighbor?
– a steward of one’s body, possessions, or the environment?
And what about social identities? How does Christianity impact
– how I think about race?
– or gender?
– or citizenship?
Identity in Action, empowers readers to be excellent-and think deeply about the “why” questions of life in a practical, theologically informed manner. With personal stories and expert research, Glanzer explains how students can untangle the confusion and integrate their core identities with excellence.
Reviews
Identity in Action is not an ordinary book for college students. Glanzer shows true respect for the reader because he presses them to embrace and understand ‘Identity Excellence.’ Glanzer has a vision for students to be their very best—to be excellent and no less. Glanzer’s hope is that the reader will gain an intimate relationship with God and believe that God is at work in their lives. I was drawn into Glanzer’s book by the multitude of stories from the present and the past that illustrate the lessons in each chapter. As a student development professional and now president of a Christian higher education association, I enthusiastically recommend this book to students, their parents, and higher education and church professionals.
— Shirley Hoogstra, JD
President, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
Identity in Action is not an ordinary book for college students. Glanzer shows true respect for the reader because he presses them to embrace and understand ‘Identity Excellence.’ Glanzer has a vision for students to be their very best—to be excellent and no less. Glanzer’s hope is that the reader will gain an intimate relationship with God and believe that God is at work in their lives. I was drawn into Glanzer’s book by the multitude of stories from the present and the past that illustrate the lessons in each chapter. As a student development professional and now president of a Christian higher education association, I enthusiastically recommend this book to students, their parents, and higher education and church professionals.
— Shirley Hoogstra, JD
President, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
Emerging adults are hungry for opportunities to explore who they are and whose they are. This book tackles weighty issues both candidly and hopefully—What are my most important identities? What does excellence look like? What does stewardship of time, relationships, finances, and identities even mean? Rooted in Scripture, Glanzer illuminates Christ’s design for the flourishing of both individuals and systems. Readers are compelled to explore their multiple and intersecting identities through the lens of God’s redeeming work—an invitation to thrive.
— Sarah Visser
Vice President for Student Life, Calvin University
Glanzer winsomely encourages readers to pursue excellence in their various roles and relationships in life: friend, citizen, enemy, neighbor, family member, lover, student, and more. ‘Being a loving, authentic, and flourishing human necessitates being excellent.’ Flowing out of our core identities given to us by God, God calls us to the adventure of pursuing excellence in all of the various roles and relationships in life. These are timely words that are desperately needed for today’s fractured world.
— Rick Hove
National Director, Faculty Commons
In a culture marked by confusion about meaning and purpose, Glanzer’s Identity in Action provides a clear and compelling roadmap to the good life for those entering adulthood. Drawing from both his own experience and from the wisdom of the Christian tradition, Glanzer outlines the principles and practices that make for an abundant life. If we desire to see emerging adults develop priorities and commitments rooted in a Christ-centered identity, we cannot afford to neglect his call.
— David Setran
Author, Spiritual Formation in Emerging Adulthood