Testimonies
Pastor Phil Jackson, Hospital Chaplain (Illinois)After having ministered daily for 17 years, providing Pastoral Care as a full time hospital chaplain, I find Bayard Taylor's book Blah Blah Blah to be the most user friendly and rational approach to reaching well-educated 20 - 40 year olds for Christ. Bayard gives great tools to his readers ie methodology to identify another's world view by their basic conversation and a cogent address of differing world views through a very good layout, analysis, and rationale for holding Biblical "world view" in a post-Christian era. A very effective tool for witnessing and apologetics. Charles Parker, a staff member of InterFACE Ministries (Nashville)
You've put lots of philosophy in usable form in Blah, Blah, Blah. Many thanks for that! Working with internationals, I think I can use the book as background for conversations. I may also help me in enlisting volunteers, by helping me see a little more how the different generations tick.
In addition, the book may prove very useful teaching Bible to mostly American college freshmen at Belmont University. Coming from a variety of worldviews, they present several communication challenges. I'm always looking for resources to help. A guy with a college-age niece
Just a quick email of encouragement to you re: Blah. My wife and I sent my niece a copy for her high school graduation recently. She loved it, and said "the book is truly better than anything else you could have given to me." She's finished it and plans on taking it to college with her. This is a great young lady but we are not sure about any kind of faith. Her family doesn't go to church. Now she has an understanding of different religious worldviews including the Christian. I'm so thankful for that.
Thanks again for writing it and for making a difference in my extended family's life.
Hannah Bagley, first year college student (Greentown, Indiana)
I found the Worldview Zoo really interesting and useful because it simplified some pretty large beliefs that otherwise would have taken me longer to sift through if I was learning by myself.
Rob Brooks, assistant pastor at Horizon Community Church-PCUSA (Palmdale, California)
No doubt I will be using your book for a long time in different venues, including Adult classes. The great thing about Blah is that it's very readable; it makes difficult concepts easy to understand. The variety of topics covered is also outstanding. In addition, I really appreciate the chapter on emphasizing the Core Christian beliefs instead of calling all other denominations "heretics". I already bought 3 copies for some of our young leaders. "Spunky," a graduate of the U. of Michigan and a homeschooling mom, in response to a question on my blog "Who is Blah, Blah, Blah good for?" says:
I am currently going through this book with my three high school (homeschool) age children. We are currently up to chapter 12. This book is suitable for new and established believers. Just because a new believer has confessed Christ, that doesn't mean they understand and can untangle all the lies they were taught or experienced pre-conversion. The church isn't helping in that arena and as a consequence, many fraudulent worldview ideas creep into the church like wolves among the sheep.
I'm not sure that it is "critical" that they live in a time of peace before tackling these issues. I was saved in 1981 while a freshman at the University of Michigan. A book like this in my hands would have been like "gold" to me. I had rejected much of my previous worldview thinking, but couldn't always articulate why I rejected it. I would often come across more as a bumbling Christian than an articulate defender of the faith. God still used me, but I think I would have been much more effective had I had something like this. That's why I am going through it with my children.
By the way, we had an GREAT discussion after one of the early chapters, where we tackled the assumption that all worldviews rely on some sort of faith. I wish I had that conversation on video. My children were engaged and animated as they attempted to construct a world and a worldview absent any faith (Planet Zero), only to realize that it too relied on faith. I of course knew that this would be the eventual conclusion, but it took them nearly two hours to finally come to an understanding for themselves. They (and I) will never forget it! Thank you!
Wayne Thomas, graduate student lecturer at Saint Stephen's University (New Brunswick, Canada)A comprehensive introduction to worldviews, great for high schoolers and year 1 & 2 university students. I definitely recommend it.
A post-doctoral student in Canada
I recently asked a guy doing post-doc work in Artificial Intelligence at a Canadian university, "You told me Blah has been helpful for you personally in processing worldviews. What about in being more confident and effective in representing Christ in a pluralistic setting like your university?" He answered, "The book and the diagrams have been useful to me in representing Christ. A Chinese student here who doesn't believe in God was sharing with me about her life, and I used the diagrams to illustrate her world view as well as mine. These made it easier to point out some of the weaknesses in her own view -- namely that we can't experiment with what is outside the box. She has read the book now, although we haven't yet had a good follow-up conversation about the book."
The power of networking; the power of one referral:
Tim Sigman of International Students, Inc. put me in touch with Bill Perry of InterFACE Minstries. Bill Perry put me in touch with Jay Krause of Multilanguage Media and Bob Osburn chairman of the ACMI (Assoc. of Christians Ministering to Internationals) Convention at Saint Olaf College this summer -- who on the strength of Tim's positive response to Blah (i.e, getting excited about the book in NYC, using it with international students, having the New England director of ISI read it and buying two cases for New England ISI staff and students) have agreed to receive a copy and let me interview them after they've read it.
Nate Johnson, a freshman at Brown University (Providence, Rhode
Island):
Many Christians don't have a strong Christian worldview. It's extremely important for each of us to take time to think these these through as we strive to become genuine children and servants of God. This is a process that will take time. But once more people are able to conform their worldview to the truth , I can really see them having a massive effect here. I believe they will ultimately allow the Christian community to be a much more useful tool for God on this campus. As for myself, there are things that I'm still sorting out and questions that I still have to ask. Every day it seems I have to confront some new issue that I hadn't thought of, but I like it that way. Thanks for coming to Brown and for your Blah book. They're helping!
Susanne Vagt, a student at Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, Rhode Island):
Thanks again for coming and speaking at CHC several weeks ago. . . Blah is such a good book. I love your diagrams. They're so concise. I can look at the pages for 3 minutes and get a refresher on the critical distinctions between Polytheism, Pantheism, Agnosticism, Atheism, Deism and Theism. For being titled BlahBlahBlah, your book is remarkably free of blah.
Carlos Soto, a student at Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island):
Thank you so much for coming over to Brown and sharing about your book. I found the talk to be very good, although it was kind of sad that time was so limited because I feel that so much more could be said about your book. I am currently reading it and I will be in touch with you to share my thoughts and any doubts or questions I may have. Once again, thanks so much for
coming. God bless you!
Bill Clingwald, special ed teacher at RJ Frank Middle School (Oxnard, California) and ex-college football player (Whittier College), coach (East L.A. Jr. College and La Puente High School), and player-coach for the American Football Ministries International "American Eagles" team, ex-assistant chair for the L.A. area committee of Basic Youth Conflicts, and guy living near the beach (Carpinteria, California):
Bayard Taylor's Blah, Blah, Blah: Making Sense of the World's Spiritual Chatter is one of the most important books that's come out in a long time. It's great for youth and college age people and it's even simple enough for recovering dumb jocks like me -- so it has to be a winner. As a public school teacher, Blah has been very useful to me in better understanding the world views of my colleagues and students. With some friends of long-standing, Blah has helped some really meaningful conversations blossom. The website is great, too!
Mark Burns, radio host for Great News Radio (greatnewsradio.org)
I've already heard from a few listeners that have purchased your book upon my recommendation (they love it). One local Christian school is planning on using Blah, Blah, Blah as part of the curriculum for the Senior class.
Tara Bryant, sophomore (Harvard University)
In the world today, Christians are being more and more misunderstood by non-believers. This is due in part to the inability of Christians to engage in meaningful dialogue with others and understand their point of view. In his book, "Blah Blah Blah" Bayard Taylor gives Christians a concise yet accurate portrayal of the main "worldviews" and how the Christian worldview is intriguingly disparate and yet reconcilable with them all. This book is vital for Christians everywhere if they want to understand and interact with the world around them.
Jessica Bryant, sophomore (Harvard University)
A fun and interesting read, Blah, Blah, Blah helped me understand where the Biblical worldview stands in respect to the myriad of other ideas out there--an understanding that will no doubt be useful as a Christian engaging with a secular college campus. Bayard has done a thorough job in relaying how the power of the Christian message can relate and interact with other spiritual and secular beliefs of a 21st century world. A worthwhile read for everyone and particularly recommended for college or high school students.
Kyle Duff, freshman (Stanford University)
This book is on the cutting edge -- publically, within the faith, and within my own life as a follower of Christ. Taylor manages, in concise and contemplative chapters, to strike at the heart of why the general public views Christianity so negatively and wishes to see all discussions and learning experiences devoid of its unique and revolutionary perspective. Taylor brings understanding and insight to the structure of the Christian church united and divided, all while holding fast to the Biblical perspective of the mission of spreading Jesus Christ's message. I found Taylor's tone throughout the book non-abrasive, compassionate, and even fun-loving at times: a perfect match to his theme. If you are ready to step up to the plate in your faith without jeopardizing the precious relational ministry you aim to keep or marring your liberal education, then take a page from Bayard Taylor. Then again, why not take the whole book? I guess all I can say is: This book made me think and gave me hope.
Mark Tapia, sophomore (Whitworth College, Washington)
This book is great! Any teenager or college student that hasn't already done so should buy this book. Many Christian children grow up spiritually strong in the church, but they are not taught the intellectual side of Christianity. Many Christians fail to critically think about their worldview and the worldviews that others hold. That's where this book comes in. It practically and easily explains the different types of worldviews that people hold, and helps them to critically think about each worldview, including the biblical worldview. All Christians should know their worldview, and how to spot faulty ones, and this book does an amazing job of helping Christians do both.(Two years later:)
I'm taking Intro to Philosophy, and we just finished our worldviews section. It was awesome cause I learned some awesome things, as well as knew a bunch more than my classmates cause of the book [Blah, Bla, Blah] and our class [NFK, the precursor of Blah, Blah, Blah]. I also gave your book to my teacher to see what he thought of it, and so he's gonna read some of it and let me know what he thinks. I'll get back to you on that, but I just wanted to say thanks for everything you've taught, cause it's exactly what people need to hear. People don't even realize their worldview until it's given to them that clearly. Thanks Baird [sic]. Later on.
Steve Borton, businessman, actor, father, and my cousin (Valley Cottage, New York)
When my wife and I first picked up Blah, Blah, Blah we were seeking a healthy, spunky transition book for our teenaged daughter as she navigates more and more of the world. What we found was that Blah, Blah, Blah is in fact an excellent youth transition book but also much much more. The wonderful insights are delivered in such a fresh, creative style that our whole family found it hard to put down. You just might want to get more than one copy - to avoid any family squables over who gets to read tonight. Bayard's style is so personal that I felt we were in the livingroom together having a heart to heart. Bayard - please deliver more fun, meaningful reads. Blah, Blah, Blah is an A+.
Tom Stephen, pastor (Newbury Park, California)
Bayard has done a great job of explaining the importance of worldview in discussion on college and high school campuses. I wish I would have had this book in high school. It would have helped me to more effectively talk about my faith with people who simply understood the world in a different way. . . Thanks, Bayard for a great book.
Paul Angelo (Ventura, California)
The book starts with an encouragement to "join in the public debate, oppose injustice in the public square..". By providing a framework of worldview and summary of major religions I am better prepared to understand and engage in the discussion. A highlight of the book for me was understanding that the Biblical wolrdview relates to protecting civil liberities and supporting a system of checks and balances as we are created in God's image and are sinful. The book gave me a context to understand myself and others. Well done for a 250 page lite read.
Rebecca Perkins (Ventura, California)
I love this book! I gave it to my recent HS graduate and she said she "couldn't put it down." (And she only reads when she HAS to.) The information is presented in an easy-to-remember way, reinforcing topics throughout the book with parenthetical reminders and referencing popular movies frequently. The reader sees the author as a friend passing on information with the book's conversational style and humor. After 13 years in public school my daughter has encountered many of the worldviews in this book and she is using it to prepare herself for college. (She hasn't finished the book yet-she'll write her own review.) I also appreciate Taylor's honesty about Christians' past failures (slavery, etc.), not acting as if we had no responsibility, and encouraging us to accept our differences while remaining faithful to the "core" of the Gospel. We will probably keep referencing this book often, as well as the websites suggested in it.
Carol Stauffacher, grandmother (Ventura, California)
There is so much spiritual "chatter" today and this book helps me with needed information. Well written and lots of research that is interesting. I gave a book to my neice who will start college in the fall. So much better in book form than to try and inform her with my words.
Aaron M. Smith, Biola University sophomore (La Mirada, California)
I'm a film student at Biola University where a minor in Biblical studies is required to graduate. For this reason I've had to read a few books on worldview and unfortunately I've had trouble getting through most of them. Generally it takes me at least a month to get through a non-fiction book like Blah, Blah, Blah but I enjoyed it so much I was able to finish in only a couple of days over my summer vacation. As a filmmaker I appreciated the numerous allusions and refrences to relevant media and truly enjoyed learning from and studying this book. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning some basics about worldview while enjoying their reading.
Ryan Axtell, college student (Seattle Pacific University, Washington)
Bayard's presentation of the common worldviews helped me understand the viewpoints, opinions and agendas of my past professors. Many of the described worldviews surround and affect me everyday. . .
I am now able to recognize certain sayings and statements as evidence to these worldviews. This book is a must for any student. . . as an educational step towards understanding our faith, as well as understanding the origins and doctrines of many worldviews and religions.
Jordan Frye, high school student (Ventura, California)
I remember as a junior I was having trouble digesting some issues I'd been studying in AP history. . . [Now] I can understand and filter through not only where the Transcendentalists are coming from, but the entire multi-cultural world.
I now watch movies, read books and interact with friends and strangers with a more tolerant eye. "Real tolerance" . . . the kind of tolerance that doesn't just put up with others, but loves them because I can understand their worldview.
This has allowed an enormous door to open into sharing my faith and my personal worldview with others.
Aimee Vaughan, high school student (Ventura, California)
[My biggest take-away has been] learning more about other worldviews so I can really talk to and understand others.
Another high school student (Ventura, California)
[My biggest take-away has been] learning the difference between worldviews and how to spot them.
Karis Taylor, high school student (Ventura, California)
[My biggest take-away has been] learning that it's okay to question and struggle with these things and still be a Christian.
Brian Wantz, high school student (Ventura, California)
[It was] interesting and helpful for interpreting the endless waves of philosophies, religions and spiritual viewpoints that engulf a modern, pluralistic society.
Kyle Hermanson, high school student (Ventura, California)
I personally feel better equipped to discuss the other religions and their practitioners I may encounter at college than I was before.
Lauren Pulido, high school student (Ventura, California)
A great learning experience, not only with other worldviews but also in my Christian faith. . . I hope to have a stronger faith by the time I leave for college and this has definitely helped. Thanks!
Kyle Shimabuku, high school student (Ventura, California)
It's feeding me analytically and intellectually, which is very important. . . When others and I get to college we won't be surprised when we hear about other worldviews.
Will James, high school student, (El Montecito, California)
It is necessary because college is a very pivotal point in Christian lives and it is terrible to be tricked by atheist and agnostic professors.
Tony Johnson, high school student (El Montecito, California)
This class appears to be essential to allow the Christian faith to continue in a hostile environment.Cara Nordstrom, high school student (St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Canada)
[This] has helped me to be more bold and stand up for my own faith when I feel challenged by another.
Bethany Nordstrom, high school student (St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Canada)
It really helps me understand what other peoples' religions and lives revolve around.
Bill English, college student (St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Canada)
[I learned that] everyone's interpretation on issues is influenced by worldview. "Worldview is the foundation of the house."
Laura Sweeney, college student (St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Canada)
[The experience] clearly brought out the validity of my view in comparison with the other worldview of my friends/peers/etc. Reminded me that I'm not crazy for believing what I do or living the way I live.
Zoe Esther Fitch, high school student (St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Canada)
[Gave me] the ability to articulate the differences between my beliefs and the beliefs of others.
Terah Moraitis, College grad, marketing coordinator (Ventura, California)
College is a time for exploration of new ideas and a time for "trying on" new theologies. Without a good grip on biblical truths and an understanding of faith, the temptation to flee biblical values is huge. Teenagers need to have a foundation of truth to build a relationship with God that is unbreakable. When they are bombarded with worldviews that are not their own, if the take a class similar to your series they will be better equipped to present the biblical viewpoint and not be swayed to abandon their faith.
Jeff Messinoff, operations manager (Ventura, California)
Many people who move out of the relatively sheltered high school environment and into the college scene are overwhelmed by the strong intellectual assertiveness of . . . their professors.
Jamie Montefu, UC-Berkeley grad, editor (Ventura, California)
Some youth leaders do not like to take on different worldviews and religions. This [implies to] youth that Christianity is somehow devoid of modern rational thought.
When youth don't hear arguments for Christianity [in light of the] other worldviews, they don't even think of Christianity as something to be logically argued for and other religions and practices as something that can be argued against.Amber Ong, UCLA grad, marketing assistant (Ventura, California)
These topics are essential to know so that we can present (and develop) a proper biblical worldview. Colleges are an extreme mix of people, not only from different locations, but also from different religions. Its extremely easy to be bombarded and to become confused in a liberal college setting.
David Johnson, father of two college students (Thousand Oaks, California)
Especially beneficial to seniors in H.S. and college freshmen. . . Most have not be introduced to worldviews nor have they even considered the concept, yet they have already been strongly influenced by worldviews.
Carol Roberg, middle school teacher and mother of two high school students (Ventura, California)
I must say as a teacher your techniques of instruction are wonderful, engaging and kept me very involved. The topics are of great concern and I would love to see students offered this valuable series.
